Ginetta GT5 Challenge secures 36-car entry three months before season starts
The popular Ginetta GT5 Challenge has already attracted a bumper 36-car entry list despite there being almost three months until the season begins.
The category for G40 cars features on both the British Touring Car Championship and British GT packages and this year also has an away round at Zandvoort.
The series boasted large entries last year – averaging 32 cars – but is faring even better this season.
“I think it was a strong year last year and the grid was predominantly full and that leads to people not wanting to miss out this year and entering early,” said Ginetta motorsport manager Ash Gallagher. “It’s a strong package, the car’s good value and you get the best of the British Touring Car Championship and British GT package in terms of coverage.”
The maximum capacity for the Oulton Park season opener at the end of April is 38 cars so there are only two full season spaces available, but other circuits like Silverstone Grand Prix can accommodate far more additional entries.
Among the new drivers for this year is 2017 Mini Se7en champion Charlie Budd, who will be competing as a privateer alongside his brother Daniel.
“We are all excited and motivated for the new challenge,” said Charlie. “All my circuit racing so far has been in front-wheel drive Minis, so the key for us this year will be seat time to learn the new car.”
Ginetta Junior graduates Conner Garlick and Abbi Pulling are also new for this season.
Of the drivers continuing in the series, 2017 Ginetta Junior podium finisher Scott Mckenna was the highest in the 2018 standings. He will look to improve on his seventh place last year and has switched to the Xentek Motorsport squad. Junior Saloon Car champions Will Dyrdal and Katie Milner are among the others to remain on the grid.