2015 & 16 GT Cup champion Bailey undertakes Ferrari Challenge for 2018 season

4th April 2018


Two-time GT Cup champion Paul Bailey will make a return to the series for the 2018 season in a brand-new Ferrari 488 Challenge alongside Phil Glew. He raced to Group GTO success in 2015 in an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and again a year later in Group GTC, this time in a Ferrari 458 Challenge. As was the case in 2016, Bailey’s Ferrari will be run by Hertfordshire’s SB Race Engineering, creating a formidable partnership on track.

Last year Bailey tried something different with entry into the LMP3 Cup Championship in a Ligier JS P3 but will return to more familiar surroundings on the GT Cup side of the Bute Motorsport paddock this season. “I’ve done plenty of racing and I just want to return and have some fun,” he said. “I’m looking forward to coming out and having a good time again on track without putting any pressure on myself.”

For Bailey there was only one place to come back and race his Ferrari. “I love it in GT Cup. It is so friendly, so if I am going to race it is going to be with the Bute Motorsport team. I’ve even recommended six or seven people to come and compete in the GT Cup, even if it is just for one race on their favourite circuit, because there isn’t anywhere else like this.”

Joining Paul for the season will be the experienced Phil Glew, who makes his GT Cup return after three successful outings in 2015, when he took a win and third place in Group GTO with Andy Houghton, and a third in Group GTA with Martin Johnston.

“It’s exciting to be back racing for the year, I haven’t done a full season since 2009 when I won the Clio Cup,” said Glew. “I wasn’t going to race as I have a busy season working with McLaren, but Paul and I have known each other for years. He’s always remembered I was quick, so he asked me if I was available to race with him.

“I’ve had to reshuffle some things, and I have to say a big thanks to ITV and McLaren for allowing me to come and race. Paul is a very quick Am driver and with some of my coaching I think I can get him going even better and aim for the championship.

“I want to say thank you to Paul for believing in me as a coach and pro driver. I haven’t had too many opportunities as I’m so busy, but when this opportunity came up I thought I should have a go as I have a lot of unfinished business as a driver. I think the GT Cup is a great championship and the 488 is a pretty awesome car. I have every belief in the car, the team, Paul, and myself, so it will be a good year.”