Academy Motorsport strengthens title charge with two rounds to go

Academy Motorsport continued its strong form at Donington Park last weekend (19th-20th September) with a dominant pole position, strengthening the team’s title hopes.

Following a GT4 victory last time out at Brands Hatch, there was a lot of expectation this time around. Continuing their strong form, drivers Jordan Albert and Matt Cowley steered the Ford Mustang to its first pole position in the hands of Academy Motorsport.

Sunday afternoon saw the 24-car British GT Championship grid storm into action around Redgate and through the challenging Craner Curves. After a commanding start, first stint driver Matt Cowley held onto a strong position, to lead the way by an outstanding margin. Knowing the team had a 20 second deficit to make up, Cowley was determined to make as much as progress as possible from the off.

A three-hour battle ensued, as Albert and Cowley traded one another for the driving seat during multiple pit stops. The pit stops saw the team faced with a 20 second success penalty, following the success at Brands Hatch.

Despite this, Albert steered his way through the final stint, challenging the McLaren 570S GT4 ahead of him, to finish in second place, a mere 1.2 seconds adrift of victory.

Commenting on the team’s successful weekend, Managing Director, Matt Nicoll-Jones, said: “I’m thrilled with our performance at the weekend. To claim the victory at Brands Hatch was unbelievable, but to continue that form at Donington Park, with pole position and second place is fantastic.

“Obviously we would have preferred another win, but considering the challenge of the 20-second success penalty in the pit stops, I think we can be really pleased with our performance. Especially considering how close it was at the end.”

Academy Motorsport now sit just one and a half points adrift of the top of the points table, with two rounds remaining. One thing for sure is that the battle for GT4 Championship honours is going to be thrilling.

The next round of the British GT Championship will take place at Snetterton, during 3rd-4th October.
The team also has a number of test days available for potential drivers for next season, with its European testing programme beginning at the start of 2021. Interested drivers should contact Academy Motorsport directly:
Tel: 01905 840085
Email: info@academymotorsport.com