Team Rocket RJN has added a third McLaren 570S GT4 to its 2021 Intelligent Money British GT Championship roster after pairing James Kell with last year’s class runner-up Jordan Collard.
The car joins the team’s two previously announced entries featuring McLaren Driver Development Programme members Katie Milner, Alain Valente, Michael Benyahia and Harry Hayek.
Collard moves across from HHC after finishing second overall last year at the wheel of a McLaren. He was also a DDP member in 2019 when racing with Tolman Motorsport.
“I’m very happy to return with McLaren and to be competing in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship with Team Rocket RJN,” he said. “The team were very strong last year with their GT3 project and we will be pushing hard for that top step from the opening weekend at Brands Hatch.”
He’s joined by sophomore British GT4 driver Kell who switches from Speedworks’ Toyota Supra. The 23-year-old finished eighth last year but was a frequent podium contender during the new car’s debut campaign.
“It was a boyhood dream of mine to drive and be involved with McLaren, and Jenson was my idol growing up,” said Kell. “To now be joining Team Rocket RJN and having Jenson as one of the team owners is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to working with such an experienced team of professionals and looking forward to an amazing season and beyond.”
Team principal Bob Neville added: “We are really pleased to expand our British GT programme further this year with another car. A huge welcome to Jordan and James to our team and I have no doubt we have a great line-up to be able to fight hard for this championship. Jordan is of course very familiar with the McLaren 570S GT4 and although James is yet to drive the car in anger, I have no doubt he will soon settle in and work well with all our team.”
Team Rocket RJN finished fourth in last year’s GT3 Drivers’ standings courtesy of Michael O’Brien and James Baldwin. 2021 will be their first season in the GT4 class.
Spectators can attend the opening round of this season’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship at Brands Hatch on May 22/23 by reserving tickets in advance. Several covid protocols and restrictions – including a closed paddock – will remain in place until at least June 21 when the UK government is due to end all lockdown measures.