James Kell has told The Checkered Flag that he is “thrilled” to be part of the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup grid for the first time next season.
It was announced last week that Kell will compete on the BTCC support package in 2019 with reigning Supercup champions Rob Boston Racing.
Kell will make the move to the Supercup following a season in the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 Super Series, a championship he feels was the perfect place to start his career.
”Having never raced karts or competed in any other forms of motorsport, I was very much in at deep end this season,” said Kell.
“The Mazda series are extremely competitive and the cars are very finely balanced to drive, so it has been a great way to improve my skills.”
Kell plans to continue racing his MX-5 next season alongside a Ginetta G55 GT4, with the 21 year old feeling there are many similarities between the two cars.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the Mazda’s, however I also want to keep moving forwards and the Supercup to me seemed like a perfect platform,” he enthused.
“It’s a similar formula to the Mazda’s: single make, front engine, rear wheel drive, but with a lot more grip and power.
“The car exceeded every one of my expectations. I left the test at Blyton Park knowing that a Ginetta G55 was what I had to be driving next year.”
With the decision of which car to drive firmly made in his mind, the next question was which team to race with and Kell elected for Rob Boston Racing.
Led by a former Supercup race-winner himself, the Lincolnshire-based squad have enjoyed huge success in the series with two drivers’ titles in the last three seasons.
Alongside that, ‘RBR’ are a hugely successful outfit in Mazda MX-5 competition, which Kell admits is what brought them to his attention.
“I’ve seen and spoken to Rob [Boston] around the Mazda paddock and his cars are very well prepared and presented,” Kell explained.
“I was following his teams progress through Supercup and the Mazda’s, and they always place well, so they were in the front of my mind when it came to choosing a team.
“I have also followed Rob around a track so I know he is fast! He has the driving ability and experience to give me some invaluable feedback on driving the car.
“This is something which, due to my relative inexperience, will no doubt prove crucial in maintaining my personal performance gains as the season unfolds.”
With 2019 marking only his second season of car racing, Kell is realistic in his ambitions for his maiden Supercup campaign.
“It will definitely be a learning season for me, a year to understand the G55 and its capabilities,” he concluded.
“Having not raced with slicks, aero, and a paddle-shift gearbox before, it’s going to take some time to adjust my driving, but hopefully I will adapt quickly
“I want to become more competitive as the season progresses. I’m thrilled to be a part of the 2019 Supercup and look forward to the exciting challenges ahead.”
