Ollie Jackson is delighted to be confirmed as the first Group Lotus driver as the Norfolk manufacturer returns to the British GT Championship with a twin car attack on the GT4 category.
The Attleborough resident will be racing one of the new Evora GT4 cars, which will be race-prepared by CMC Motorsport, a new team managed by former touring car and sports car driver Gary Ayles.
'It's a great opportunity to drive and work for such an iconic company' said Jackson, who is a vehicle simulation engineer for the Hethel company.
He is the reigning Porsche Carrera Pro-Am 1 Champion and said: 'It nice to be part of a major series with decent grids. For me it will be a new format, longer races, pit stops and driver changes.'
The team also aims to take the 350bhp Cosworth-powered Lotus Sport UK-entered cars to some of the high-profile European GT4 events which will also help in developing Jackson's career.
The Ginetta G50 has dominated the GT4 class in Britain but team manager Ayles believes the Norfolk-built cars can offer a serious challenge and fight for the title.
'We can't wait to get our hands on the cars and start testing,' he said.
CMC Motorsport will enjoy partner status with Lotus Motorsport.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here