Reigning Super1600 British Rallycross champion Russ Simpson is set to make the switch to off-road racing to sportscars after being presented with the opportunity to race in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge by his employer Ginetta.
Simpson will join the championship from Silverstone onwards in a Ginetta G20 after Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson noted his determination to succeed in competitive motorsport.
“This is without a doubt a fantastic opportunity for any ambitious racing driver” said Simpson, “I hope that I can do Lawrence and the Ginetta factory proud! It will be my first time circuit racing so will be getting to grips with the car and circuit, but any champagne will be a bonus!”
A stalwart in British Rallycross, Simpson has been building and competing in rally cars for over 10 years, 2012 saw him finish as a runner up in the Super1600 British Rallycross Championship before gong on to win the title in 2013.
I am delighted to be able to provide Ginetta staff with opportunities to progress both within the company and motorsport. I have followed Russ’ progress in Rallycross and despite this being his first time circuit racing, I have no doubt he will quickly get to grips with the car.”
The announcement follows World Easykart champion and Ginetta Build Engineer, Luca Hirst the chance that he was offered to build and race his own Ginetta G40 in the 2014 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge.