The founding member of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s UK Young Driver Programme will contest this year’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship with Speedworks Motorsport.
The Cheshire-based squad has confirmed the GR Supra GT4’s return after Sam Smelt and James Kell scored class podiums, a fastest lap and pole position with the new-for-2020 model last season.
Now the relationship between Speedworks and Toyota GAZOO Racing Europe, which also encompasses manufacturer BTCC entries, will grow further to include a UK Young Driver Programme specifically aimed at supporting future stars of British GT racing.
The scheme is open to drivers aged 25 and under with a GT background who demonstrate the ability and motivation to forge a professional career in the sport.
In addition to benefitting from Speedworks and TGR-E’s combined experience and expertise, UK Young Driver Programme members will enjoy privileged access to TGR-E’s state-of-the-art Cologne facility and driving simulator. They will also benefit from the experience of TGR stars such as reigning FIA World Endurance Champion and multiple Le Mans 24 Hours podium-finisher Mike Conway.
Speedworks’ 2021 British GT line-up, which includes the UK Young Driver Programme’s founding member, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
“It is an immense honour to collaborate with TGR-E to establish the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK Young Driver Programme, an exciting project that we have been working on for several months now,” said Speedworks team principal, Christian Dick. “We have an excellent relationship with TGR-E and believe this new initiative can genuinely help to discover and develop British GT stars of the future.
“We have spent a lot of time evaluating potential drivers to become the first member of the programme, taking into account not only their pace and performance inside the cockpit but just as importantly their work ethic, attitude and media skills away from the car to ensure we make the right choice.
“This is a golden opportunity for initially one young driver – and, moving forward, hopefully more – to significantly advance their career prospects through an association with one of the most prestigious and successful companies in global motorsport, and we look forward to helping to guide the next generation in tandem with our friends at TGR-E over the coming months and years.”
Brands Hatch hosts the opening round of this season’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship on May 22/23. Reserve tickets here.