Ginetta have today (13/1/2017) confirmed their intentions to launch a Young Driver Development Programme as part of their ongoing commitment to the support of young racing talent. The first names to join the scheme are British driver Jordan Sanders, Frenchman Remy Deguffroy and American racers Parker Chase and Harry Gottsacker.
Building upon their existing roster of factory driving talent, which includes Michael Simpson and Charlie Robertson, the Ginetta Young Driver Development Programme will support rising stars from across the globe by offering worldwide driving opportunities in range of Ginetta cars.
The quartet will support existing customers across Ginetta’s GT and Prototype commitments whilst working closely with Simpson and Robertson to continue to build on their racing careers. When not competing, the drivers will join the Ginetta Development Team on their test days to expand their knowledge of driver feedback, set up changes and data analysis whilst working on Ginetta’s new-for-2017 simulator at their Leeds base.
Jordan Sanders, Driver; “Being chosen by Ginetta to join their Young Driver Development Programme is a great opportunity for me having just completed my first year in car racing. I’m incredibly excited to join the Ginetta family they are a great bunch of people and to be racing a full season of V de V with Remy in 2017 is absolutely fantastic.”
Parker Chase, Driver; “I am very excited to further my relationship with Ginetta. They played an extremely important role in my 2016 success with the Pirelli World Challenge. I appreciate Lawrence, Ewan and the whole Ginetta team for believing in me and offering me continued opportunities.”
Ewan Baldry, Ginetta Managing Director; “This is another fantastic initiative by Ginetta as we continue to recognise and nurture young racing talent from around the world. The drivers chosen will be completely immersed in the Ginetta team as we provide them with some fantastic opportunities – both on and off the track – to develop into a professional racing driver. In all cases, Jordan, Parker, Harry and Remy have demonstrated exceptional driving talent and we look forward to taking them further in their careers.”
17-year-old Sanders made his car racing debut in 2016 after graduating from a six year career in karting. Initially joining the V de V Championship in a CN car, he switched to the Ginetta G57-P2 for the final three rounds of the season at Mugello, Magny Cours and Estoril.
Texan Parker Chase made Pirelli World Challenge history last year. Like Sanders, 2016 marked the 15-year-old’s first season of competitive car racing, with Chase named Rookie of the Year and finishing fourth overall on his debut in PWC with the Ginetta G55 GT4 car. Chase’s teammate in Pirelli World Challenge, Harry Gottsacker also impressed on his debut in the series as a part of the Performance Motorsports Group team.
Sanders’ teammate from 2016, Remy Deguffroy joins the programme after a successful debut in the Ginetta G57-P2, which saw the 21 year old take no less than two podium positions during his first season with the car.
