Woodcote racing driver misses out on Britcar victory after final-lap heartbreak

Zoe Gater

South Oxfordshire racing driver Julian McBride came within a lap of his maiden Britcar Endurance Championship victory at Donington Park before a driveshaft failure ended his challenge.

Woodcote racing driver Julian McBride was denied a potential maiden Britcar Endurance Championship victory after a driveshaft failure struck on the final lap at Donington Park.

McBride, who lives in South Oxfordshire, had battled his way from 20th on the grid to lead the GT class alongside guest driver and British GT ace Phil Keen, only for the Geoff Steel Racing BMW to be forced to stop with less than a lap remaining.

Despite the heartbreak, McBride and Keen were classified fifth overall and second in class after completing 62 of the race’s 63 laps.

It was another impressive performance for McBride, who is competing in Britcar’s premier GT category for the first time this season.

McBride only began racing after suffering a spinal injury in 2011 which left him with permanent disabilities. He made his competitive motorsport debut in 2016, despite having no previous racing experience, and has since become a two-time endurance racing champion.

Starting 20th at Donington, McBride quickly moved through the field before two well-timed Safety Car periods and slick pit-stop strategy kept the BMW in contention.

After completing the majority of the race, McBride handed over to Keen for the closing stages. Keen continued to make progress, eventually taking the BMW into the GT class lead and onto the overall podium.

Victory appeared within reach before the driveshaft failed on the final lap.

“We knew after qualifying that we had more pace than twentieth on the grid suggested, so the plan was simply to stay patient and let the race come to us,” said McBride.

“I was really happy with my stint. We avoided trouble at the start, made good progress and the team executed both pit stops perfectly. That gave Phil the opportunity to do what he does best.

“Of course it’s disappointing to lose a result like that on the final lap because everyone deserved more than the finishing position shows. At the same time, the performance gives us a huge amount of confidence. We know we’ve got the pace to fight at the front, so we’ll take the positives and move on to the next one.”

The result adds to a promising opening season in Britcar’s premier GT category, with McBride having already secured both a class podium and an outright podium during his first four race weekends.

He will now head to Snetterton in Norfolk on 29 August, where he and Geoff Steel Racing will continue their pursuit of a maiden GT class victory.

Away from the track, McBride is an ARDS Instructor, Motorsport UK Level 2 Coach, FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission Mentor and professional speaker.

More information about Julian McBride can be found at julianmcbride.uk.

Image credit © Alex Humphries / Agilita Digital

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