Century Motorsport is thrilled to announce the return of Michael Johnston and Chris Salkeld to its lineup for the upcoming British GT Championship season. Building on their success in the GT4 class last year, Johnston and Salkeld are poised to elevate their careers as they step up to compete in the GT3 Silver-Am class with the team.
The decision to move up to the GT3 class represents a significant milestone in Johnston and Salkeld’s racing journey, reflecting their determination to compete at the highest level. With the support of Century Motorsport and their combined experience behind the wheel, they are poised to make a strong impression in the fiercely competitive GT3 category.
Johnston started racing with Century in the Ginetta GT Academy back in 2022, with Salkeld coaching him before stepping up to the GT4 in British GT in 2023, where we went on to win the Pro-Am with Salkeld. The pair then had their first outing in the GT3 car in the Dubai 24H in January this year with Century Motorsport.
Commenting on their return, Michael Johnston expressed, “After an incredible first year in British GT in the GT4 class, including an overall win in Portimao and the Pro-Am title – Chris and I are delighted to make the step up to GT3 for 2024.”
“After driving the BMW M4 GT3 in Dubai for the first time in January, the step up is massive – I think even bigger than the Ginetta GT Academy to GT4 last year.” He continued, “But I’m looking forward to the challenge. Winning our class in the Dubai 24 hours was such a good way to start our first year in a GT3 car.”
“I have to say an absolutely massive thank you to Dan Hughes of Radix, Ainsley Harriot and all of our other amazing supporters and sponsors. The success of Century Motorsport speaks for itself but I am delighted that I get to spend another year with this brilliant team, it was a no-brainer after the success of last year and the support I received from every member of the team throughout the season. I’m also delighted to be back in a BMW, it definitely makes the step up to GT3 easier when it’s with such a driver-focussed brand.”
Salkeld meanwhile, has been a firm fixture in the Century garage since 2021, after making the move up from Ginetta’s in SuperCup to BMW’s in British GT.
“I am so incredibly excited to finally announce our move to GT3 with BMW & Century Motorsport” Chris Salkeld added, “After an incredible debut season together, winning the GT4 Pro/Am championship and the 3hrs of Portimao outright this was always the logical choice for MJ and I.”
“We had a fantastic start in the car in Dubai winning our class but we both know we can’t take any of this early success for granted and must keep pushing if we’re to have any chance of repeating last year,” Salkeld said. “I have to say a huge thanks to Century, I have to give a special shout out to all the guys and girls within the team for all they’ve done for me these past few years. This isn’t a team, it’s a family and I am so proud & happy to be making the long awaited step up to GT3 with them.”
Nathan Freke, Team Principal, remarked, “We are thrilled to have Michael and Chris back with us for the upcoming season. It’s great how they have climbed the century ladder and to have them as customers for so long. Their experience and skill behind the wheel are invaluable assets to the team, and we have every confidence in their ability to succeed in the GT3 class.”
With Century Motorsport’s British GT line up now complete, anticipation builds for the start of the season which starts at Oulton Park on Easter weekend.