Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing has made a last-minute change to its driver line-up for this weekend’s British GT round at Rockingham where Simon Rudd will make his championship debut alongside Jordan Stilp.
The Team HARD-run #36 Ginetta G55 GT4 was due to feature full-season pairing Michael Caine and Mike Newbould before the latter was ruled out after aggravating an injury while competing in LMP3 Cup last weekend.
Newbould’s misfortune has opened the door for Rudd who won the opening round of this season’s Britcar Endurance Championship at the wheel of a Team HARD Ginetta GT4 three weeks ago.
The 28-year-old, who also finished sixth in last year’s VW Cup standings, will be joined in the Silver Cup entry by his driver coach Jordan Stilp, who helped Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing to win last season’s British GT4 Teams’ title.
“I’m really looking forward to the chance to get amongst some of the best drivers in the country,” said Rudd. “Hopefully I can get some good experience in the series as it’s what I want to do next year.
“Also, I’m really grateful to Steve at Elsfab Fabrication and Tony [Gilham] for getting the deal done and excited to team up with Jordan who will bring so much experience to the weekend.”
Team owner Gilham confirmed that Newbould and Caine’s absence would be temporary, but also the potential for Rudd and Stilp to make further British GT outings this year.
“Simon wants to be in British GT and there’s a chance we’ll be running three cars at some races later this season,” he said. “Jordan is Simon’s coach so it was important for consistency that they raced together. Plus, we’ll be using the same chassis as Simon won Britcar with a few weeks ago, which also happens to be one of our 2016 British GT title-winning Ginettas.”
Sam Webster and Matt Chapman will drive Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing’s second Ginetta, as previously announced.
First practice gets underway at 09:25 local time on Saturday, while Sunday’s two-hour race - which is live on Front Runner TV - gets underway at 13:10 local time.
Click here for British GT’s updated Rockingham entry list.