Jenson Rocket RJN Switches to National GT3 Program

Jenson Team Rocket RJN has confirmed that it will switch its program from GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS to the Intelligent Money British GT Championship.

The team originally planned to run a McLaren 720S GT3 in Endurance Cup for World’s Fastest Gamer esports series winner James Baldwin, but it has now shifted its focus to a national program in light of calendar changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Baldwin will now share the car with McLaren-affiliated driver Michael O’Brien in the Silver Cup division of British GT’s top category.

The original GTWC Europe program had Baldwin down to pilot the McLaren with Jenson Team Rocket RJN co-owner Chris Buncombe and a third driver.

Baldwin’s new teammate O’Brien contested British GT last season in a Balfe Motorsport McLaren 570S GT4 and will make his first appearance in the GT3 ranks this year.

“We are all certainly looking forward to going racing again,” said RJN team principal Bob Neville.

“As a team, we have always been a huge supporter of the Endurance championship in Europe but given the unusual circumstances of this year, it makes complete sense for us and our partners to make a return to the British championship.

“We last raced in British GT in 2018 [with Nissan] and we are looking forward to returning with the McLaren 720S GT3 and our partners at World’s Fastest Gamer.”

Baldwin won the second season of World’s Fastest Gamer which gave him a chance to enter real-world motorsport through the competition’s tie-up with the GT3 team created by Buncombe, Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and experienced sports car team RJN.

The project’s new British GT venture will cover six events including three double-headers at Oulton Park, Donington Park and Snetterton.

Changes to the GTWC Europe schedule have reduced the Endurance Cup calendar to four events, although race distances have been adjusted to uphold the amount of track time.

“I have to wait an extra couple of weeks to go racing, but I’m really looking forward to it,” said Baldwin.

“I should have already completed three races so far this year, but when I look at my new schedule, I’m massively excited. I’m going to get so many more race laps under my belt, which will fast track my development this year.

“I can’t wait to get started with Mike. I have a big learning curve ahead, but we really want to give the Silver championship the best shot.”