Ginetta have confirmed this morning that 15 year old American, Parker Chase, has been named as a ‘Ginetta Factory Recognised Driver’ for the remainder of the 2016 Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) campaign, with intentions to continue into 2017.
Having made waves on the US racing scene already, dovetailing his PWC GTS season with a campaign in Red Bull Global Rallycross, Parker’s success is aligned with Ginetta’s commitment to supporting young drivers throughout their racing career.
As Ginetta continues to raise its brand profile in the US, the opportunity to publically recognise Parker’s achievements so far in the PWC by offering him factory driver status for the remainder of the season provides the perfect platform for both parties to flourish.
Parker, from New Braunfels, Texas, joined the Pirelli World Challenge just one week after turning 15 (and therefore becoming eligible for entry), he and the Performance Motorsports Group finished third in the opening round of the season at the Circuit of the Americas on March 5 and 6.
Proving it wasn’t ‘beginners luck’, Chase then enjoyed a repeat performance a fortnight later in the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 12 and 13, recovering from the very back of the grid to finish in third place. The result marking him firmly as a rising star in US motorsport.
Ewan Baldry, Ginetta Technical Director: “Parker represents the latest young driver to progress his motorsport career with the Ginetta brand. In light of the immense start to not only his season, but his sports car racing career, we are delighted to offer him factory driver status for the remainder of the season”
Parker Chase, Driver: “I am extremely honoured to be named a Factory Driver this early in my career. I am very excited to be teamed with Ginetta. The cars are simply amazing to drive and the factory support is incredible.”
Due to Parker’s young age, he is not yet eligible to race the Ginetta G55 GT4 car outside of PWC, but there are plans to offer him the opportunity to drive in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 SuperCup or British GT once he turns 16. He will be back on track as part of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL. on 23 and 24 April.
