Former Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup and British GT driver Declan Jones has teamed up with W2R Motorsport to make his Ginetta GT5 Challenge debut this weekend at Knockhill.
Jones will replace Brett Ward in the Yorkshire squad’s entry as the GT5 Challenge makes its second appearance on the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support bill this year.
The Liverpool-based racer has plenty of experience in one-make Ginetta competition, having previously competed in Ginetta Juniors alongside the GT4 Supercup.
A race-winner in the G50 Class of the Supercup back in 2012, Jones made one-off outings in the series in 2014 and 2016 before returning full-time last season.
Jones, who races with the support of Whitley Neill Gin, took victories at Snetterton and Rockingham on his way to fourth in the championship standings.
“I can’t wait to race in the GT5 Challenge this weekend. I tested with W2R Motorsport recently and Ben [Hyland] and the team gave me a great car,” said Jones.
“Whenever I go racing I want to win, but I know the championship is hugely competitive and I don’t expect to just jump in and be at the front from the off.
“We will be working hard over practice and qualifying, and hopefully we can work our way to the podium. A huge thank you to Whitley Neill Gin for coming on-board this weekend and making this possible.”
The 23 year old, who also finished as runner-up in the GT4 class of British GT in 2013, makes his GT5 Challenge bow as Ward leaves the series.
In his maiden car-racing campaign, Ward picked up a trio of top ten race finishes and superbly qualified in the top five in the last two meetings at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
“We’re excited to welcome Declan [Jones] to the team this weekend alongside Adrian Campbell-Smith and Will Dyrdal. It’s a line-up we feel can enjoy some great success,” said W2R Motorsport’s Ben Hyland.
“Declan has lots of racing experience under his belt, so we’re confident that he’ll be able to build on some strong testing pace with us and find his feet quickly in this championship.
“Brett [Ward] showed some great progress through his first season and some bad luck prevented him getting the standout race result he deserved. We wish him all the best for the future.”
