The GT Academy offers drivers of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to try entry level GT racing in identical Ginetta G56 GTA’s, competing alongside both British GT and the BTCC. The championship runs to a two-class format; GTA and rookie.
No less than seven drivers return to the championship having scored GTA class podium finishes last year. That group includes Martin Wills (Assetto Motorsport), who took a brilliant overall victory at Silverstone back in September, albeit on the shorter National layout.
Wills is joined at Assetto by fellow podium finishers Julian Wantling and Mackenzie Walker, the latter having starred on his debut in the season finale. The team’s line-up is completed by Robin Grimwood, who took a best result of fourth in class last year, and Mike West.
SVG Motorsport won the 2021 GTA class title with Toby Trice and return to defend their crown with a three car entry. Experienced GT racer Lee Frost scored two podiums in a one-off outing last season, while former Ginetta G40 Cup title contender Alistair Barclay makes his debut and Joel Wren is a new face in the Ginetta paddock.
Another driver to have picked up silverware in a sole appearance last year was Thomas Holland (Raceway Motorsport). He returns to the grid alongside the two drivers he battled against for the 2021 Ginetta G40 Cup Pro title; eventual champion Marc Warren (Raceway Motorsport) and Nick White (MRM Racing).
MRM are one of seven teams making their GT Academy debut this year. That group includes Breakell Racing with skier turned racer Leo Karavasili, reigning British Endurance champions Motus One with Sebastien Dubois and Datum Motorsport with Anglo-Italian duo Marco Anastasi and Maurizio Sciglio.
An exciting addition to the grid are former Ginetta GT4 SuperCup and GT5 Challenge champions Century Motorsport. 2021 rookies Edward Acres and Tom Hartley Jnr have joined them as they step up to the GTA class, alongside fellow returnee Lee Goldsmith and newcomer Michael Johnston.
Danny Dwyer (Xentek Motorsport) and experienced Ginetta duo Shawn Fleming and Gary Wager (both SVG Motorsport) are also back from the 2021 grid, while Mark Steel (Toro Verde GT) joins from the GT5 Challenge. Steve Williams (MRM Racing) and Richard Sykes (W2R) meanwhile will be racing a Ginetta for the first time in 14 and 9 years respectively.
The GT Academy’s rookie category sees racing newcomers take advantage of an all-inclusive arrive and drive package. Five drivers will battle it out for class honours at Silverstone; Dan Rathbone, Ravi Ramyead, Jon Kearney, Thomas Shelley and Marc Elman.
Follow the action across the meeting on social media, @GinettaCars.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday 07 May – Qualifying, 14:20; Race One, 17:30
Sunday 08 May – Race Two, 15:05
Sunday’s race will be streamed live on Ginetta’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, while live timing and results across the meeting will be available at https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/221805
