Townsend Racing powered by Fox Motorsport has finalised its driver pairing for the 2026 GT4 campaign, confirming that Joe Wheeler will join James Townsend aboard the team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in this year’s British GT Championship.
The announcement not only completes the Silverstone-based squad’s line-up but also follows the recent unveiling of its striking new livery, first teased when the Aston Martin programme was revealed earlier this winter.
Proven Pedigree Meets Youthful Momentum
Wheeler steps into his fourth season of British GT competition armed with valuable experience across multiple marques. The 22-year-old has previously competed in Ginetta and Lotus machinery with Assetto Motorsport, Toro Verde and Mahiki Racing, building a reputation for consistency in the ultra-competitive GT4 ranks.
It was during the 2025 Donington Park finale that Wheeler first shared a garage with Townsend, a partnership that now becomes full-time.
Speaking about the new chapter, Wheeler admitted his excitement at reuniting with a familiar face within a proven environment. He explained that he “can’t wait for the season to start with Townsend Racing powered by Fox Motorsport,” adding that his prior experience alongside Townsend gives them a solid foundation. With Fox Motorsport’s track record as a race-winning force in both GT4 and GT3 competition, Wheeler believes the team could hardly be better placed heading into the new campaign.
Townsend, meanwhile, continues to build on his own upward trajectory in national GT racing. A former class winner in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, Ginetta GT4 Supercup and GT Cup, as well as a podium finisher in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, he brings a wealth of experience to the Aston Martin programme.
His previous British GT campaign in 2023 yielded three GT4 Pro-Am podium finishes, while his one-off return at Donington Park last season alongside Wheeler offered a valuable preview of what may lie ahead in 2026.
Strong Foundations at Fox Motorsport
Team principal Paul McNeilly believes the established working relationship between his drivers will pay dividends from the outset. Welcoming Wheeler to the fold, McNeilly described the pairing as a natural fit, highlighting that the duo already understand how to work together effectively.
He noted that pre-season running will be focused on acclimatising both drivers to the characteristics of the Aston Martin Vantage GT4, ensuring the team arrives at the opening round in the best possible shape to challenge for honours.
The combination is set to turn its first competitive laps together at Silverstone later this week, with British GT’s official media day scheduled for March 31 at the same venue. The curtain-raising Silverstone 500 – a three-hour endurance test that traditionally sets the tone for the season – follows in late April.
Fans eager for an early glimpse of the 2026 contenders can attend media day free of charge by reserving tickets via the Silverstone website.
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