Porsche Ace Climbs Autosport National Rankings After Dominant Performance
Jonathan Moore, the dominant Porsche Sprint Challenge GB class champion, has ascended significantly within the Ryan Motorsport Insurance Autosport National Rankings. This talented 17-year-old from Yorkshire has consistently outperformed his rivals in the PSCGB's Clubsport division throughout the current season. His recent double class triumphs during the British Touring Car Championship's final round at Brands Hatch further solidified his position, moving him into an impressive fourth place overall.
Moore's exceptional season has been a testament to his skill and consistency. Only an unfortunate non-finish in the very last race at Brands Hatch prevented him from reaching a remarkable 15 class wins, which would have secured him third place in the highly competitive Rankings table. The Autosport National Rankings methodology carefully evaluates drivers based on their race victories and class successes, ensuring an equitable comparison across various categories, provided there are sufficient competitors in each class.
While the Rankings saw minimal shifts in late September due to limited racing activity, the recent full race weekend provided ample opportunities for drivers to make their mark. Dan Thackeray, driving a Racing Honda, was among those who seized the opportunity. His two class wins at Knockhill in his Civic EP3 saw him jump 23 places, landing him at 14th in the standings.
Another driver who experienced a meteoric rise was Matt Luff, competing in the Audi TT Cup. A flawless performance at Silverstone, where he claimed victory in all three races, propelled him from outside the top 50 directly into a strong 16th position. This remarkable achievement highlights the impact that a single successful race weekend can have on a driver's standing.
The previous weekend in September saw a significant impact from adverse weather conditions, particularly at the Kirkistown meeting. Jason Smyth, who had secured pole position by a considerable margin in the Formula Ford 1600 races, was poised to overtake George Line for second place in the Rankings. However, heavy rain led to the abandonment of the event, denying Smyth the chance to compete and potentially achieve 16 wins, putting him within striking distance of the table-topper, Ali Bray. Despite the weather, Craig Ewing did manage a victory in the Northern Irish circuit's MX-5 series, moving him up to 18th. Jonathan Corker also advanced, securing a win and a class success in the Pre-83 Group 1 Saloons at Silverstone, boosting him 16 places to 19th.
In other notable movements, Tom Ingram, who not only clinched his second British Touring Car Championship title at Brands Hatch but also celebrated an RAC TT Celebration victory at the Goodwood Revival a month prior, has made his debut on the Rankings table, securing an equal 43rd position.