Ginetta show how to launch a new race season.. at Portimão Circuit

While we wait for Caterham to confirm the status of its R600 and SP/300.R race series, Ginetta has taken its usual ‘no-spin’ approach by inviting prospective drivers to test its full range of race cars at Portugal’s Portimão circuit.

It’s a simple enough formula – take potential race customers to a warm track (usually in Spain or Portugal), allowing the drivers to explore the cars while their spouses or partners shop and enjoy the local delights. It’s called ‘going the extra mile’ and is something Ginetta’s Chairman, Lawrence Tomlinson, is a firm believer in.

Read: The Great and The British: Part 2 – Lawrence Tomlinson and Ginetta.

The pre-season test officially introduces the company’s highest-specification GT car, the 4.35-Litre V8 G55 GT3, which proved itself a race winner during 2012 with multiple victories in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship, plus fourth place overall.

Also on hand will be the four-time British GT4 Championship-winning car and Ginetta’s most popular model to date – the G50 GT4. The G50 GT4 has won championships in every year of its competition, and is eligible for entry in GT races across Europe.

Drivers interested in the BTCC-supporting Ginetta GT Supercup are also invited to test the 3.7-litre V6 G55 Cup car – subject to availability, while also on hand will be the entry-level G40 Challenge car which runs in support of the British GT series.

Ginetta Head of Sales, Mike Simpson said; “We encourage any drivers interested in the Ginetta Championships or GT racing to attend our Portimão test days, where they experience first-hand what Ginetta race cars have to offer.

“Our GT3 and GT4 cars are proven to be affordable, outright winners in GT racing, whilst the G40 & G55 cup cars offer the ideal starting block for both new and experienced drivers looking to gain vital experience before moving onto GT4 or GT3.”

If you’d like to sample the delights of Leeds’ finest, make sure you register with mike.simpson@ginetta.com by Friday 1st February. Sounds like a great excuse to escape these winter blues..