At Made for Trade, we’re passionate about creating high-performance products for your home, and that passion extends far beyond the workshop. This year, our very own Managing Director, Bradley Gaunt, and his brother, Technical Director Ashley Gaunt, are back on the racetrack for another thrilling season in the Hagerty Radical Cup UK!
Remember last year’s epic battle for racing supremacy between the Gaunt brothers? Ashley took the checkered flag, but the competitive spirit burns bright in Brad. This year, he’s armed with a brand new car and a hunger for silverware.
Donington Park
The 2024 season kicked off at Donington Park over the weekend of the 27th – 28th April, with the Radical Cup joining the prestigious British Touring Car Championship support programme for the first time this year.
The Radical Cup format features three races per weekend, with separate classes for PRO SR1 and SR3 vehicles.
Ash and Brad, pilot their unmistakable Made for Trade & Korniche branded SR1 machines under the North Motorsport Team banner and were eager to start the new season and to prove their mettle.
Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director of Made For Trade / Korniche, arrives at Donington Park, the first race of the Hagerty Radical Cup.
The car takes a tight corner, surrounded by competitors.
Qualifying
Qualifying went off without a hitch, with Ashley securing a solid 4rd place, while Bradley followed closely behind in 5th.
Racers, Bradley Gaunt and Ashley Gaunt, on the grid preparing to start the race.
Race 1
Race 1 saw Brad gain a position, finishing a respectable 5th. Ashley after a good start, moved up into a battle for 2nd but unfortunately got caught up with some of the faster SR3s and pushed off the track. He managed to rescue the car and get back into the race and he finished in last place.
The car takes a tight corner, surrounded by competitors
The Weather Makes A U-Turn
Despite heavy rain forcing the cancellation of Race 2, the skies cleared just in time for Race 3. Under beautiful sunshine, Ashley and Bradley took to the track before the BTCC finale.
The race was an exciting one, with several spins throughout the field, including a few drivers ending up in the gravel traps. A significant portion of the race was run under a safety car due to two cars going off the road at the very beginning. Ashley even had his own spin but managed to recover and continue in the right direction. Unfortunately, Brad wasn’t as lucky and had a spin that left him facing the wrong way on the track as traffic came towards him, a scary moment for both him and those watching.
Despite these challenges, both Ashley (finishing 5th) and Bradley (coming in 6th) navigated the debris and the slick conditions. While the weather and some late setup changes limited their ability to fight for a higher position, they brought their cars home safely.
Racers, Bradley Gaunt and Ashley Gaunt, on the grid ready to start the race.
Catch Up
ITVX: Want to see the Gaunt brothers battle it out at Donington Park? It’s all available to watch on-demand alongside the British Touring Car Championship on ITVX. Catch the action unfold and see who comes out on top! Head over to ITVX now to stream the race.
Facebook: Check out the Korniche – MFT Motor Racing page and the North Motorsport page for the latest updates.
The Race Continues!
While the opening round wasn’t quite the podium finish we were hoping for, the fighting spirit is strong within the Made for Trade team. Bradley is chomping at the bit to put his new car to the test, and Ashley is determined to reclaim his racing crown.
The next round of the Hagerty Radical Cup takes place at Snetterton on May 25th-26th. Stay tuned for updates as the brothers go head-to-head once again! In the meantime, be sure to follow Made for Trade on social media to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the action. We know it’s going to be an exciting season!
