THE NEW CREW ON THE BLOCK

It’s all change at Team BRIT Headquarters as we welcome two new crew members to the workshop. Former crew members Raquel Esteban and Dean Roberts have moved on to exciting new roles, taking big steps up in their racing careers.

Last month, Al and JJ welcomed Drew Kershaw and Brandon Souter to the team, taking on full-time roles as mechanics. It was a fast-paced start to the job, joining as Al and JJ worked at a furious pace to prepare for winter testing in Portugal and to ensure the team’s new C1 was race fit and ready for the start of the Silverlake C1 Endurance Championship.

So who are the current faces at Team BRIT HQ?

Al Locke Engineering Director

Age: 39

Hometown: Angmering, West Sussex

Previous roles: Working on karts, single seaters, saloons, GT cars

Why you joined Team BRIT: I joined to have the opportunity to combine my passions for innovative engineering and motorsport, with the added reward of working towards a level playing field for all competitors.

Best thing about the job: The team! The mix of fantastic characters all pulling together, from crew to drivers to sponsors; it’s more like being part of a family than having a job.

Predictions for the year ahead: I think we’ll see a solid championship finish for Aaron and Bob in British GT while they continue to hone their craft at the highest level in the UK, continued trophy collecting for James and Chris in their big step up to GT4, and a well-earned payoff with regular silverware for Tee and Chris after their commitment last year to learning fast - something they’ll be looking to do again this season as they tame the mighty M240i.

The rookies have already shown great promise in the C1, they’re in the perfect position to learn racecraft from the bottom up, and I’ve no doubt they’ll be looking to eye up some podiums towards the end of the season. Along with our championship campaigns, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get a few other unique events in the diary for later in the year...watch this space, it’s already shaping up to be our most exciting season to date!

ANDREW KERSHAW #2 MECHANIC

Age: 24

Hometown: Ashington, West Sussex

Previous roles: I spent just over 5 years at Ricardo UK, working in a high performance engine manufacturing facility, supplying engines to McLaren Automotive. I started as an apprentice and worked my way up to a Project Engineer before moving to Team BRIT.

Why you joined Team BRIT: I joined Team BRIT to start my career in motorsport. I have wanted to work in motor racing for as long as I can remember. After getting a good mechanical background both in a professional environment and via my hobbies I was looking for any opportunity to move into any role at a race team. Team BRIT had an opening for someone with little to no motorsport experience which sounded perfect, after reading about their goals and ambitions it looked like the perfect opportunity to live my dream and help others live theirs.

Best thing about the job: My favourite part of the job is the satisfaction of watching a car that we’ve put a lot of hard work and effort into being absolutely smashed around at track. Nothing better than seeing a race car on the limit!

Predictions for the year ahead: This year is going to be a steep learning curve for me personally, being new to the motorsport scene. But I’d like to think we can get another Britcar Championship win.

JOSH ‘JJ’ SPENCER CHIEF MECHANIC

Age: 26

Hometown: Ashington, West Sussex

Previous roles: I was an assistant manager at a Fast-Fit centre

Why you joined Team BRIT: I was really keen to move into the motorsport industry and the team offered such a unique opportunity. It’s a team like no other and I really wanted to join the mission to give people the chance to access racing, who may never have had this before.

Best thing about the job: The fast pace, the variety, the people. It’s really hard work with long hours and big challenges, but I love it. Seeing the hard work pay off with drivers who love what they’re doing is just brilliant.

Predictions for the year ahead: I’ve got really high hopes for Chris and James as they step up to GT4 racing. They were such a powerful pair last year and I think they can put in a really impressive performance again this year. Bob and Aaron will be building on last year’s experience and I think they’ll do well in class, and Tee and Paul deserve a fantastic year after their bad luck in 2022. The rookies are also set to have a brilliant first year in the C1.

BRANDON SOUTER #2 MECHANIC

Age: 24

Hometown: Worthing

Previous roles: I started my career working on go-karts – I just work on bigger ones now!

Why you joined Team BRIT: I joined Team Brit because I love the passion of the team, and the mission to be the first all-disabled team to reach Le Mans. I’m loving being a part of that journey.

Best thing about the job: The best part of the job is helping the drivers achieve success. It’s the most rewarding feeling seeing them progress and put in great performances.

Predictions for the year ahead: I expect this year we’ll challenge for the top spot in class in the British GT Championship. We’ll also be looking for many podiums in Britcar and BEC. I expect I’ll be putting up more shelves to hold more trophies!