The British Army is set to embark on a new mission this weekend, swapping the battlefield for the racetrack, as it teams up with Toyota Gazoo Racing UK for the British GT Championship finale at Brands Hatch. In a unique collaboration, the Army will back the team’s camouflaged GR Supra GT4, driven by debutant Benjamin Tusting and race winner Michael O’Brien.
This marks the continuation of the British Army’s growing presence in motorsport, following its first appearance at the British GT event at Silverstone earlier this year. As part of the weekend’s activities, the renowned Red Devils Parachute Display Team is set to parachute onto the Brands Hatch grid from a WWII Dakota just before Sunday’s race.
Tusting, who is making his debut in the British GT Championship, has prior experience driving the Speedworks-prepared Toyota at the Creventic 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The 32-year-old’s motorsport background includes competing in historic Formula Fords and sportscar events. Tusting expressed his excitement about racing in the finale, saying, “It’s a dream come true to compete in the British GT Championship. The support from the British Army and the team has been incredible, and I hope this won’t be a one-time experience.”
O’Brien, who previously partnered with Tusting in Abu Dhabi where they secured a podium finish in their class, is no stranger to the British GT scene. A former race winner and 2020 championship contender, O’Brien looks forward to racing at Brands Hatch again. “It’s an honor to represent the British Army at such a prestigious event,” O’Brien said. “The goal is to finish the season strong, and the Army’s involvement adds an exciting new dimension to the race weekend.”
The partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing UK also promotes the British Army Motorsport Association (BAMA), an organization established in 1960 to provide serving members with opportunities to participate in motorsport. The GR Supra GT4’s military-themed livery is a nod to this long-standing association.
Colonel Rich Hall MBE, Head of British Army Engagement, emphasized the significance of the Army’s involvement in the sport, stating, “Motorsport provides a dynamic platform to showcase the values of the British Army. It’s an opportunity to inspire future engineers, mechanics, and leaders while highlighting the diverse career paths available within the Army.”
The British Army’s presence at Brands Hatch extends beyond the track, with activations in the paddock aimed at engaging with motorsport fans and showcasing career opportunities within the military. Following a successful season, the team will be looking to end on a high note in what promises to be an action-packed finale.
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