Academy Motorsport Confirms Erik Evans and Nathan Vanspringel for 2026 GT4 European Series Campaign
Pershore, Worcestershire – 02/04/2026 – Academy Motorsport is pleased to confirm that Erik Evans and Nathan Vanspringel will pilot the team’s No. 61 Ford Mustang GT4 in the 2026 GT4 European Series. Both drivers compete under the Ford Racing Development Driver programme, marking a significant alignment between the team and Ford Performance’s driver development pathway.
Evans returns to Academy Motorsport, having previously represented the team, bringing proven familiarity with the Ford Mustang GT4 and a clear understanding of what is required to challenge at the front of the GT4 European field. Vanspringel joins him as co-driver, with both drivers bringing the ambition and capability that Ford’s development programme demands of its emerging talent.
“We’re extremely pleased to confirm Erik and Nathan in the No. 61 car for 2026,” said Team Manager Les Jones. “Having two Ford Racing Development Drivers in the team is a reflection of the confidence Ford Racing has in Academy Motorsport as the right environment to develop their talent. Both drivers have real ability, and we’re looking forward to giving them the platform to demonstrate that across the season.”
“This is a great opportunity and one I’m fully committed to,” said Erik Evans. “The team knows the Mustang GT4 inside out, and working alongside Nathan, I think we have everything we need to have a strong season.”
Nathan Vanspringel added: “Joining Academy Motorsport for 2026 is a really exciting step. The team’s record speaks for itself, and being part of the Ford Racing Development Driver programme alongside Erik gives us a strong foundation to build from.”
The 2026 GT4 European Series gets underway in April at Circuit Paul Ricard, with rounds across France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
About Academy Motorsport
Academy Motorsport is a professional motorsport team based in Honeybourne, Evesham, and is an official partner team of Multimatic Motorsports and Ford Racing. The team has pioneered the racing programme of the Ford Mustang GT4 in Europe and competes in both the British GT Championship and GT4 European Series.
Academy Motorsport won the 2023 British GT4 Championship and has established itself as one of the most successful GT4 teams in the UK. The team’s racing history includes the 2015 British GT4 Teams’ Championship and consistent podium finishes across multiple seasons.
For 2025 and 2026, Academy Motorsport fields the latest Ford Mustang S650 GT4, prepared and run to the highest professional standards. The team is led by owner and driver Matt Nicoll-Jones.
In addition to its racing programme, Academy Motorsport specialises in corporate events, private track days, race tuition, race car preparation, and car sales and sourcing.
For media enquiries, please contact: Matt Nicoll-Jones matt@academymotorsport.com
