Front-running Ginetta Junior Championship squad Total Control Racing has expanded its line-up to four cars ahead of next weekend’s ninth and 10th rounds of the season at Croft in North Yorkshire, with talented 14-year-old Connor Grady becoming the Wednesbury team’s latest signing.
Confirmed to complete the current Ginetta Junior campaign with TCR, Grady arrives in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category from the Fiesta Junior Championship where he became a podium finisher on his series debut earlier this year.
The youngster, who resides in Smallfield in Surrey and is backed by M&H Transport, does have experience of the Ginetta G40 racer from last November’s Winter Championship where he took a top 10 finish in only his second car race.
After much consideration, Grady has now opted to depart the Fiesta Juniors in favour of joining good friend, and karting mentor, Dave Wooder at TCR from Croft forward alongside Cameron Roberts and Matt Chapman.
“I’m really looking forward to Croft next weekend and being part of TCR, it’s a great team and they do a really good job – it was a no brainer to join the team”, said Grady, “I’m good friends with Dave so it’ll be great racing alongside him, and Matt and Cameron too. I’ve been best mates with Dave for three or four years and his dad ran me in Honda Cadets in karting.
“It’s gone well so far this year in the Fiestas, but we wanted closer racing and a bigger grid so I can learn as much as I can. I’m looking at this as a learning year ready for next season in the Ginettas, hopefully we can make a good start at Croft.”
Grady began his motorsport career at the tender age of six in Bambino Karts before then making the move into Honda Cadet two years later. Racing at club level at Buckmore Park, Lydd and Bayford Meadows, he soon graduated to Super One level and in his first full season there he finished eighth overall in the standings.
Over the last couple of years, Grady became a consistent race winner and although only competing in six races in 2014 he won four of them. As soon as he celebrated his 14th birthday late last year, he made the move into cars with his Ginetta Junior bow.
Welcoming Grady to TCR’s expanded line-up, team principal Lee Brookes said: “It’s great to boost our entry to four cars for the rest of the season and we’re really looking forward to working with Connor. There’s a great relationship already between Dave, Matt and Cameron and we know Connor will fit right in. It’s going to be a big challenge for him, but he’s obviously a talented young driver.”
Rounds nine and 10 of the Ginetta Junior Championship season will take place at Croft in North Yorkshire next weekend, 27th/28th June.
