Breakell Racing are set for an increased challenge in Ginetta racing this season, with a first set of four drivers signed up to compete across the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 SuperCup and Ginetta GT Academy championships.
The Lancashire based team made their Ginetta debut in 2021 and immediately proved themselves as a front-running force in the ultra-competitive one-make championships, with standout performances in the GT4 SuperCup, Juniors and GT5 Challenge across the season.
After running a single car for Reece Somerfield in the GT4 SuperCup last year, the team are expanding to at least a three car entry for the forthcoming campaign. Somerfield returns with the team, to be joined by championship debutants Wes Pearce and Sam Callahan.
A major change for the GT4 SuperCup this season sees the introduction of the new Ginetta G56 GT4 to the series. An upgrade on the previous G55 model, the 6.2 litre V8 powered machine is set to produce the fastest ever one-make Ginetta racing.
Somerfield will pilot a G56 GT4 as he prepares to embark on his 11th consecutive season in the championship. The former race-winner narrowly missed out on a podium result with Breakell Racing last year, taking a quartet of fourth place finishes, and he has silverware in sights this time around.
Pearce will join Somerfield in racing a G56. The Surrey based driver started his career competing in top-level motorbike racing, before transitioning to four wheels in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge. He contested the GT Academy last year and excelled with two class wins and eight podium finishes.
Completing the team’s GT4 SuperCup line-up as it stands is Callahan, who remains with the team after a strong Ginetta debut in the GT5 Challenge season finale last year. The Essex racer will race one of the older G55 cars this season as he takes the next step in his young racing career.
Alongside their expanded GT4 SuperCup entry, the team will be competing in the GT Academy for the first time. They will run a GTA specification G56 for racing novice Leo Karavasili, who will be competing on the track and the slopes this year as one of Britain’s top ranked skiers on the international alpine circuit.
James Breakell - Team Principal: “After a fantastic season racing with Ginetta last year, we’re delighted to be back with an expanded programme for 2022. With big grids, close racing and great exposure alongside the BTCC and British GT, Ginetta provides a perfect package for us as a team and our drivers.
“The introduction of the Ginetta G56 to the GT4 SuperCup is very exciting and we’re looking forward to getting to grips with the new cars. Reece has huge experience in GT4 machinery, so we’ve got no doubt he’ll adapt well to the G56 and be a competitive force once again.
“After working with Wes and Sam at points last season, it’s great to have both with us for a full campaign this year. Wes showed brilliant speed in the GT Academy last year and should adapt well to the GT4, while the G55 will give Sam a fantastic platform to build his experience in GT racing.
“Ginetta really impressed us with the GT Academy package last year, so it was a no brainer for us to join the grid this season and we’re looking forward to seeing how Leo progresses through the season. It’s shaping up to be an exciting year and there’s lots more news to come.”
The GT4 SuperCup is Ginetta’s flagship championship and has acted as a launchpad for drivers into top level GT racing for over a decade. The series will once again race alongside the British Touring Car Championship for seven events in 2022, with live television coverage on ITV4.
The GT Academy meanwhile is Ginetta’s entry-level championship, providing drivers with a competitive and cost effective route into GT racing. The series will predominantly feature alongside the British GT Championship, with races streamed live on Ginetta’s YouTube channel, as well as a single appearance with the BTCC at Oulton Park.