Team HARD. Racing will add to its GT Cup entry for 2020 as it expands into the GTB class of the series with its newly acquired Porsche 911, driven by Ben Clayden.
This will be Clayden’s first full season of racing after choosing to spend the 2019 season with Team HARD. Racing and it’s Ginetta GT4 test program. Clayden participated in multiple test days with the team over the course of the 2019 season, accompanied by BTCC and Ginetta SuperCup star Mike Epps who has been operating as his driver coach. Clayden made his competitive racing debut at the Britcar ‘Into the Night’ season finale, where he and his teammate Mike (Epps) claimed second in class in a race that saw some of the worst driving conditions of the season.
Clayden is looking to get stuck in on his debut. “I’m really looking forward to competing in my first full season of racing. Obviously, I’m a little nervous but overall, I am very excited to get stuck in.
It’s been great working with Mike (Epps) who has helped get me prepared and ready for the next chapter of my Motorsport adventure. I’ve tested a couple of cars with Team HARD. Racing and decided that GT racing was for me. I absolutely loved the Ginetta GT4 that I tested on multiple occasions last year, it’s challenging but very rewarding when you really push the car to its limits.
The Ginetta was originally the plan for 2020 but when Team HARD. Racing team boss Tony (Gilham) got in touch regarding the availability of their recently acquired Porsche 911 GT3 Cup I just couldn’t say no. It’s going to be an honour to race this year in one of the most iconic car brands in the world. I can’t wait to get started!”
The 2020 season will be Team HARD. Racing’s second successive season in the GT Cup series after claiming the GTA team’s championship last term. The Porsche entry with Clayden offers a new opportunity for the team to challenge for GTB and overall wins.
Tony Gilham is looking forward to seeing Clayden get behind the wheel of the Porsche. “We have been working with Ben throughout the 2019 season in our Ginetta GT4 race cars. Ben has been able to fine tune his natural racing ability and set some very fast and consistent lap times when out on track.
The Britcar finale was a perfect event for Ben to get back out on track and be involved in a very competitive championship for his race debut. He was on the pace and set some very consistent lap times. I’m confident that Ben is going to have a great first season in racing!”
First up for the GT Cup circus is media day on Thursday 27th February with the season commencing at Donington Park on 18th/19th April.