Reigning Radical European Masters champion James Littlejohn will partner Jack Mitchell aboard Macmillan Racing’s Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 in next season’s British GT Championship.
As well as continuing to run its GT4-spec Aston Martin, Macmillan Racing announced last month its graduation to the British GT3 ranks as the next stage in establishing a sportscar talent ladder.
28-year-old Littlejohn joins as its senior driver after sealing this year’s Radical European Masters crown. His CV also includes a domestic Radical title (2012), European Le Mans Series outings aboard LMP2 machinery and a wealth of junior single-seater experience encompassing Formula Ford, F.Renault and F3.
But it’s in historic racing and as a driver coach that Littlejohn is perhaps best known, having driven everything from classic Formula 1 cars, sports-prototypes and tin-tops. Highlights include winning the prestigious 6 Hours of Spa aboard a Ford GT40 and featuring as a stunt driver in the film ‘Rush’.
“The British GT Championship is arguably the country’s most competitive racing series and one I’ve been eager to have a crack at,” he said. “Macmillan Racing may be a new team but they’ve already proved they have what it takes and with the full back-up of Aston Martin Racing for 2017, I know we have the potential to spring a few surprises on the regular front-runners. The team was really welcoming when we tested together and it immediately felt like home. I can’t wait!”
Indeed, it’s Littlejohn’s experience across such an eclectic range of categories that team principal David Macmillan values most.
“I couldn’t be more pleased,” he confirmed. “James has a wealth of experience to bring to Macmillan Racing and being able to add him to our GT3 line-up is certain to bring massive benefits, as we make our debut in the class.
“It’s James’s speed over such a variety of different equipment that’s the key benefit for us. If you can win the Spa 6 Hours in a GT40, handle a ‘70s Cosworth F1 car and lead an ELMS race in an LMP2 car, you clearly have a lot going for you and his experience as a driver coach is also going to be of massive benefit, as he partners Jack.
“It’s great to be heading into the Christmas break with our GT3 line-up cemented in place. With James and Jack, I believe we have a great partnership, which will help Macmillan Racing go from strength to strength.
“We’re not deluding ourselves… we know GT3 is going to be hugely competitive in 2017, with more new cars coming and different line-ups to be announced. But with the help of Aston Martin Racing and what we already have in place, I firmly believe we have what it takes to be right amongst the front-runners.”
Macmillan Racing are expected to announce William Phillips’ partner in the team’s GT4 entry early next year.
Oulton Park hosts the opening round of 2017’s British GT Championship on April 15 & 17.
DID YOU KNOW?
James Littlejohn already has two British GT appearances to his name. In 2007 he raced at Oulton Park and Thruxton’s double-headers driving a Brookspeed-entered Viper Competition Coupe GT3.