The reigning British GT4 Pro-Am champions, Michael Johnston and Chris Salkeld, are set to take on the senior ranks as they graduate to the GT3 class with Century Motorsport for the upcoming season. Staying loyal to their team from the previous year, the dynamic duo will pilot a GT3-spec BMW, akin to the one that secured victory in the 2023 championship under Century’s banner with drivers Darren Leung and Dan Harper.
Their triumphant 2023 season not only saw Johnston and Salkeld clinch the GT4 Pro-Am title but also contributed significantly to Century Motorsport’s dominance in the GT4 teams’ and Pro-Am categories, alongside teammates Carl Cavers and Lewis Plato. While maintaining their partnership, both pairs will now compete as Silver-Am rivals in the GT3 class, adding an intriguing dynamic to the upcoming season.
Reflecting on their successful journey, Johnston expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, emphasizing the significant transition from GT4 to GT3.
“After an incredible first year in British GT4 Chris and I are delighted to be making the leap to GT3 for 2024,” said Johnston. “We drove the BMW M4 GT3 in Dubai for the first time in January, and the step up is massive – I think even bigger than Ginetta GT Academy to GT4 last year. But I’m looking forward to the challenge. Winning our class in the Dubai 24 Hours was such a good way to start our first year in a GT3 car, but we’ve still got a lot to learn. Chris and I have been putting in a lot of work during the off-season so hopefully we can build on last year’s title-winning partnership.
“I have to say an absolutely massive thank you to Dan Hughes of Radix, Ainsley Harriott and all of our other amazing supporters and sponsors. The success of Century Motorsport speaks for itself but I am delighted that I get to spend another year with this brilliant team; it was a no-brainer after the success of last year and the support I received from every member of the team throughout the season.
“I’m also delighted to be back in a BMW, it definitely makes the step up to GT3 easier when it’s with such a driver-focussed brand.”
Salkeld echoed his sentiments, highlighting the logical progression for their partnership after their stellar debut season together.
“I am so incredibly excited to finally announce our move to GT3 with BMW and Century Motorsport,” said Salkeld. “This was always the logical choice for MJ and I after our incredible debut season together, winning the GT4 Pro-Am championship and Portimao outright.
“This is also something I’ve been looking to do for a few years now since making my British GT debut back in 2021 and couldn’t think of a better place to do it than with Century Motorsport and BMW. I have to say a huge thank you to MJ for taking me on this journey and for putting his faith in me for another season.
“Harriott’s Chariot gets a big upgrade this year and none of this could be possible without all of our sponsors and partners. So a big thanks to Ainsley and his team, Dan Hughes of Radix, Enhanced Energy Drinks and all of our other partners for their love and support this season.
“We had a fantastic start in the car in Dubai but we both know we can’t take any of this early success for granted and must keep pushing if we’re to have any chance of repeating last year.
“Finally, I have to say a huge thanks to Century and a special shout out to all the guys and girls within the team for all they’ve done for me these past few years. This ain’t a team, it’s a family and I am so proud and happy to be making the long-awaited step up to GT3 with them.”
Their partnership is not the only thing continuing into the new season; the support from sponsors and partners, including TV chef Ainsley Harriott, remains steadfast. Salkeld’s affectionately dubbed “Harriott’s Chariot” will undergo a significant upgrade as they embark on their GT3 campaign with Century Motorsport and BMW.
As anticipation builds for the start of the season, the full-season entry list is set to be officially unveiled at the upcoming media day, with the season opener scheduled at Oulton Park on March 30th and April 1st.
Please consider making a donation so we can keep bringing you our best content from the racetrack.
