The Richardson Racing team has its sights firmly fixed on title honours for the 2020 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge season after confirming an expanded multi-car programme for the year ahead.
The Corby-based team has agreed terms on a deal to retain the services of rising star Josh Malin for a second season, with karting graduate Blake Angliss stepping up into the series for what will be his first season of car racing.
Dorset-based Josh made his debut in the GT5 Challenge last year having previously enjoyed huge success in the MaX5 Championship, where he secured championship titles in both Class B in 2017 and Class A in 2018.
An impressive first season in the highly-competitive GT5 series last year saw Josh quickly establish himself as a front-runner, securing a podium finish in just his third meeting at Silverstone.
Five further podiums would follow as the season wore on, including a fine win at Donington Park (where he also broke the GT5 lap record), as Josh ended the season fifth in the championship standings.
Now part of the Motorsport UK Academy Squad programme – which identifies, develops and supports talented drivers aged 15-24 as they look to develop their careers – Josh will seek to build on the success he enjoyed in his debut season to launch a bid for championship honours.
Josh will be joined on track by another promising youngster in the shape of teenage racer Blake, who will celebrate his 17th birthday on the weekend that the GT5 season bursts into life at Oulton Park in early April.
Having first started karting at the age of eleven, the Coventry-based racer has spent recent years honing his skills, securing third place in the Mini X30 class of the TVKC Championship and then going on to take the Junior X30 PF Plate.
Blake, a former finalist in the Ginetta Junior Scholarship, will dovetail his commitments in the GT5 Challenge with a continued presence in karting having stepped up into the Senior X30 class.
The opening rounds of the Ginetta GT5 Challenge season take place at Oulton Park on Easter Weekend.
Josh Malin said:
“For a while I had serious doubts that we’d be able to get the funding together to return for a second season in the series, so I feel like a massive weight has been lifted from my shoulders that we’ve now been able to get a deal done. It’s great to have my place on the grid for the start of the season and we have to try and now build on the results we secured last year.
“Twelve months ago, the first few rounds in the GT5 Challenge were a bit of a baptism of fire as there was a lot for me to learn, but I started well and was able to build on my results as the year went on. With a season of experience and knowledge under my belt, I can take a lot of confidence into 2020 and my aim is to hit the ground running when we get to Oulton Park.
“Having taken my first win last year, the goal has to be to add to that and challenge for the title, and I have a lot of hunger and desire to push for that goal during the year ahead.”
Blake Angliss said:
“Finding out I could pursue the next stage of my racing career by entering the Ginetta GT5 Challenge has been amazing and I’m really excited about the season ahead. The series is ideal for me as I look to move into car racing as it is really competitive and offers great racing, and is a good first step towards my ultimate goal of a career in endurance racing in the future.
“Joining forces with Richardson Racing was an easy option because ever since I met Gwyn and the team back at the Ginetta Junior Scholarship two and a half years ago, they have always been very friendly and have enjoyed success in a wide range of series’ which I feel is important as it shows the high levels of experience they have.
“As a rookie, I’m looking to go out and enjoy myself, but ultimately I want to try and push towards the sharp end of the grid and challenge for wins and the title.”
Gwyn Richardson, team principal, said:
“We’re really pleased to confirm both Josh and Blake for the new GT5 season, and are sure that they will prove to be a strong driver pairing. Josh’s results last year were hugely impressive and he really made a mark on the series. We were keen to try and keep him onboard for 2020 and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be one of the drivers to beat on track this season.
“Blake impressed us when he took part in the Ginetta Junior Scholarship and has also shown his talent in karting, so we’re confident that he can also make an impression on track and can challenge towards the sharp end of the grid.”