A number of familiar names will return to the British GT grid this season after Academy Motorsport confirmed that Matt Nicoll-Jones and Will Moore are to join forces aboard its Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4.
The Pershore-based squad won the category’s teams’ title in 2015 but only contested one round last season. Now Academy are back with a dual programme that sees its Aston Martin racing in British GT and the GT4 European Series Northern Cup.
Team boss Nicoll-Jones stepped away from full-time racing at the end of 2013 but did compete alongside Dennis Strandberg during the outfit’s sole British GT outing at Silverstone last season. He stays on to partner former Academy driver Moore who returns to the fold a year after graduating to the GT3 class with Optimum Motorsport.
The former British GT4 champion oversaw Moore’s rapid rise in 2015 and believes the Silver Cup-classified duo have what it takes to be title contenders this time around.
“It’s great for the team to be back racing again and we have a firm target of aiming for the title in both the British and European competitions,” he said.
“I've personally missed the fun of going racing, it will be great to get back behind the wheel. Despite the weight disadvantage that a Silver-Silver graded pairing brings, I’m extremely confident that we can mount a title challenge in British GT.
“The GT4 European Series is more of a sprint format. We had a taste of that at its final round of last season at Zandvoort and loved it.”
Moore, who won his Dubai 24 Hours class aboard a Ginetta G55 GT4 last month, also turned heads with some impressive performances during his maiden British GT campaign with Academy. Now he’s back to challenge for the title.
“I'm really excited for the season ahead. The British GT4 class has some strong competition in it this year which will make for some good, close racing,” he said.
“I had a great season with Academy and the Aston in 2015, so when the opportunity came up to return and with Matt as my team-mate, I didn't hesitate.
“Matt and I get on very well and we know the car inside out, the team is extremely professional and I know they will set it up perfectly. I'm looking forward to continuing my development, winning races and challenging for the overall title.”
This season’s British GT Championship gets underway at Oulton Park on April 15/17. Click here to purchase tickets - Adult prices start at just £19 and under-13s go free!
Plus, don’t forget there’s free general admission to our Media Day, which will be held at Snetterton on March 28!