A popular face within the paddock, McGarty will be embarking on his seventh consecutive season of one-make Ginetta competition this year. The former GRDC racer stepped up to the GT5 Challenge in 2018 and has been a consistent presence towards the front of the Am class field ever since.
A double podium-finisher in his first campaign, the Lancashire based racer added eight more to his tally in 2019 before enjoying a best-ever campaign last year, with a maiden pair of class wins and ten podiums in total securing him third in the final class standings.
Phil McGarty: “I absolutely love being a part of the Ginetta family, from my very first race in the GRDC in 2015 to progressing onto the British GT and BTCC support bill, it’s been quite the ride! I’ve really found my footing being part of Xentek Motorsport; they have really helped me develop my skills and they are a great team with a family atmosphere. It really does make for a fantastic way to spend a weekend.”
Sidhu meanwhile is set to tackle his third year in the GT5 Challenge, having debuted in 2019 following a successful run in BMW racing. After taking a brilliant maiden class win in the 2019 season finale, he was a victor again last season as part of a strong tally of five podium finishes.
Bal Sidhu: “I’ve followed the Ginetta GT5 Challenge and its successful racing driver exports for several years now and the camaraderie of the championship, combined with second-to-none media exposure make it the perfect place to continue my motorsport career. After spending 2020 with Xentek, I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to be this year.”
Chris Richards, team manager: “We’re delighted to have Phil returning to the Xentek line-up in 2021. He’s a great team player and an incredibly talented driver. It’s also exciting to welcome Bal back to the team. He’s a quick driver and immensely talented. With both drivers having their hope sets on the title it’s going to be an exciting year for the entire team. Watch this space!”
Packed grids and close racing makes the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge a popular entry-level championship for many aspiring GT racers. In 2021, the series will compete across both British GT and British Touring Car Championship weekends, sharing a grid with the G40 Cup.
