Having already guided Tom Gamble, Adam Smalley, James Hedley and Tom Lebbon to the Driver’s “crown” over the past four years, Elite has an exciting mix of second year Ginetta Juniors and newcomers.
Seb Hopkins and Tommy Pintos remain with Elite for a second consecutive Junior season while Will Jenkins joined Elite for the last three events last year and embarks on a full season for the Norfolk-based team. Joe Warhurst, who only contested two Junior race weekends last year, is an Elite newcomer while Max Hall and Josh Rowledge step-up for their maiden Junior seasons.
Hopkins continues with Elite for his second season of car racing after spending two years in karts. Seb finished fifth overall, the third highest “Rookie” in the 2020 Junior standings and is the best-placed returnee to the series. He scored 10 overall top-six placings with a best third place finish at Brands Hatch in a season that saw just one retirement.
2019 Ginetta Junior Scholarship Finalist Jenkins was the 10th best-placed “Rookie” in last year’s Junior series. Will, who began his motorsport career in Motocross before moving into karts, impressively netted eight top-10 results, including a fourth place at Knockhill, in his car racing début year. Pintos finished seventh in last year’s maiden Junior series campaign, the fifth best-placed Rookie. He scored 14 top-10 placings, including a podium at Snetterton.
Hall, who turns 14-years-old later this month and is the youngest in Elite’s squad, graduates to Ginettas after six years in karts. Max began karting aged six-years-old and raced in Bambino, IAME Cadet and LGM championships, scoring podium finishes in each.
Rowledge starts his first season of car racing after seven years in karts. Josh achieved third place in the 2019 European Junior X30 Championship and runner-up in the British Junior X30 series last year. Warhurst embarks on his first full season in Juniors having raced at Snetterton and Brands Hatch last year after two years in karts.
Elite Motorsport guided Tom Lebbon to last year’s Ginetta Junior title. This year’s 25-race series is scheduled to get underway at Thruxton over 8-9 May.
Max Hall (GB). Age 13. Born: Gloucester (UK). Lives: Berkeley (UK):
“I would like to think with a few races under my belt that I can score some solid Rookie results. I chose Elite because of their brilliant driver coaches. They are the right team to develop my driving and they produce a lot of champions.”
Seb Hopkins (GB). Age 15. Born: Chichester (UK). Lives: Petersfield (UK):
“I’m super excited to continue my Ginetta Junior campaign with Elite Motorsport. My aim is very simple: To win! And with all the great people around me, I will certainly give it my best shot.”
Will Jenkins (GB). Age: 16. Born: Stoke-on-Trent (UK). Lives: Stafford (UK):
“My preparation for the 2021 season began when I joined Elite for three rounds last year. The benefits of being with them, as opposed to running as a privateer, were immediately clear as I scored a personal best qualifying position and two top-five finishes. I set out a winter testing program to ensure that I am as best prepared as possible. My aim is to be a serious championship contender.”
Tommy Pintos (SP). Age 15. Born/Lives: Madrid (SP):
“My objective this year is to learn and improve with each race. I believe that Elite Motorsport is the best team in Ginettas, Eddie [Ives] has a great bunch of guys. I feel very comfortable with them and can’t wait to start the season.”
Josh Rowledge (GB). Age 15. Born/Lives: Wimborne (UK):
“I’m setting my goals high for this season. With the Elite guys plus the other good people around me, I believe success is achievable in 2021. Testing is going well so I’m very optimistic looking ahead.”
Joe Warhurst (GB). Age 15. Born/Lives: Barnsley (UK):
“I am working hard in winter testing with the hopes of giving myself a good run at the Rookie championship title. Having worked with Elite since December, it’s already clear that the dedication and effort they put into every driver is the reason for their success in many Championships. I am hoping to add to this!”
Eddie Ives, Elite Motorsport Team Owner & Manager:
“I’m really pleased to announce our 2021 Ginetta Junior line-up. We have the ideal balance of second year drivers and Rookies within the squad. With the speed they have, I’m confident we can fight for overall, Rookie and team honours again this year. I’ve enjoyed working with all of our drivers over the winter and can’t wait to share their success during the forthcoming season.”
