2019 G40 Cup champion Chris Salkeld is stepping up to British GT this year with 2018 British GT4 champions Century Motorsport in a BMW M4 GT4.
Back in December, the Fenny Compton based team announced that another of their 2020 Ginetta GT4 SuperCup drivers was stepping up to British GT [Gus Burton]. Now the team can confirm that Salkeld, who also raced with Century in last year’s Ginetta SuperCup, will be behind the wheel of the team’s second BMW M4 GT4.
29-year-old Salkeld has been racing for just three years. In 2019 (his second year of competitive motorsport) the Leeds based driver lifted the Ginetta G40 Cup championship title in his debut attempt, taking five wins, five pole positions, seven fastest laps and 13 podiums.
Last year, Salkeld finished as runner up in the SuperCup Pro-Am Class standings – just behind seasoned racer Colin White. He took four out of a possible five podiums across the two rounds he competed in with Century Motorsport.
Complete with a new EVO upgrade for 2021 along with factory support that is second to none, the BMW M4 GT4 is set to be a fierce competitor in this year’s British GT Championship. Century Motorsport are working closer than ever with BMW Motorsport, who will be looking to select a new group of drivers for the 2022 BMW Junior Programme.
Team Owner, Nathan Freke, is currently in discussion with several drivers to partner Salkeld however the seat is still currently open. Should you wish to discuss this opportunity, please contact nathan@century-motorsport.com or phone 01295770115.
Freke:
“I’m very happy that Chris has stayed within the Century family and progressed up into British GT. Whilst Chris has only been racing for 3 years, he has the right approach and has a good talent.
I’m looking forward to getting testing with the cars and drivers. With the new EVO upgrade I’m sure we are going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Salkeld:
“I’m over the moon to be making my debut in BGT with Century and BMW. It was a no-brainer for us to team up again for 2021. After only 2 weekends with the team last year, I knew instantly it was the right decision and I cannot wait to get started on the upcoming season.
Having joined Century, I was instantly blown away by their professionalism, attention to detail and knowledge of the cars they run, both in British GT and elsewhere. It’s an honour to be a part of such a great team with an incredible legacy, along with working closely with one of the world’s biggest car manufacturers in BMW.
Century have an incredible history of developing drivers into top GT stars and I’m excited about what our future holds together. We have to be pragmatic with our expectations this year as we move into the highest category of GT racing UK has to offer in only 3 short years of motor racing, but after a tricky 2020 I’ve got my fire back and will be working harder than I ever have to get back on that top step.
A huge thanks to everyone at Ainsley Harriott Food Company and Cooplands Bakery for making this season possible, along with all my other sponsors. I know it’s incredibly difficult times currently for everyone and I cannot thank you enough for your continued support.
Brands Hatch cannot come any sooner!!!”