The familiar blue and white Beechdean AMR colours will be missing from British GT3’s grid for the first time in almost six years at Snetterton on August 6/7 after the #1 Aston Martin was forced to withdraw due to accident damage.
Reigning champion Andrew Howard’s first corner incident at Spa-Francorchamps three weeks ago, which saw the front right wheel ripped from the chassis, caused significant damage to the V12 Vantage. And with the car, which also features Ross Gunn on the driving strength, not involved in this year’s title race, the team has taken the tough decision to sit out Norfolk’s double header.
The move ends Beechdean AMR and Howard’s unbroken streak of 40 British GT3 appearances stretching back to Donington Park in October 2010.
Howard emphasised his disappointment at missing Snetterton before confirming the team would return for the season finale at Donington Park in September.
“I am hugely disappointed that the car will be unable to take part in the upcoming race at Snetterton.” said Howard, who also won the 2013 drivers’ crown. “We always knew that this was going to be a development year for us, and sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth.
“British GT is an important series to us and we will continue to take part in the championship, despite this setback. I hope the championship continues to be the proving ground for the amateur driver.”
Gunn added: “It is a devastating blow for the team and I am disappointed that we will have to sit out Snetterton but it is all part of the risk when racing, crashes happen. The team have always done a great job and focused on the most important programmes.”
Beechdean AMR’s GT3 withdrawal will have no affect on its GT4 programme, which again features two cars at Snetterton.