> Team evaluating Silver-graded drivers for race-winning Mustang
Academy Motorsport has confirmed that 2020 Intelligent Money British GT Championship title contender Matt Cowley will race its Ford Mustang GT4 once again this year.
The 23-year-old, who was also part of the team’s European programme in 2019, remained in the domestic championship hunt until Silverstone’s season finale thanks to a mid-season purple patch that included Academy’s first victory and pole position with the Mustang.
Academy – Multimatic’s official GT4 partner in the UK – is currently evaluating a suitable Silver-graded driver to join Cowley who’s eager to mount another sustained title bid this year.
“I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to re-join Academy Motorsport for my third season, along with my second season in the superb Ford Mustang,” he said. “We had some fantastic results last season, we know the car well, it’s a proven front runner and capable of winning the championship.
“Academy Motorsport is a fantastic team, with high levels of commitment in technical and engineering support from Multimatic.
“Thank you to everyone who has encouraged and supported me along the way. It's great to be able to do what I really enjoy and to keep supporting Caudwell Children, Nordoff Robbins and Shaw Mind charities.”
Having secured Cowley’s proven services, Academy’s attention has now switched to finding a suitable Silver-graded driver.
“I’m ecstatic to have Matt back for 2021,” said the team’s managing director, Matt Nicoll-Jones. “He has proven how strong his ability is time and time again. He narrowly missed out on becoming GT4 champion last season, so we certainly have unfinished business with Matt this year. He’s fast becoming part of the furniture here at Academy Motorsport and it’s great to have him back in the car.
“We’re keen to jump right back on the pace and pick up exactly where we left off last year. We’re halfway there with Matt, but we also need a Silver-rated driver to partner him. We’re looking to speak to interested drivers as soon as possible.”
Multimatic’s Mustang won first time out on its British GT debut two years ago before Seb Priaulx and Scott Maxwell narrowly missed out on the Drivers’ title by 7.5 points. And Academy’s subsequent race-winning campaign also underlined the Ford’s all-round prowess across the UK.
Executive vice-president of Multimatic’s special vehicle operations, Larry Holt, confirmed that Academy would once again receive full support from the car’s design and development team.
“It's great that Academy Motorsport will be back in the British GT Championship with the Ford Mustang GT4 this season,” he said. “They have their sights firmly set on the championship and I’m confident that they have everything required to achieve that goal.
“At Multimatic we are committed to the success of the Mustang in GT4 and so will continue to provide the highest level of technical and engineering support to the programme. Matt [Cowley] did a fantastic job for the team last year and I know whoever his partner turns out to be will have a highly successful season ahead of them.”
Brands Hatch hosts British GT’s opening round on May 22/23. Spectators can attend by pre-booking tickets at https://brandshatch.msv.com/BH-21-BGTF3.
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Silver-graded drivers keen to discuss Academy’s GT4 seat should call +44 1905 840 085 or email info@academymotorsport.com.