GSC: Total Control Racing enters Ginetta GT Supercup

TCR CONFIRMS RITTER AS FIRST SIGNING OF 2011 FOR GINETTA GT SUPERCUP

Total Control Racing is delighted to announce Joachim Ritter as its first driver signing for the freshly revamped Ginetta GT Supercup -- formerly the Ginetta G50 Cup -- in which the team plans to field a pair of brand new Ginetta G55 cars throughout 2011.

Remaining with the Wednesbury-based squad for a third year in the category, the 39-year-old will go into the new season with genuine podium prospects having finished the 2010 championship a highly creditable seventh overall in the standings.

Threatening the top three on more than one occasion, Ritter improved markedly during the season and is now fully committed to achieving his aim of securing a maiden podium. He also believes a debut victory is a realistic possibility.

"I'm really happy to have completed a deal to remain with TCR this year, I'm looking forward to racing one of the new G55s and I know the team will do a great job as always", said the Switzerland domiciled racer, "We made great progress in 2010 and had podium pace. I want to win for the team and they want to win for me, it's time to capitalise on our partnership!"

Having made a huge impact in its first year in the championship in 2009 by winning the entrant's title, TCR challenged at the forefront again last year and just missed out on the driver's crown with seasoned campaigner Carl Breeze.

For 2011, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category has been rebranded the Ginetta GT Supercup to coincide with the introduction of the new Ginetta G55. Powered by a 3.7-litre Ford engine, the car will produce around 370bhp.

In addition to the G55 being introduced, the previous generation G50 cars will be permitted to run in their own class in the Ginetta GT Supercup. However, only G55 competitors will be eligible to challenge for the mouth-watering champion's prize of a fully-funded drive in the BTCC in 2012.

Commenting on Ritter's deal, TCR team principal Lee Brookes said: "We're all delighted Joachim is remaining with us for the new season with the brand new G55. He's improved massively over the last couple of years to a point where we now believe he can be a consistent podium threat. It's great for us to have the continuity of working with him again.

"Our aim is to run a couple of the G55s this year but we're also welcoming enquiries from drivers interested in running in the G50 class. Alongside the Ginetta programme, we'll be running in the Renault Clio Cup as well and we're continuing to evaluate opportunities in GTs and Britcar."

-source: tcr