Two all new BMW M4 Gen II head to the British GT grid this season for Century Motorsport. After great success with the BMW M4’s F82 model in 2018 and 2021, Century are ready to dominate again with the new spec G82, already gaining silverware in the Dubai 24 Hours.
The longest consecutive running team in British GT, now in their 15th season, Century bring two new Pro-Am pairings to the championship in 2023. Carl Cavers with Lewis Plato, and Chris Salkeld with Michael Johnston. Reigning Porsche Sprint Challenge Am champion, Carl Cavers has been coached by Plato for the last three years, and first paired up with him in 2021 in the GT Cup. Chris Salkeld will be returning for his third year with the Century team, but will this time be joined by Michael Johnston who Salkeld has been coaching the last year in GT Academy.
After racing in Ferrari Challenge, British Endurance Championship and winning the Am title in the Porsche Sprint Challenge last year, Cavers has decided to take on British GT.
“After a successful season in 2022 winning the ‘Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge’ Am Championship in the Cayman GT4 it seemed like a logical step to enter British GT to take my racing to the next level, it’s going to be special sharing the car with Pro Lewis Plato who has coached me for the last 3 years. Century Motorsport have a great reputation and have demonstrated that they have what it takes to win at this level and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of their new BMW GT4 Gen II”.
Co-driver Lewis Plato has predominantly raced in Porsches the past few years with fantastic success, and also took part in the British GT championship 8 years ago in the GT3 class.
“I am excited to be making a return to British GT since I last competed in the series in 2015.
Century is a great team which has had lots of success over the years, I hope to continue this with Carl in the Pro/AM class. Me and Carl have been working together now for 4 years, British GT will be a great platform to keep the development moving forward.”
In Century’s second BMW, Chris Salkeld returns for his third year with the team, and after their success in Dubai with the new car, can’t wait to get into the season with the Gen 2.
“I’m over the moon to be returning to British GT for a 3rd season and to be partnering with MJ is a project years in the making,” he said. “I’ve been working closely with MJ during his debut season in motorsport where he raced in the Ginetta Academy and to be joining forces this season is very special for both of us.
“I’m also very happy to confirm that the legendary “Harriott’s Chariot” will be returning and as always a huge thank you to Ainsley and his team for their continued support this year along with my other sponsors.”
“I have to give a special thank you to MJ for putting his faith in me this season and for taking me along for the ride. We had a great start to the year in Dubai with Carl and Lewis alongside us for the 24hr race and here’s to hoping both cars can build off that debut podium in the Gen 2 and continue the momentum into the season.”
With only one full season of racing in a Ginetta G56 in the GT Academy with Century, Michael Johnston makes the leap up to the BMW GT4 in the British GT Championship.
“Almost 20 years ago, I played a computer game called TOCA Race Driver. The game had British GT Championship cars and I dreamt of having the opportunity to race in the Championship,” he told us. “In 2023, the dream has turned to reality. I am so happy and proud to say that I am a British GT driver with Century Motorsport in the BMW M4 GT4.”
“Last year was my first full season of motorsport, racing in the Ginetta GT Academy. Prior to that, I’ve competed in a couple of Ginetta G40 races so my experience is very limited – I’m under no illusions that I’m going to have to work extremely hard to get myself to the standard of the other bronze drivers if we want a successful season.”
“Dan Hughes of Radix has been a massive part of this journey, so a special thanks to him for all his help and support. We will also have our charity partner, Andy’s Man Club on the car this year – I look forward to spreading awareness about this charity that’s close to my heart.”
“I had a brilliant year with Century last year and they exhibited their world class credentials when we got on the podium at the Dubai 24 hours at the start of this year. Hopefully it’s the first of many in the amazing BMW M4 GT4.”
Team Principal, Nathan Freke said “We’re really excited to be joining the British gt grid for another season with 2 brand new BMW M4’s and 2 exciting driver line ups. We’ve had a tremendous track record with the older generation M4’s and from what we’ve seen so far, the newer generation M4 is a big step forward.
All four drivers competed in Dubai 24, which is a great winter test programme and we came away with a trophy. All drivers gelled well and it was a great dynamic.”
“This is the first season in a while that we don’t have a silver/silver line-up in our squad, but we feel that we have a good shot at the title with both cars. We are relishing the challenge and I’m looking forward to the season with Chris, Michael, Carl and Lewis.”
The British GT season kicks off Easter Weekend 8-10 April at Oulton Park.