Century Becomes Ginetta Factory Team for British GT

Photo: Century Motorsport

Century Motorsport has become Ginetta’s factory team in the GT3 class of the British GT Championship, announcing on Wednesday plans to run two updated Ginetta G55 GT3s in the series.

The team has a long history with Ginetta, having supported the G55 GT3 during its development in 2011.

Since then, Century’s fleet of race cars has expanded to include the British GT GT4 and Ginetta GT4 Supercup-specification G55s, Ginetta GT5 G40s and the new G57-P2 prototype.

However, the Yorkshire, England-based manufacturer’s GT3-spec racer will sport several updates in 2017, including an all-new Chevrolet LS3 engine as well as a revised front splitter, among other changes.

“We know the Chevrolet engine so well from the development in the G57-P2 and it’s perfect for GT usage,” explained Ginetta Cars technical director Ewan Baldry.

“The Nissan was a very aggressive engine and we had some vibration issues with it. The Chevrolet is a lower-revving unit with a better torque band.

“The investment in GT3 this year is a big one as we want to get that win, and also use what we find to build towards our new plans for 2018.”

Team principal Nathan Freke will drive one of the G55 GT3s, having competed in a GT4 Ginetta last season alongside Anna Walewska.

He will be joined by 17-year-old American Harry Gottsacker, who last year competed with Performance Motorsports Group in a G55 GT4 in the Pirelli World Challenge.

“This is a really exciting year for both Century and Ginetta as together we’re mounting a serious attack on British GT,” said Freke. “We helped run the GT3 car when it first came out in 2011, but this year marks the first time we’ll be involved with a properly competitive GT3 entry.

“The changes to the car are massive. The new Chevrolet engine offers more low-down torque and usable power and the chassis changes will aid slow-speed traction. It will be interesting working with Harry as he’s a promising young driver.

“He’ll have a lot to learn with the UK tracks and style of racing, but we’ll work with him and he’ll only get stronger as the year goes on.”

The team’s second driver lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, while the team also plans on running a single G55 GT4 as well.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.