Croydon’s budding British GT star Bradley Ellis is looking good for the first rounds of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship over the Easter weekend at Oulton Park, Cheshire, and that’s not just because his Dodge Viper has been topping the timesheets in practice. The 19-year-old from Croydon has also managed to scoop himself sponsorship from a leading salon – the GENT Grooming Emporium, in South Purley, Croydon.
Ellis is set to sport the very best of the latest hairstyles throughout the 2007 season, with GENT, located on Whytecliff Road, South Purley, promising to help Ellis look podium perfect with a new style at each of the race weekends. Not only could Ellis’ co-competitors have trouble keeping up with the Team RPM Dodge Viper this year, but they will also struggle to keep up with his latest look.
“Helmet hair can be a huge problem for us racing drivers,” joked Ellis. “No matter how good we look before we race, the helmet is guaranteed to pretty much wreck any hairstyle. It’s fantastic to have GENT’s support this season. We’ve already solved the helmet hair problem with some Matt Mud product to help keep my hair under control. I only wish I could do the same to tame my fellow competitors.”
A fellow petrol head and supercar enthusiast, GENT owner Pasquale Castrichino is pleased to be supporting Ellis in his 2007 endeavours: “Brad is a sharp young man and a talented driver, with an image and personality that fits perfectly with the GENT Grooming Emporium. I love my cars and motorbikes and I wanted to help support a potential star of the future. Of course we will be making sure Brad looks his best on and off the track but I hope to see him in action as much as possible this year.”
GENT opened its doors for the first time in 2006 and business has been booming ever since, with local men welcoming the unique products and atmosphere on offer. Customers can relax with complementary hot or cold drinks while they wait for a fantastic range of services including wet and dry hair cuts, colouring, massage, waxing, shave and hot towels, hand and foot care. There’s even a VIP Room, offering facial packages, skin care and much more, ideal for stag or birthday parties. The grooming salon also boasts a fantastic range of unique products, exclusive to GENT. Visit genthair.co.uk
GENT joins other local companies in supporting Ellis’ British GT3 efforts, including fellow Purley firm Fathom, specialists in web design, and Automotive Trade Supplies – ATS.
The top Team RPM pairing of Ellis alongside team mate Alex Mortimer took their GT3 Dodge Viper to head the timed practice session at the official Avon Tyres British GT Championship media day at Silverstone on 15 March. The dynamic duo will be hoping for equally promising performances as they head to Oulton Park for the first two 60-minute races of the 2007 season on Saturday 7 and Monday 9 April.
