Toyota Gazoo Racing UK enlists Army support for British GT finale

Toyota Gazoo Racing UK is eager to conclude the 2024 British GT Championship campaign on a high at Brands Hatch this weekend, (28-29 September), after joining forces with the British Army in its quest for podium glory.
 
As part of an innovative engagement exercise designed to raise awareness of recruitment possibilities, the Army will trade the battlefield for the racetrack in its drive to promote its commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), its dynamic career opportunities as the largest apprenticeship provider in the UK and its own thriving motorsport community.
 
From cutting-edge engineering to motorsport mechanics, the British Army offers an exciting pathway for those looking to combine their passion for high performance with a rewarding career. Its Brands Hatch activation will feature live demonstrations, giving racegoers a taste of the Army’s technological prowess while offering them the chance to try out hands-on simulators and interact with key personnel to learn more about the diverse roles available.
 
To add to the spectacle, the Army’s parachute display team, the world-renowned ‘Red Devils’, will jump onto the grid from an evocative World War Two ‘Dakota’ aircraft – previously used in the D-Day landings – just prior to the start of Sunday’s race in an exhilarating display of technical skill, military precision, discipline and teamwork, all of which are qualities similarly required for British GT Championship success.
 
Sporting a unique camouflage livery courtesy of a full military makeover by the British Army Motorsport Association (BAMA), the Speedworks Motorsport-prepared Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo will be shared by British Army motorsport ambassador Michael O’Brien and Benjamin Tusting.
 
The pair previously piloted the striking 443bhp Japanese sportscar in the Creventic 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi back in January, placing third in-class. While historic racing specialist Tusting will be making his British GT debut at Brands Hatch, O’Brien has several years’ experience in the series and was a title contender in 2020. In evidence of its pedigree and pace, the race-winning Supra reached the rostrum in the championship’s fiercely-disputed GT4 category in the hands of Dan Vaughan and Kavi Jundu at Donington Park earlier this season.
 
Both Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s two-hour race will be broadcast live on SRO’s GT World YouTube channel.
 
Col. Rich Hall MBE, Head of British Army Engagement, said:
 
“High-profile motorsport is the perfect platform to demonstrate shared values and highlight the opportunities available through an Army career. By showcasing our involvement in this thrilling sport, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, mechanics and leaders to join us. The Army offers more than just a lifestyle; it’s a chance to develop high-demand skills that are transferable across many industries.”
 
Michael O’Brien, Driver, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK, said:
 
“I’m honoured to represent the British Army as it looks to showcase its dynamic career opportunities and engage with the motorsport community during the British GT finale at Brands Hatch. I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo and pushing to finish the season with a good result. We’ve got a great team and having enjoyed success at the beginning of the year, the goal is very much the same this time around.”
 
Benjamin Tusting, Driver, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK, said:
 
“I’m really honoured to be racing in this year’s British GT Championship finale at Brands Hatch. Having followed the series for many years, I can’t quite believe I will be racing in it; this really is a tick off the bucket list! Working with Speedworks and the British Army is a real highlight for me, so hopefully this won’t be a one-off. Everyone has been so welcoming, and the car looks great. Bring on race day!”

Danny Buxton, Head of Motorsport, Speedworks Motorsport, said:
 
“Speedworks Motorsport is very proud to support the British Army and to help promote the exciting opportunities that exist in our respective organisations. The season finale is set to be a spectacular battle and we are looking to be as competitive as ever.
 
“Heightening this excitement has been the chance to work with the Army over the last few months, which has been a real eye-opener; the shared values and broader similarities between motorsport and soldiering are clear and positive. We hope this collaboration will give us an edge on the track as we fight for a podium finish.”
 
For more information about British Army jobs and recruitment opportunities, click here

ENDS