RACING NEWS - 24H of Sebring in the G55 GT4

Long-time Ginetta Driver Makes His Racing Debut in the US with the 24 Hours of Sebring to close out the 2021 Season.

November 20, 2021

We checked in with the drivers to recap the race.

Since 2008, Colin White of CWS Racing has been running Ginetta cars from the G50, G55, GT3, LMP3 and now to the G56 - but never in the United States.

He’s raced in a number of series as well from the UK’s BTCCT and Ginetta GT4 Supercup, and throughout the 24 Hour Series from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and finally he checked Sebring off his list in the G55 GT4.

“24 hours is a long way - I have 3 of the G55’s myself in the UK which I have raced just about everywhere… But no matter how many 24 hr races I’ve competed in in the past 20 years, it is still great to get to the finish line, a real achievement.”

Colin White, CWS Racing Owner and Driver

With logistics being as they may, it was a more effective route for CWS to rely on long-time Ginetta client, Dexter Racing who were able to support with a G55 GT4 that is typically out competing in GT America. 

After just one practice - with Ginetta as their common ground - the international team got along seamlessly with drivers Joseph Burris, Matt Rivard and Jean-Francois Bruno. 

"The Ginetta was a very good pace. It was fast in practice and qualifying, and continued on with a very good race pace. The car had some crash damage a couple of times, but the car being fairly easy to work on, allowed us to get the car back on track."

Zane Dexter, Owner and Principle of Dexter Racing. 

Joseph Burris, who was less familiar with Ginetta, was particularly responsive to the car’s performance and agility. 

“I could not believe how much grip the car made at Sebring. I was very confident in the aero grip to throw the car into turn 17 at high speed and jump on the brakes late, only to have the car have unbelievable mechanical grip through the exit onto the front straight.  I have never driven a GT4 that could stick so well to the track.”

“[Even after some damage,] I was very impressed with how solid and stable the chassis was after having all 4 corners rebuilt.  With most cars, the steering would be off, there would be strange vibrations, etc.  There was none of that with this chassis.  Racing 24 hours at a track as rough as Sebring is insane.  Crossing the line after all we went through made the podium champagne that much sweeter.”

Matt Rivard had just closed out his 2021 season with two GT4 America events in the G56 before jumping in to complete the team at Sebring. 

Rivard noting, “Most impressive on both the G55 and G56 is the braking, while the corner speeds seem to be a strong suit, the braking distances are far superior to other cars in class.” 

Also surprised Rivard that there were multiple Ginetta fans that came by the paddock. “This really opened my eyes to the vast history of the brand. One younger gentleman told me he had never before seen a G55 in person but it was the only car he races on his sim.” 

“To finish a race with 3 separate repairs that all could have ended the race felt pretty amazing… Overall a fantastic experience and tribute to the durability of the G55 as well as tenacity of Dexter racing with thanks to Colin White and all the crew that made it possible.” 

Colin White went on to sum it up, “Great experience to compete at Sebring, another track off the list, although a few more to go in the US yet.”  

And we can’t wait to see him stateside after first kicking off the 2022 season out at the 24 Hours of Dubai. 

Read more about his next race: https://www.ginetta.com/news/ginetta-g56-gt4-set-for-24-hour-race-debut-in-dubai