Photo: Mat Acton
Elite Motorsport’s GB4 runner-up Isaac Phelps will remain with the team as he steps up to GB3 for this weekend’s season finale at Monza.
The 16-year-old has been with the team since graduating from karting last year. He made a great start to his car racing career by winning twice on his debut weekend in entry-level sportscar series Ginetta Junior and went on to finish fifth in the standings, then claimed its winter series title with two victories.
Phelps again made an immediate impact upon switching to single-seaters this year by winning on his GB4 debut. He took three more wins across the campaign, but lost out on the title in a three-way fight at this month’s season finale.
At Monza he will drive the car vacated by Will Macintyre, who has been forced to end his GB3 season early after being diagnosed with cancer in two areas of the body.
“Following a strong single-seater debut season in GB4, I thought I’d finished until next year, but I jumped at a very generous offer by Ed [Ives, Elite team principal] last week to race at the final round of GB3 in Monza,” said Phelps.
“I got to try the latest GB3 car for the first time at Donington Park last Thursday. Being realistic, I am looking for a developing weekend with great enjoyment – that’s mandatory at Elite. So my expectations are non-existent for Monza.
“I will give my all to ensure I am as competitive as possible and do my best for the team. And of course I am really looking forward to using DRS for the first time too.
“I’m really pleased for this opportunity but while I am excited, of course we’d all much prefer if Will was in the car.”
Eddie Ives said Elite was “delighted to give Isaac the opportunity to step up to GB3 after such an impressive first year in single-seaters” in GB4.
“He’s shown exceptional pace and maturity throughout the GB4 season and his results speak for themselves,” he added.
“This outing at Monza is a great chance for him to experience the next level, learn in a competitive environment and continue his development within the team. We have every confidence he’ll approach the weekend with his usual professionalism and enthusiasm.”