Q&A: Introducing The Ginetta Junior Scholars

2021 marks the third year of a successful technical partnership between Millers Oils and Ginetta. The exciting union sees the specialist lubricant and treatments manufacturer produce a bespoke range of products for the race car manufacturer, as well as title backing for the GT4 SuperCup championship.

Another aspect of the partnership is Millers Oils’ backing of the cars raced by the winners of the Ginetta Junior Scholarship. The hotly contested event sees more than 60 racing rookies battle it out each year for one of the biggest prizes in UK motorsport; a fully-funded season in the Ginetta Junior Championship.

Winners over the years have included Jamie Chadwick (2019 W Series champion), Daniel Harper (2019 Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion) and Stuart Middleton (2017 British GT4 champion), whilst last year Tom Lebbon became the first Scholar to win the Ginetta Junior drivers’ title in his maiden campaign.

More history was made during the most recent Scholarship event last December. Following three stiff days of competition at Ginetta’s own Blyton Park circuit in Lincolnshire, the decision was made to award two drivers with fully-funded race seasons for the first time ever.

The successful duo were Maurice Henry and Robert de Haan, who have joined the 2021 grid with Fox Motorsport and Richardson Racing respectively. Both made their race debuts at Thruxton last month, with Dutch racer de Haan scoring two rookie class podium finishes.

As part of the technical partnership with Ginetta, both Henry and de Haan are running special Millers Oils liveries on their cars this season, so we decided to catch up with them at Thruxton to find out more about these talented young racers.

Q: How did you get into motorsport?

RDH: “My Dad has always raced in the Netherlands and there was a small go-kart track there. I did some karting and really liked it, so I did six years of karting before finding Ginetta and the Scholarship.”

MH: “Through watching Formula 1 on the weekends with my Dad and Grandad.”

Q: How did you feel winning the Scholarship?

RDH: “It was great to win the Scholarship, as it’s given me the opportunity to have a season racing in the Ginetta Juniors. The field is really strong and the racing is tough, so it’s great to be part of it.”

MH: “I was over the moon! It was a great experience to be there and taking part, so to then come away as a winner meant a lot. Without the prize, I wouldn’t be on the grid at all.”

Q: How did your preparations for the 2021 season go?

RDH: “Pre-season went really well for me. I was up in the top five in each of the official test days which was really pleasing and I think we’ve got the pace to be battling at the front this season.”

MH: “We only had a short amount of time in the car during pre-season, but I feel we maximised the opportunities we had and put ourselves in a strong position to start the season.”

Q: What are your ambitions for the 2021 season?

RDH: “I want to try and win the rookie championship, and if I can get some overall podiums and possibly challenge for that title too, that would be amazing.”

MH: “The goal is to hopefully win the rookie championship, but also to progress as much as possible, learn all the circuits and try my hardest all season.”

Q: What is your ultimate motorsport ambition?

RDH: “I’m not sure yet where the ultimate goal is, but possibly looking at reaching the top level in GT cars.”

MH: “At the moment, probably becoming a FIA World Endurance Championship driver, competing at the top of prototype racing.”

Quickfire Quiz:

Who is your motorsport hero?

RDH: Max Verstappen / MH: Lewis Hamilton

What is your dream road car?

RDH: Porsche 911 / MH: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

What is your dream race car?

RDH: Porsche / MH: Porsche 911 RSR

What is your favourite film?

RDH: Rush / MH: Fast and Furious

What is one thing you’d like to learn in life?

RDH: New languages / MH: Play the piano

Describe yourself in three words?

RDH: Crazy, funny and nice / MH: Consistent, confident and determined

The 2021 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship continues this weekend, with three races around the Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk.

Find out more about Millers Oils’ technical partnership with Ginetta: https://www.millersoils.co.uk/ginetta-cars-extends-technical-partnership-with-millers-oils-to-2024/

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