Comline Richardson Racing can today confirm that Josh Malin will rejoin its Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain line-up for the upcoming event at Knockhill.
The talented youngster – who won the Ginetta GT5 Challenge title with the team in 2020 before graduating into the Carrera Cup last season – will take over the car usually raced by Jack Bartholomew, who has been ruled out of the meeting on medical grounds.
Series rookie Jack sustained multiple injuries after being hit by a van whilst out cycling a week ago and has since been undergoing treatment at the Brighton Sussex County Hospital.
Jack is hopeful of being released from hospital in the near future to continue his rehabilitation at home, with a specialist treatment programme planned to help speed up his recovery.
In his absence, Josh will make a return to action as Comline Richardson Racing seeks to maintain its lead in the Entrant Championship; a position it holds on the back of two wins in six races with the new Type 992 version of the Porsche GT3 Cup car.
Josh has enjoyed notable success at Knockhill in the past, securing a race win during his GT5 title winning campaign and then grabbing his maiden Carrera Cup podium twelve months ago.
Both Josh and team-mate Will Martin will carry messages of support for Jack on their cars this weekend in Scotland, with the whole team hopeful of seeing him back in action as soon as possible.
Jack Bartholomew said:
“I would like to thank everyone who has sent me messages after my accident and I’m really overwhelmed by all the support. I would also like to thank Comline Richardson Racing, Porsche GB and my sponsor Yesss Electrical for your continued support.
“A big thank you to the staff at the Brighton Sussex County Hospital that have looked after me. I’m feeling pretty battered and bruised at the moment but my focus is already firmly set on my recovery and getting fit enough to get back into my race car as soon as possible.”
Josh Malin said:
“I’m delighted to be making my racing return with Comline Richardson Racing as it means I’m doing at least one more race weekend than I thought I would be doing this year, although unfortunately it’s not under the circumstances I’d have liked because of Jack’s injury. I wish him all the best, and hope he makes a swift recovery.
“Making my return at Knockhill gives me confidence as it’s where I gained my first Porsche Carrera Cup GB podium, so it would be amazing to do it again this year. I’m really excited for the challenge and jumping back into a race car for the first time since October last year – and I can’t wait to experience the new 992 Cup car!
“I would like to give a big thanks to the team for the opportunity they have given me, and I will give it everything to help the team as it fights for the team’s championship.”
Andrew Richardson, team principal, said:
“On behalf of the entire team, we want to wish Jack a speedy recovery and hope to see him back at a circuit soon. We are in regular dialogue with him and while he is in pain, he is in positive spirits and focussed on his recovery.
“We are fortunate to be able to confirm that Josh will step-in for Jack in the #89 car for Knockhill this weekend. Josh is already familiar with the team and series, which will allow him to focus on getting to grips with this years Cup car.”