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PRIVILEGE INSURANCE BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP |
23/06/2001 |
Johnsons Motorsport Esprit |
Good Progress, Quickly |
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After a delayed Privilege debut at Croft, the Johnsons Motorsport GTO Lotus Esprit Twin Turbo is suddenly finding its feet very quickly, with drivers Matt Johnson and Robert Ross moving closer to the pace from race to race..
Anyone who doubts this pair's ability to succeed should look closely at the records. Both drivers bring impressive credentials to back up their British GT campaign. Between them, the driving squad has racked up five national titles (1987 FF2000, 1992 Clio Cup, 1994 Fiesta Challenge, 1996 VW Vento Cup all won by Matt Johnson, and 1999 Proton Coupe Challenge won by Robert Ross).
Under no illusions that the GT racing is a wholly different proposition, Matt and Robert are treating the remainder of the 2001 season as a very extended testing session for the car, before embarking on a GTO title assault in 2002. Already - at Castle Combe, Round 7 - they're within 2.6 seconds of the class pole.
There was a familiar face in the team’s garage at the Rockingham round; Will Gollop, ex British and European Rallycross champion, has been helping the team to develop the complex twin turbo Lotus V8. "Will’s input has been invaluable," reckoned Robert Ross. "He has stacks of experience with the Lotus engine." (Gollup engineered the (now Mike Haines Racing run) GT2 Esprit in the Privilege Championship in 1997).
So we have a successful driver pairing that knows how to win races, driving for a team with a long term game plan. It’s just what British GT racing needs at the moment.
Graham Goodwin. |
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