Speedworks to make McLaren Trophy debut as first step in GT expansion plan
Cheshire-based outfit will field pair of Pro-Am entries in season finale
Target to run up to four cars in 2024 alongside Toyota programmes
Project to be spearheaded by former McLaren specialist Danny Buxton
Speedworks Motorsport will make its debut in the McLaren Trophy Europe in Barcelona this weekend (29 September - 1 October), as the team pushes ahead with the expansion of its GT racing programmes.
Over the past decade, Speedworks has established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the domestic scene. The Cheshire-based outfit clinched back-to-back British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ crowns in 2017 and 2018, prior to achieving multiple podium finishes including a race win with the Toyota GR Supra GT4 in the British GT Championship’s fiercely-disputed GT4 category.
The family-run operation has similarly showcased its credentials on the international stage in the 24H Series, and is now set to do battle in the single-make McLaren Trophy Europe, which features on the support package to the high-profile GT World Challenge Europe, run by SRO Motorsports Group.
The championship is contested on some of the most iconic circuits on the continent, with equal machinery placing the focus firmly on skill behind the wheel. Each 50-minute race includes a mandatory pit-stop for a driver change, with the thrilling action live-streamed across multiple channels.
In Barcelona, Speedworks will field a pair of Pro-Am GT4 entries in the 570S Trophy class, with ex-professional hockey player David Foster partnered by 2007 British GT Champion Bradley Ellis, and erstwhile Ferrari Challenge driver Neil Langberg sharing with prototype specialist Ross Kaiser. Foster and Ellis have already reached the rostrum on multiple occasions this season, claiming victories at Paul Ricard and the Nürburgring.
The team then intends to undertake a full programme in the series next year, running up to four cars across the 570S Trophy and Artura Trophy categories. In tandem with this, there are plans to branch out into GT3 competition with the new Toyota GR GT3 concept car from 2025.
Danny Buxton, Head of Motorsport, Speedworks Motorsport, said:
“The McLaren Trophy is a superb platform and proving ground for ambitious ‘Bronze’ racing drivers, and I’m delighted that Speedworks is now a part of it.
“I couldn’t be happier with our driver line-up for this weekend. David and Bradley have enjoyed a strong season and currently sit third in the 570S Trophy standings, so I’m keen for us to ensure they have a successful few days in Spain. Additionally, Neil and Ross have been driving exceptionally well this year and coming off the back of Spa-Francorchamps, where Neil had the race of his life, hopes are high heading to Barcelona.
“Looking further ahead, we’ve received plenty of interest for 2024 and we’ve all got the same aim, which is to establish a multi-brand customer racing division and expand the business organically, while simultaneously maintaining a very strong focus on the BTCC. It’s clearly going to be a busy time, but a tremendously exciting one too!”
David Foster, Driver, #11 McLaren 570S, said:
“I’m super-pleased to join Speedworks Motorsport for the season finale in Barcelona – they’re an extremely talented team with a superb reputation. Ahead of the weekend, I’ve been busy practising on the simulator but nothing beats the real thing, which I’ve not experienced yet! My competitors have previous knowledge of the track, which will benefit them enormously, so I intend to enjoy each session and progress gradually.
“With the championship destiny out of my hands, Brad and I are just focussing on doing the best job possible and we will leave the rest to take care of itself. Bring it on!”
Neil Langberg, Driver, #53 McLaren 570S, said:
“I am really excited to race in Barcelona this weekend. It’s my first time at the track and also the first time with Speedworks support, which I’m sure will be a mega success. We’ve been lucky to have had a healthy dose of all the important motorsport ingredients this season, and the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation keeps the throttle down for further research programmes for our patients. I turned 70-years-old this year and I plan to be back in 2024, so like Queen would say, ‘don’t stop me now, ‘cause I’m having a good time!’”
Images: Dan Bathie