BTCC race winner Ronan Pearson has switched to GT racing and joins seasoned amateur John Hartshorne at GBR Stratton for the 2026 British GT Championship season.
GBR Stratton announced plans late last year to enter the upcoming season with a pair of Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 Evos, and has now named one of their two driver pairings.
Hartshorne began competing in British GT in 2002, driving a TVR Tuscan T400R. He was also part of the driver crew in TVR’s final Le Mans 24 Hours start in the LMGT2 category in 2005.
The 68-year-old has since driven various campaigns, such as in European and Asian Le Mans Series racing, as his latest out of four Le Mans appearances came in 2024.
Hartshorne said: “I am so pleased to be joining GBR Stratton for my first British GT campaign for many years (since 2014).
“To be driving with the talent that is Ronan, a BTCC race winner, makes it even more exciting.”
Pearson is readying for his transition to GT racing as part of this GT4 Pro-Am class effort, after three years in the British Touring Car Championship.
“I am absolutely ecstatic to be making my debut in the British GT Championship with GBR Stratton Motorsport,” added the 24-year-old Scotsman.
“This change of career path has me incredibly motivated for success, and I feel extremely lucky to be working with some great people who have really been in my corner through every step so far.
“My first season in rear-wheel-drive machinery is going to be a big learner, but one that has been in my sights for some time now, and this welcome change couldn’t come at a better time with the opportunity that I now have.
“I have to thank every one of my incredible sponsors and supporters for helping make this happen.
“This year will not disappoint.”
Team manager Craig Brunton said: “Our team at GBR Stratton have worked very hard behind the scenes and closely with [Aston Martin factory driver] Jonny Adam to help us understand the car we are working with.
“We’re really all buzzing to get started and get the show on the road.
“It’s exciting to bring this driver pairing to British GT with different levels of experience, but both working towards the same goal.”
GBR Stratton’s other Aston Martin crew will be confirmed at a later point, with the joint British GT and Ginetta media day imminent next Tuesday, 31 March, at Silverstone.
Image courtesy of GBR Stratton
