Double podium for Tom Balfe in the Ginetta Academy at Snetterton

While father Shaun was battling it out in the British GT Championship, it was a handful of firsts for Tom Balfe at Snetterton.

In his first time racing at the Norfolk Circuit, he secured his first pole position, which was followed by his first win – and second – in only his first full season of racing.

Starting race one in Ginetta Academy, the Fulbeck teen was soon in command, leading his rivals through the opening lap after an early challenge from Harry Gamble, there had been contact behind among his main challengers.

The lead began to grow, but after three laps second place Nicholas had got clear too and was in pursuit.

After five laps the gap was up to 1.157 secs, but Nicholas’ challenge started to fade and at the flag the gap had grown to almost two seconds.

“I saw Harry go for the inside at Wilson Hairpin and have contact, but I just kept my head down, with an occasional glance in my mirrors and managed to get the gap. Then on the last lap I realised the gap over Nicholas had grown and just thought I’ve done it,” he explained after taking his maiden victory.

It was pole again for race two and both Balfe and Nicholas got another early break. By lap four he was 1.4 secs clear, with Gamble threatening Nicholas for second.

“I spent most of the race looking in my mirrors, so that made it harder than the first race,” he said, after taking win number two by 0.937 secs.

Pole again for race three, but hopes of a hattrick were soon dashed. His initial get away was good, but then he was in trouble. “I got neutral into the Hairpin, then as I tried to get a gear I got hit,” he explained, after limping back to the pits just one lap into the race.