The GT Academy offers drivers of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to compete in entry level GT racing. Drivers will challenge themselves on a grid of identical Ginetta G56 GTA race cars. The championship features two categories, GTA and rookie. The Rookie challenge incorporates an all-inclusive arrive and drive package for drivers new to racing.
The 2023 season sees five former GTA race winners competing to claim Ginetta GT Academy championship prize.
After highly impressive rookie seasons, Ravi Ramyead (Century Motorsport) and Jon Kearney (Raceway Motorsport) both move up to renew their rivalry in the GTA class. They both secured the top spots respectively in the rookie class last season. There were some feisty on-track battles between the pair throughout the season!
Marginally missing out on overall championship victory by just five points last year, former rookie Ramyead heads into the first round as provisional championship favourite. However, returning GTA drivers Nick White (Raceway Motorsport) and Mackenzie Walker (Assetto Racing) will be looking to challenge the champion. Walker proved his speed last year with a third in the GTA championship. He’s a former G40 Cup winner and also achieved a top-10 finish in the GTA class.
Century Motorsport complete their triumphant trio with Ginetta GTA stalwart ambassador Edward Acres and Thomas Shelley as they compete for overall GTA honours. Last year’s GT Academy team champions, Raceway Motorsport feature a strong line-up of experienced GTA driver Nick White and former GTA rookie, Jon Kearney. SVG Motorsport complete the GTA class line up with returning rookie class podium finisher, Marc Elman.
For the first time in the championship’s history, the GT Academy grid will feature four female drivers. Amy Tomlinson, Emma Tomlinson, Lucy Tomlinson and Charlotte Lowe will make their Ginetta championship debut at Oulton Park. Matt Shaw and Richard Just also join the Want2Race rookie line up this weekend. They will both embark on their journey of becoming a GT racing driver.
With the slate wiped clean from last season, the first round of the GT Academy is bound to produce some entertaining racing. Oulton Park provides some exhilarating action as the circuit’s two chicanes and hairpin lead to some thrilling overtakes. The fast-sweeping corners of Island Bend and Druids corner provided amazing views for spectators.
Follow the action across the 2023 GT racing weekend on social media, @GinettaCars.
