Academy Motorsport Battles Hard at Spa

Spa-Francorchamps is never predictable, and the 2024 GT4 European Series weekend proved exactly that. Rain showers, red flags, and track limits drama created a rollercoaster event, but Academy Motorsport’s Ford Mustangs showed resilience and delivered another strong haul of results.

Unsettled Weather, Unsettled Practice

The build-up was far from straightforward. Four practice sessions across the weekend were disrupted by rain, forcing the team to juggle tyre choices and setups in constantly shifting conditions. As one engineer put it, “It’s been a big challenge to manage both tyres and setup to get the car in a reasonable window for changeable conditions.”

Qualifying mirrored the theme of unpredictability. Lap times were cancelled for track limits, and drivers had to push to the edge while avoiding costly mistakes. Despite frustrations, both Academy cars lined up ready to fight for points.

Race 1 – Fighting Back for Points

The opening two-hour contest began in chaotic fashion, with incidents at Turn 1 causing traffic and delays. Evans and Signoretti kept calm under pressure, avoiding trouble and steadily moving forward. From the depths of the pack, they climbed into the top 10 and secured P9, a gritty recovery that showed the Mustang’s pace even in messy conditions.

For Nicoll-Jones and Moore, track limit penalties derailed their progress. Despite strong pace, a drive-through meant they crossed the line outside the points in P22.

Race 2 – Building Momentum

Sunday’s race saw a more settled rhythm, and Evans/Signoretti maximised every opportunity. Clean driving and clever race management moved them into contention, and they brought home a strong P5 finish — just shy of the podium but a clear sign of progress.

Nicoll-Jones and Moore once again found themselves battling hard in the midfield, but fortune didn’t swing their way. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t crack into the points.

The Spa round may not have delivered silverware, but it underlined Academy Motorsport’s determination to fight in every circumstance. From red flags and rain showers to track limit penalties and hard-fought battles, the team left Belgium with valuable points and lessons learned.