Reigning Ginetta GT5 Challenge champion James Kellett has been left without a full-time race drive in 2016 after being unable to garner the new financial backing required to secure an opportunity.
Kellett was the star driver in the Challenge last season, winning the title at the first attempt despite being the youngest driver on the grid in his first season of senior car-racing.
Running with Total Control Racing, the 18 year old picked up ten race wins, eight other podium finishes, five fastest laps and six pole positions across the twenty-one race season.
Those results have been recognised by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, who have selected him to become part of the BRDC Rising Star programme for the first time this year.
Despite those successes, the former Ginetta Junior Rookie champion, Winter Series champion and overall vice-champion hasn’t been able to secure the sponsors required to get a full-season drive together this year.
In the meantime, Kellett has been hired by leading Ginetta Junior outfit Douglas Motorsport to pass on his knowledge and experience to their latest crop of teenage talents.
With Kellett’s support, the team currently lead both the overall championship and Rookie Cup with Stuart Middleton and Daniel Harper respectively.
Despite his early success in that role, Kellett is eager to get back on the race track as soon as possible and hopes to secure some one-off drives through the season.
“I’m very disappointed about not racing this year and it’s really hard watching on, especially when I know I’m good enough to be out there,” said Kellett.
“This is how it is though and my family have supported me up to now but just can’t do it anymore, and I understand that.
“This is how the motorsport world is today, if you can’t pay you can’t race! Having said that, I’m enjoying my instructing and loving the opportunity Douglas has offered me of Junior Team Manager.”
Anyone who can support Kellett are asked to contact his father Lee on [email protected] or 07860 852392.
