2024 Ginetta GT Academy podium finishers Jamie Caudle and Emma Tomlinson are amongst the latest group of five drivers to confirm their entries into Ginetta competition this season.
Caudle made a huge impression during a five-event run in the GT Academy last season, including scoring a brilliant podium finish in only his fourth ever race during G Fest at Anglesey. Further podium finishes followed at Snetterton and Donington Park, with more silverware the target this year as he returns to the grid with reigning GTA class champions E3 Sport.
Jim Edwards, E3 Sport: “E3 Sport are excited to welcome Jamie back to the team as he begins his first full season in motorsport. He joined us part way through last year and immediately impressed with his speed. He will be looking to continue his development and aiming to challenge for regular podiums if not an occasional victory against what looks set to be a large and competitive grid.”
Another driver returning to the GT Academy this season after some positive previous appearances in the championship is Ben Cooke with W2R. Across four outings so far over the last two years, he’s scored a best race finish of sixth overall during G Fest at Anglesey.
Ben Cooke: “I look forward to driving in the Ginetta GT Academy for 2025. Having participated in four previous races over the last two years and really enjoyed the experience with the professionalism of the Ginetta W2R team. I will be sharing some drives with my son Harry for a full season for 2025 and I look forward to sharing that experience with him.”
New additions to the GT Academy grid come in the form of Shiv Sapra with title-winning GT team Paradine Competition. Following in the footsteps of his close friend Darren Leung, who debuted in the GT Academy in 2021 and now competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Sapra is set for his car-racing debut with some previous test experience in a G56 GTA under his belt.
Shiv Sapra: “I am thrilled to embark on my racing journey with Ginetta in the 2025 GT Academy season, representing Paradine Competition. Motorsport has always captivated me – the roar of the engines, the surge of adrenaline, and the spirit of competition. Witnessing Darren’s progression from the GT Academy to FIA WEC and his induction into the BRDC has been profoundly inspiring.
“I am eager to test my limits on the racetrack, driven by a lifelong passion for motorsport and a commitment to personal growth. The limited testing I’ve undertaken has been exhilarating, offering invaluable lessons in driving techniques, car mechanics, and self-discovery. Watching motorsport is one thing; being behind the wheel is an entirely different experience.
“I am both nervous and excited about this new venture. Fortunately, I have the unwavering support of my wife and children. My son’s enthusiasm for go-karting adds an extra layer of motivation, as I hope to inspire him through my journey.”
Stepping up to the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT Championship meanwhile will be Emma Tomlinson, after scoring eight class wins, 23 podium finishes and a pair of top three points finishes across two years in the GT Academy. She will race a G56 GTP8 this year run by experienced GT squad DTO Motorsport, who are former Ginetta GT4 SuperCup race-winners and British GT front-runners.
Emma Tomlinson: “Competing in the GT Championship next year in the GTP8 is a step up I’m really looking forward to. I can’t wait for the season to get underway with DTO.”
Alongside their aforementioned GT Academy programme, E3 Sport will also be making their debut in the GT Championship this season and have signed Ginetta newcomer Jack Collins to their line-up. The young racer has four years of karting experience under his belt, alongside an impressive one-off car-racing debut in the Mazda MX-5 Championship late last year where he scored a best result of 11th overall in a 30-car field.
Jack Collins: “I’m really excited to be joining Jim and the E3 Sport team for 2025. With it being my first year in cars it’s going to be challenging, however I’m excited to get going. I had promising pace in my first test in the GTP8 so I’m looking forward to pre-season testing and the first round in April.”
Jim Edwards: “E3 Sport are delighted to announce Jack Collins and our participation in the new V8-powered Ginetta GT Championship for 2025. Jack has stepped directly from karting and he immediately impressed us with his speed during testing. He is a very determined young driver with an exciting future ahead of him. We can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Ginetta is introducing a range of enhancements for 2025 to keep every rung of its unique motorsport ladder at the front of the grid for years to come, including the introduction of the Ginetta G56 GTP8 and Ginetta G40 Junior Evo. More information can be found here.
