IMS Motorsport Ready for the Challenge of British GT4

17 March 2008

A new name is on the grid and looking to make a big splash in the British GT Championship in 2008. IMS Motorsport, sponsored by IMS Consulting with Race preparation, support and management supplied by Richmond Racing will also be joining MSportUK.com as a featured team.

The team took delivery of its GT4 specification Ginetta G50 on the morning of the Media Day a little over two weeks ago. Having sent up Race Mechanics Paul and Trevor earlier in the week the team were doubtful that the car would be ready to use around the Silverstone International circuit. Richmond Racing would like to thank all involved at Ginetta Cars and Team LNT for their help and dedication in making sure that the car was ready to take part in the three hour pre-season test session. Of course, both Stewart Linn and Matt Nicoll-Jones are already familiar with the G50 cars, but it all helps to get in the driving seat of the actual car you are going to race for the season. Paul and Trevor worked alongside the LNT Mechnanics and Technicians, working longs days to ensure that the Media Day was a success for the team.

Stewart took the wheel for the factory-fresh car's first ever laps! The 2004/2006 Ginetta Senior Champion brought the car in after only completing the outlap as there was smoke coming into the cockpit. The team quickly checked the car, to ensure nothing was wrong and quickly diagnosed a simple 'residue' issue on the heat shielding, nothing to worry about. Stewart went out again and with everything going well, quickly acclimatised himself to the car and the track.

Stewart ended his stint in the car and after initial checks, some changes were made to get more heat into the tyres before Matt got his first taste behind the steering wheel of a GT4 specification G50.

After a number of laps Matt brought the car in and with the tyre temperatures moving towards where the team wanted them, some form of setup was being approached. Matt had a long run in the car, with Stewart ending the session. Both drivers were very impressed with the car, especially as it was literally out of the box and had, had no setup work done on it before arriving at the circuit.

The team were also very impressed with both car and drivers. Richard Hollebon commented, "We're stunned, the car was only finished the evening before and to be honest we weren't expecting too much from today. To have got a car and one that ran so well is testimony to Ginetta Cars and Team LNTs hard work and dedication. We now need to pick up the baton and continue the great work that's already been done so far. The season is going to be a great spectacle. I predict some close racing, especially between the G50 brethren! It's going to be great for the team, drivers, our supporters and the spectators, we just can't wait until the Easter weekend at Oulton Park. We are looking forward to delivering IMS Motorsport an excellent debut season in one of the world’s toughest Motorsport Championships. We are right where we want to be.”

The team's progress will be reported throughout the season both on the Richmond Racing web site and their MSportUK Featured Team page.

DS

See 2008 series calendar for British GT Championship

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