Photo: Bob Chapman/Autosport Image
Jason Bell is setting “realistic” goals for his step up to GT3 competition, after spending six years in GT4 machinery across multiple SRO America series.
The two-time and reigning GT America GT4 drivers’ champion has moved to the top SRO3 class with Flying Lizard Motorsports, trading his Aston Martin Vantage GT4 for a brand-new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo.
Bell is one of several Bronze-rated drivers in the series to graduate to GT3 machinery, including fellow GT4 title rival Ross Chouest.
“I had two championships and should have had three,” Bell told Sportscar365. “I think it was just time. I should have done it a couple of years ago but I didn’t.
“I almost moved up in 2022 and then came back and barely lost it. That’s why I came back in 2023. Our competition last year was pretty stout.
“After that, I was [looking] to drive a different car but I talked to Aston Martin and I was able to get this car because I had won two championships and had some other cars, so they actually kept me a car.
“So we got the car, I knew Chouest was moving up to GT3 and some other guys. Now there’s like 14 people, so it’s worked out well.”
Bell got his first laps in a GT3-spec Aston during pre-season testing with Flying Lizard teammate’s Elias Sabo’s chassis, which was not updated to Evo specification at the time.
“The year didn’t start out that great so far because we were supposed to have the car in February and we wound up not getting it until last week,” he revealed.
“We had tests scheduled for the whole off season. We got here last week. I drove all Thursday of last week [at Sonoma], probably about 60 laps, and Friday was a washout.
“But I’m excited. The car is amazing. It’s a lot different. There’s a little learning curve. This car has a lot of grip and is a lot different.
“People say it’s easier. I don’t think it’s easier. I think it’s a lot more fun but it’s definitely a lot more physical.”
As far as expectations are concerned, Bell is hoping to get through the first few rounds before being able to fight for podiums from the third event of the GT America season at Sebring International Raceway, which is one of his favorite tracks.
“My expectations are obviously high but they’re realistic,” he said. “I was pretty quick [in testing] and was faster than several guys doing [GT3] for a while, so that was positive for me.
“I think by Sebring is to be competing [for podiums]. I love that track and this car is going to be a beast there. Sonoma has never been one of my favorite tracks, although I’ve won here.
“My expectations are to get through here, get points, see what happens, and make it through Long Beach and go to Sebring and see where it goes from there.
“I expect to be competing for the podium [at Sebring]. I don’t need a year to do that; I’m ready to go.
“I feel good in the car. The car is great. The team is good.”
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