Rising star Callum earns personal bests at Snetterton

Callum Jenkins in racing actionCallum Jenkins in racing action
Callum Jenkins in racing action
As most year 11s are gearing up for their GCSEs, Scarborough's Callum Jenkins is also taking on the challenge of the Junior Saloon Car Championship.

The Scalby School student is using his second year to set the stage for next year’s move into a senior championship, requiring bigger budgets and televised audiences the experience he gains will be key in order for him to secure sponsorship.

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Jenkins is in his second and final year of the championship for 14 to 17-year-olds and fighting among 28 hungry drivers for the top spot.

Jenkins made the trip to Snetterton, Norfolk for rounds five and six of the championship.

Callum JenkinsCallum Jenkins
Callum Jenkins

The first two race weekends earlier in the year had been thwarted by racing incidents, mainly out of his control, meaning he entered the weekend lower down the championship table than his pace reflected and knew he had a lot of work to do.

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A busy schedule for the weekend meant Friday testing for the juniors consisted of only three 20-minute sessions, however Jenkins' instructor, McClaren test driver, Danny Buxton was pleased with his pace and confident for the weekend ahead.

On the fast three-mile circuit he had clean air for qualifying and amongst some very quick drivers the Scarborough driver qualified eighth for race one and seventh for race two, including beating his personal best time from testing the day before.

A gear change issue in race one saw Jenkins lose three places off the start line and into the first corner, but determination, consistency, and some amazing overtakes such as a fantastic out-brake on a fellow competitor into Brundle and getting a good run out of Murrays meant he overtook two racers on the Senna straight into Riches corner.

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Callum JenkinsCallum Jenkins
Callum Jenkins

By this point in the race he had made up five places into sixth until a mistake at Montreal hairpin lost him a place to finish seventh overall.

Race two had a better start so meant he could attack to make places from his qualifying position.

Great defending from other driver meant his push to get through was very difficult.

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Nonetheless, a quick and tidy overtake into Oggies meant he finished the race in sixth holding the second fastest lap time of the race and being one of only three drivers over the weekend to break into the 2:27 bracket he came away pleased with his personal bests.

The teenager said: "Following a difficult start to the season I really feel things really turned a corner this weekend, with personal improvements in so many areas.

"Out of 28 drivers I am currently 10th in the championship which means I have a lot to do but the support from my team MMR, instructor Danny Buxton, and friends and family is incredible and I can’t wait to get to Rockingham Speedway on the Bank Holiday weekend for the next two rounds."