Graham Johnson, managing director of the company that organizes Professional Motorsport World Expo and publishes PMW magazine, has secured backing from McLaren to race in British GT in 2019 alongside McLaren Young Driver Development Programme protégé Michael O’Brien.
Johnson, already the most successful driver in British GT4 history, having won the overall 2016 title and two further Pro-Am GT4 titles, said, “I’m delighted that McLaren has enough faith in my abilities to trust that I’ll help mentor one of its rising stars in the shape of Michael. I know I’ll benefit from Michael’s natural turn of speed, but I plan to pass on my knowledge from my previous four record-breaking seasons in British GT. Indeed, I’ve won at least one race in every season I’ve competed in, so I’m looking forward to more success – and to helping Michael take what will no doubt be his first of many British GT wins!”
The news sees Johnson break his long-term race partnership with Mike Robinson, son of the founder of PMW Expo. “Mike and I have experienced such success together, but it is time for a new challenge, and the offer from McLaren ticked every box. I enjoy helping get the best out of people and to get manufacturer support at this late stage of my career is a true honor.
“The goal for 2019 is to win the title outright again. No one has ever won the GT4 title twice, and to do so with a different team, different car, and with a different teammate to my previous triumph would be another box ticked. Besides, Michael (who finished third in the 2018 Championship) came so close to winning the title this year that we need to help him achieve that ambition in 2019!”
Mike Robinson is expected to continue to compete in British GT, with an announcement due soon. British GT kicks off on April 20, 2019 at Oulton Park.
