Beechdean AMR Bank the Points

The opening round of the 2016 British GT Championship saw Beechdean AMR’s GT3 and GT4 cars both finish fifth in their individual classes. Reigning British GT Champion, Andrew Howard and Aston Martin Racing factory driver Ross Gunn were able to show an abundance of pace all weekend.

Howard and Gunn were forced to start at the back of the GT3 grid for the 2 hour race at Brands Hatch. The GT3 car was unable to take part in the British GT AM qualifying session on Saturday, due to Howard's ELMS commitments at Silverstone.

Despite the setback Howard was able to make waves in the first stint, gaining 6 places in the first hour - much of which was held under a Virtual Safety Car period to repair barriers from an earlier multi-car incident. At the hour mark, a quick pit stop and driver change ensured the #1 car joined the circuit in fifth place. Gunn, now at the wheel fought hard to find a way past the Lamborghini in front, but to no avail with the race being stopped 22 minutes before its intended conclusion.

Howard commented on the race saying, “We had no expectation due to starting at the back of a strong field, so finishing fifth was a real shock. It's was a shame we got so little racing but it’s a great venue”

“I have really enjoyed the first weekend of British GT.” commented Gunn “The car was well balanced all weekend and I felt comfortable driving it. Andrew did a great job in the first stint to overtake almost half of the GT3 field. This is a great point’s haul considering where we started”


The double British GT GT4 championship winning Beechdean Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4 car, driven by GT newcomers Jack Bartholomew and Jordan Albert finished a creditable fifth. Despite Brands Hatch being a circuit normally ill-suited to the Aston GT4’s, Beechdean were hunting for a win all the way until the latter stages. A clash with a GT3 car at Paddock Hill bend put paid to their chances and thus the team had to settle for points and no podium.

Following the race, Jordan Albert commented, saying, “It was a decent first British GT weekend overall at Brands Hatch. It was good to grab some points, and now we know what to expect for the next race at Rockingham. Overall it was a great team effort this weekend.”

Team mate Jack Bartholomew repeated this sentiment saying, “I went into the weekend with no real expectations. We made a good, fast and well timed stop. The team did an awesome job. I learnt a lot and I can't wait for Rockingham!”

Source material - Beechdean