Cowley's GT Mustang Test

Former Aston Martin Academy driver, and US FF1600 Champion, Matt Cowley, will switch to Academy Motorsport’s new Ford Mustang for British GT’s Media Day test at Snetterton on Tuesday.

Cowley with one of Academy’s Mustangs at Autosport International

The 22-year-old from Stalybridge rose to prominence in 2017, winning not only the US Formula Ford title but also being awarded the SCCA’s President’s Cup (previous holders including Roger Penske, Skip Barber, Bobby Rahal, Jim Hall and Paul Newman). He joined Academy Motorsport last year, racing an Aston Martin Vantage in the GT4 European Series but is now evaluating a switch to British GT and Academy’s new Mustang GT4.

Cowley showed outstanding pace in his first season of GT racing

With three of its four British GT seats now taken, Academy’s Team Principal, Matt Nicol-Jones is keen to see him make the switch to the British GT grid in what many believe will be one of 2020’s standout cars. Speaking to us earlier, Nicol-Jones said: “It’s great to have Matt with us for the British GT Media Day. He showed us what pace he has last year, and again when he tested with us in the Mustang in November. He’s an all-round package and we’re hoping that he can get the budget support he deserves and is able to sign with us.”

Finding the funding : These are difficult times for many young professional drivers and sadly, speed alone doesn’t always secure the funding necessary to promote careers. Cowley made a sure-footed transition from single seaters to GT cars and ought to be in the title hunt if new sponsorship can be found, so Tuesday’s test won’t only be an opportunity to show what he can do behind the wheel, it will also be an important tool in presenting partnership opportunities to potential backers.

Cowley returned to single seaters at the Formula Ford Festival, finishing 3rd in the Final

“Last year was my first season in a GT car and it was simply fantastic.” said Cowley. “Working with Aston Martin gained me incredible experience but when I tested the Mustang in November, I instantly knew that this is where I wanted to be. Everyone is firmly behind me, wanting this to happen, so now it’s up to me and my family to push even harder to find the backing we need to compete in British GT.”

Report and Images by Steve Hindle & Howard Fielding

* The BlackStuff is attending British GT’s Media Day test and we’ll bring you all the important news and unique images from the day.

Written By

Steve Hindle

Steve has lived his life with motor sport; from childhood years as a fan, to racing around the greatest tracks in Europe, first as a driver and later as a team principal. Today he's a familiar sight trackside and in the pit lane, notebook in one hand, camera in another, capturing moments and contributing to some of the leading titles in motor sport and automotive media.