Ginetta’s new G56 GT4 Evo makes its British GT debut this year in the hands of Colin White and Tom Holland.
White’s own CWS squad will oversee the entry, which represents the latest chapter in a long-running and successful collaboration between driver, team and manufacturer.
Indeed, the same trio has claimed several one-make Ginetta titles and contested major endurance events around the world. Its last British GT4 outing came in 2021 – some seven years after campaigning Ginetta’s G55 GT3 in the same championship.
Finishing third in 2023’s Ginetta GT Championship also underlined White’s enduring speed after a serious racing accident midway through 2022 threatened to end his motorsport career.
He’ll be one of the older entrants on this year’s grid. However, Ginetta’s most successful-ever driver – who is also contesting the Bathurst 12 Hour this weekend – believes he still has what it takes to mix it with the younger Ams.
“I’m excited to be making my British GT comeback with my team, CWS,” said the four-time Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion. “I feel that Tom and I will make up a strong Pro-Am paring that should be ready to take it to the other teams. I also think the combination of this driver pairing and the new Ginetta G56 GT4 Evo should allow us to operate a competitive package from the outset.
“I’m excited for us both to have a competitive season after racing with Tom for the first time at Dubai 24H in January. I think our driving styles complement each other, which is a bonus and allowed us to win there so I’m hoping to carry that momentum forward, allowing CWS to battle at the front of GT4.”
White’s new co-driver already has a British GT season under his belt, albeit one undoubtedly compromised by sharing the now previous-generation G56 with several partners. An overall podium on the opening weekend at Oulton was as good as things got for Holland whose results thereafter failed to match his potential.
“I’m really looking forward to partnering up with Colin and CWS Racing for the 2024 British GT season!” he said. “Having watched Colin race throughout my career in the Ginetta Supercup and then to also be able to watch his miracle comeback has been inspirational.
“Joining Colin in Dubai helped me learn how the team operates and what kind of driving style Colin adopts. It’s safe to say the two of us are ready to challenge at the front of the GT4 pack.”
Their updated G56 shares similarities with its predecessor, which replaced the G55 in 2021.
However, subtle visual changes such as the redesigned bonnet – which aim to optimise cooling performance – bely a significant evolution package intended to increase straight-line speed and mechanical efficiency.
There have been revisions to improve tyre heat and degradation, which include adjustments to the suspension, roll development, a higher platform height, and larger wheels and tyres on both axles. Ginetta believes these add up to a more balanced and competitive race car over extended stints.
The car will make its first public appearance at media day on March 12 before British GT begins for real at Oulton Park over Easter Bank Holiday Weekend (March 30 + April 1).
DID YOU KNOW?
In terms of wins, Ginetta is the most successful manufacturer in British GT4 history. In total its G50, G55 and G56 models notched up 76 victories between 2008 and 2023.