Derek Johnston will make his final British GT Championship appearance next weekend after announcing his retirement from motorsport.
The 2016 champion is bowing out at his favourite circuit, Donington Park, in what will be his 57th and final British GT3 race. That stretch goes back to the opening round of 2013 when the now 56-year-old made his debut at Oulton Park aboard a MTECH Ferrari.
Johnston also made appearances in MTECH’s Ginetta and a Triple Eight BMW but it’s with TF Sport and Aston Martin that he’s best known. Indeed, the combination has yielded six wins since their first at Donington Park in 2015 as well as the following season’s Drivers’ title alongside Jonny Adam. The pair also won there 12 months ago during their last appearance together.
“TF Sport are just like family, I’ll miss them and it will be sad for sure at the end in Donington,” he said. “TF are such good friends, but I know that I’ll stay friends with them all.
“I’ve loved British GT and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the paddock and the professionalism, but I have nothing left to prove there and most importantly, I have nothing to prove to myself because I have achieved far more than I ever thought I would.
“I made the decision to retire from racing earlier in the year and I’ve not regretted that. I’m sure I’ll test cars again, but I’m stopping racing and I’m happy to stop.”
Johnston’s racing CV also features GT Cup and Radical titles, Sunoco Challenge victory and subsequent Daytona 24 Hours drive, as well as multiple bike racing accolades.
Best of luck, Derek, from everyone at British GT and SRO!
Reserve your #DoningtonDecider tickets here.