2023 champions Darren Leung and Dan Harper are teaming up for a one-off British GT outing at the Silverstone 500 next weekend (April 26-27).
The duo have continued racing together in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS since clinching British GT3’s title at Donington 18 months ago. That season included victory at the series’ blue riband, three-hour ‘500’, which they then contested separately in 2024.
Leung is also a regular in FIA WEC where he claimed a victory in his debut season last year, while Harper is now an established member of BMW’s factory ranks after first graduating from junior to full works status at the start of 2023.
But their entry does include two debutants: the new BMW M4 GT3 Evo and Paradine Competition, which Leung founded last year. The same combination of drivers, car and team already competes together on the continent. Indeed, Leung and Harper finished second in class at Paul Ricard last weekend.
Leung appeared on course for victory at Silverstone as a guest entrant with Century and Dries Vanthoor last year before a refuelling issue restricted their progress. He’s hoping to put that right 12 months on by becoming, along with Harper, only the second driver after Sandy Mitchell to win the 500 twice.
“Truth be told the new Evo isn’t a great deal different to the previous M4, with which I could and probably should have won the last two 500s,” he said. “I really love this race; the endurance element suits me, there are options to play with strategy, and Dan is always fast there. Plus, and unlike the full-season entries, there are no championship considerations: we intend to win, pure and simple. And I do think we have a great chance of doing that.”
Harper, who is also racing in IMSA this year, echoed his co-driver’s sentiments.
“I’m incredibly excited to be returning to the British GT Championship grid for the Silverstone 500,” he said. “It’s a busy year for me racing in North America and Europe, so to get the chance to fit in a ‘home’ race in British GT is fantastic.
“We have fond memories of winning the Silverstone 500 in 2023, it was a crucial moment for us on our way to winning the title. It was an honour to win such a prestigious race and we’d love to add our name to the winners’ trophy again this year.”
Further Silverstone 500 guest entries will be revealed this week.
