Multiple race-winner James Nicholas will step up to the GTA class in the Ginetta GT Academy this season, as one of the latest batch of three drivers to sign up for the championship in 2025.
Nicholas made his car-racing debut last year as the inaugural winner of the PalmerSport Ginetta Scholarship and enjoyed a sensational start; qualifying on the front row and securing an overall victory in the opening race of the season at Oulton Park.
Further double overall wins in each of the next two rounds at Silverstone and Donington Park set him up for a challenge for the rookie title, with a total of 14 podium finishes earning him third in the final class standings.
James Nicholas:
“I’m really looking forward to working with Jim and all the E3 Sport team. Last year was an amazing experience with Ginetta and I think coming into my second season, I can be more consistent and crash less at turn one!”
Jim Edwards, E3 Sport:
“We are delighted to welcome James to the team. He impressed many onlookers last year and enjoyed much success as the scholarship winner, so we are therefore very pleased that he has chosen E3 Sport for the next chapter in his motorsport adventure.”
An exciting guest entry for the opening round at Donington Park will be Nick Ponting. Nick makes his return to the Ginetta paddock for the first time in almost 20 years. He competed in the early stages of the Junior Championship between 2006 and 2008, scoring multiple podium finishes.
The GT Academy is the perfect launchpad for drivers making their motorsport debuts. One of those to start their career this season is Damien Duffy. The West Yorkshire-based racer is embarking on this challenge with no previous motorsport experience.
Nick Ponting:
“To say I’m excited to be back with Ginetta would be understatement. Having started racing 20 years ago in the Junior Championship, it’ll be brilliant lining up on the grid again. The cars have come a long way since then and I know I’ve got a lot to learn, but I can’t wait!”
Damien Duffy:
“I’m really looking forward to getting started in my first season of competitive motorsport. I’m not really up to speed yet, but I’m hoping for a strong finish.”
Ginetta have introduced a range of enhancements for 2025. These will keep every rung of its unique motorsport ladder at the front of the grid for years to come. Changes include the introduction of the Ginetta G56 GTP8 and Ginetta G40 Junior Evo. More information can be found here.
