A strong end to the season for Academy Motorsport

The 2018 GT4 European Series came to a head at the Nurburgring last weekend (15th – 16th September). After six rounds and 12 races, the championship was decided in the final race of the season, with Academy Motorsport claiming a strong conclusion.

Reunited one final time, Fiona James and Academy Motorsport’s head honcho, Matt Nicoll-Jones, joined together to share the team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race car.

In the driving seat for race one, James immediately made progress through the field. After maintaining a strong pace in the first half, she handed the car over to Nicoll-Jones without fault at half distance.

A series of competitive lap times ensured the Academy Motorsport Aston Martin crossed the finish line in one piece, narrowly missing out on a top 10 class position.

With Nicoll-Jones behind the wheel for the start of the season ending outing, the team were forced to vacate their 20th place grid slot to start from the pit lane. As he steered his way around the opening lap, he was fortunate enough to miss a first lap clash between a number of cars, which called for the release of the safety car.

As officials tended to the stricken vehicles and debris strewn across the circuit, the safety car neutralised conditions for the first 19 minutes.

Racing conditions soon resumed, just in time for the mandatory pit stop window. A late stop for Academy Motorsport allowed Nicoll-Jones the chance to make good progress, to land in the top 20 before handing over to James for the remaining stint.

A solid performance once again from James meant the team secured another strong result, to narrowly forego a top 10 position.

Commenting on the GT4 European Series finale, Matt Nicoll-Jones said: “It was great to secure two strong results once again. Fiona’s pace was consistent and the team worked brilliantly all weekend, as they usually do.

“It’s been a good season, the GT4 European Series is an extremely competitive grid but it’s a superb championship to be a part of. We plan to return in 2019 and will announce further plans shortly.”

The team now switch focus to their second season finale in as many weeks. This coming weekend marks the conclusion of the 2018 British GT Championship. Both Academy Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race cars feature prominently in the GT4 Championship, with the team hopeful of securing a strong finish to the season.