GT4 European Series – Season Finale – Nurburgring

As the 2019 GT4 European Series draws to a close, Academy Motorsport salvaged a strong result from a difficult weekend. Taking place at the renowned Nurburgring (31st August – 1st September), the team finished its European season in style.

With two of its regular GT4 European Series drivers unable to race this weekend, Micah Stanley added to his British GT Championship role within the team to partner Tom Wood once again. Experienced GT racing driver, Finlay Hutchinson, joined Matthew Cowley in place of Will Moore in the sister car.

Sadly, Saturday’s race ended earlier than planned, due to technical issues. Following some hard work from the team during Saturday evening, both cars were ready for race two.

As they lined up on the grid ready for the final race of the season, Stanley and Hutchinson strapped themselves in for the opening stint. Having missed qualifying, Hutchinson was forced to line up at the very back of the grid and was certainly one to watch.

Within the first couple of laps, Hutchinson had raced his way through the pack, moving up six places almost immediately.

With both cars looking strong, it was time to swap drivers for the final 30 minutes of the season. Now controlled by Wood and Cowley, the pair steered their way to the chequered flag, claiming 13th and 14th place finishes.

Despite technical issues, a brief penalty and having to start at the back of the grid, Academy Motorsport dismissed any issues to claim a strong end to a difficult season.

Managing Director, Matt Nicoll-Jones, said: “We had a lot to take onboard this weekend, with a new driver, having to start at the back of the grid, and technical issues during race one, but we got through it as a team.

“Finlay was a great addition to the team. He is a strong talent and it was brilliant to have him onboard at the last minute.

“It has certainly been a very trying season for us, but we have had a strong driver line-up, with each demonstrating their pace again and again.”

Although the GT4 European Series may have ended for another season, Academy Motorsport still have one more outing to come. The team will head to Donington Park, for the British GT Championship season finale, during the 14th – 15th September.