WITH NEW 2017 SIGNING CHARLIE FAGG
• GT debutants enjoy encouraging shakedown with Nissan 370Z• Rain-hit Silverstone GP Circuit venue for successful maiden run• Ginetta Junior racer Charlie Fagg confirmed as first SWR GT4 signing
Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit provided the venue for a successful initial shakedown of SWR’s Nissan 370Z earlier this week, with newly confirmed 2017 signing Charlie Fagg getting his first taste of the car he will pilot this year in the GT4 European Series Northern Cup.
Debuting as an entrant in endurance racing this year, Chipping Norton-based SWR will field a pair of RJN-built Nissans in GT4 in Europe as well as selected British GT4 rounds and the team is delighted to have signed Ginetta Junior graduate Fagg for its maiden season in GT competition.
The Durham 17-year-old began his car racing career in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Winter Series and last year became a multiple podium finisher and consistent front runner in the popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category.
Securing two podiums in the main 2016 season, which he ended ninth in the standings, Fagg went on to claim an additional rostrum finish in the end-of-year Winter Series which he concluded fourth overall. Now, the rapid teenager is relishing his maiden season in GT4 racing and particularly so after a strong run at a wet Silverstone on Tuesday, 31st January.
“I’m obviously very happy to be stepping up into GT4 with SWR”, said Fagg, “It is a big jump from Juniors but I feel this is the right move for my career and the perfect thing to do. I’ve never driven with slicks before, with aero, traction control and ABS, so it is a massive step but the Nissan handles perfectly and the test at Silverstone this week went very well.
“Right from the start I could tell how good the car is, I get on really well with the Nissan and really enjoy driving it. Sean [Walkinshaw – SWR team owner] and Ken [Page – SWR team principal] have really helped me adapt and even though I’m only 17 straight out of Ginetta Junior, they treat me very much like a more mature driver and value my input – that’s fantastic for a young driver.”
He added: “I want to try and establish a long career in endurance racing and I hope to stay part of SWR. I’d love to try and win the championship, but we have to be realistic and I see this as a two year programme. I want to keep building the relationship with SWR, and Nissan too, and hopefully this will be great preparation for a future in Blancpain [Endurance Cup].”
While the newly signed SWR racer conducted the majority of test miles at Silverstone, team owner Sean Walkinshaw was also on hand and conducted the initial system check of the Nissan 370Z prior to Fagg getting behind the wheel.
“It was a very productive day, despite the weather not being great, and fantastic to give the Nissan its first run out”, said international GT racer Walkinshaw, “The whole team is incredibly excited to be debuting in GT4 racing this year and from the first mileage we’re all feeling extremely positive.
“We’re absolutely delighted Charlie will be making his GT debut with us this season and from our shakedown, it’s clear to see how much potential the 370Z has. We’re currently talking to several drivers about the other race seats for 2017 but certainly happy to hear from anyone else who is interested in competing with SWR in our new GT4 programme this season.”
