Kent-based Team HARD has announced that Michael Caine and Mike Newbould will drive its second Ginetta G55 GT4 entry in the 2017 British GT Championship.
Michael Caine has extensive GT experience stretching back to 2001 and, along with team mate Daniele Perfetti, was British GT Champion in 2012, driving the Motorbase Porsche 997 GT3 R. Caine last drove in the British GT championship in 2014 when he drove the Oman Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage GT3 to second place in the GT3 Drivers Championship with fellow driver Ahmad Al Harthy. Last season Caine competed in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
“After 2016 went pear-shaped, I’m really looking forward to competing in the championship again,” said Newmarket-based Caine. “Last year was the first time in 26 years of racing that I didn’t have a championship to compete in and then the guys at Team HARD gave me an opportunity in British Touring Cars that unfortunately didn’t really get started. I think we have a good chance this season and GT4 looks like the future.”
Team Principal Tony Gilham is excited at the opportunity to challenge for GT4 titles in 2017.
“It is great to have secured the services of Michael for the upcoming season as he brings so much to the table on and off the track,” said Gilham. “He is a seasoned professional and can only add strength to the team, as whole. We are very excited to see how he develops his relationship with Mike throughout the season and feel that there is a genuine possibility of the Pro Am title.”
Mike Newbould competed in Ginetta GT4 Supercup in 2016 as well as gaining some prototype experience.
“I’m incredibly excited to be part of Team HARD’s British GT campaign for 2017,” said Newbould. “I can’t thank Tony enough for putting this together. The opportunity to race alongside Michael is fantastic for a new driver. I’m really looking forward to drawing on Michael’s skill and experience to help me develop as a racer in what is going to be a busy and exciting year in British GT.”
The first round of the 2017 British GT Championship is at Oulton Park on April 15 – 17.
