GT4 title-winner Dan Vaughan boosts TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK bid
Team-mate Kavi Jundu firmly focussed on ‘fighting at the front’
Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo an even stronger proposition than before
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK is targeting a title tilt in the British GT Championship with its significantly upgraded Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo in 2024, after unveiling a potent ‘Pro-Am’ driver pairing of former champion Dan Vaughan and Kavi Jundu.
The Speedworks Motorsport-run outfit has been a regular front-runner with the Supra in the fiercely-disputed GT4 class in recent years. Already a race-winner, the striking Japanese sportscar has had an overhaul since it last graced the British GT grid, with the 450PS ‘Evo’ package resulting in suspension, powertrain and bodywork enhancements, including increased power output, improved braking capability and an optimised torque curve.
On the driving front, Jundu – a familiar face in the British GT paddock and part of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK’s podium-finishing quartet in the Hankook 6H Abu Dhabi last month – will be partnered by new recruit Vaughan, who clinched the series’ GT4 class crown in 2020. The 27-year-old Hampshireman will be entering his third season in the championship – and first in the ‘Pro-Am’ category.
The 2024 British GT campaign will race into life with a double-header curtain-raiser at Oulton Park in Cheshire – home turf for Northwich-based Speedworks – over Easter weekend (29 March – 1 April). Subsequent stops at Silverstone, Donington Park, legendary Belgian circuit Spa-Francorchamps and Snetterton precede a finale at Brands Hatch on 28-29 September.
Danny Buxton, Head of Motorsport, Speedworks Motorsport, said:
“We’re delighted to confirm our participation in British GT this season. It’s a brilliant series and following our absence last year, everybody in the team is champing at the bit to get back out on-track with the Toyota Supra and fight for wins. The car has benefitted from substantial updates in every area which should translate into a step-up in performance, and we’re excited to give the new ‘Evo’ package its UK debut.
“We’re also thrilled to welcome Dan to the team. His record speaks for itself and he is somebody who knows how to win a championship in British GT. It’s tremendously motivating to have him on-board and I have no doubt he will similarly bring the best out of Kavi, who with his natural speed is eager for a crack at the title. Finishing on the podium in Abu Dhabi recently did Kavi’s confidence a world of good, and we look forward to continuing to support him in his ongoing development and progression.”
Dan Vaughan, ‘Silver’ Driver, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:
“I’m absolutely buzzing for a fresh start this year with a new car, new team-mate and new surroundings. There are a lot of teams that compete in British GT, and a few that truly stand out. I’ve always kept a close eye on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, and when Danny [Buxton] spoke to me about the team’s plans and ambitions, they really aligned with my own. I think it’s a hugely exciting project.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Supra’s driveability, and it looks like it will be well-suited to my driving style. Between us, Kavi and I have experience of driving a lot of the cars we will be racing against, so we know their various strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that Toyota has gone away and come back with some really interesting upgrades to the Supra shows their intent. The key will be to try to maximise the package and if we tick all the boxes, there’s no reason at all why we shouldn’t be in the mix for the title. I can’t wait to get stuck in!”
Kavi Jundu, ‘Bronze’ Driver, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:
“I’m delighted to be competing for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK in British GT and am very excited for the upcoming season. Danny has put together a great team of talented people all focussed on consistently challenging for podiums. Having completed a winter programme with the team, I’ve been able to get valuable seat time in the car and we have already identified areas to work on, which I’m sure will help us to carry momentum into the new season.
“I’m also looking forward to working with Dan [Vaughan]; I’ve been fortunate to partner some top drivers over the past couple of years and have learned from them all. It would be a dream to win a British GT title and we will be working hard to ensure we have a strong package with the Supra Evo. I’m confident we will have a good chance of fighting at the front, and look forward to battling away with some fantastic drivers and teams.”
