Ginetta has confirmed that 15 year old US prospect Parker Chase will contest the opening round of the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge series.
Chase will make his championship debut in a Ginetta G55 GT4 at the Circuit of the Americas on March 3-6, running in the GTS class.
Despite his age Chase set numerous competitive laps in the G55 at the PWC official test. He impressed several members of the Yorkshire-based team and its US division, including factory driver Mike Simpson.
Simpson was at COTA to conduct a series of balance of performance tests as Ginetta assessed the viability of its PWC entry.
“We have worked hard to prepare the G55 for competition in the Pirelli World Challenge and we are pleased to join the program for 2016,” said Ginetta USA president Adolpho Rossi. “At the crisp age of only 15, we were excited yet admittedly a bit apprehensive about placing our program in the hands of such a young driver.”
“It’s great for Ginetta to be able to expand the brand even further into the USA,” added Simpson. “We have worked closely with Adolpho for a number of years, and this progression represents another positive step. We believe the G55 is a perfect fit for the Pirelli World Challenge, and in the hands of young Parker, it’s bound to be competitive. His lap times were competitive with mine – and I helped develop the car!”
Chase has been confirmed for the opening rounds of the 2016 championship, which visits 10 of the United States’ top road and street course venues.
