Ginetta Junior racer Joel Pearson will miss out on a move up to British Formula 4 with Argenti Motorsport this year after being diagnosed with bone cancer.
The British teenager has been racing in Ginetta’s entry-level car racing series since 2018, first on a part-time basis as a privateer and then with Elite Motorsport and R Racing over the past two seasons.
In 2020 he came eighth in the points with two fastest laps, and then started testing F4 machinery with Argenti.
On Tuesday, Pearson’s management revealed that he had signed to race for the team this year but that he will have to take time out of racing following his diagnosis.
“True to character, the Yorkshire-based racer still plans to return to the cockpit and continue his rise through the ranks,” added EDGE Sporting Management, which supports Pearson and was behind the success of Jamie Caroline and Enaam Ahmed in previous years.
“Pearson is going to be using his home sim, keeping fit and healthy with help from his trainer and management team, while Michael Meadows at Argenti Motorsport has already opened the channels to get Joel back testing as soon as he gets signed off fit.
“Joel wishes to take the opportunity at this time to raise awareness and donations for Teenage Cancer Trust, who are the only UK charity dedicated to providing the specialised nursing care and support needed for young people fighting cancer.
“A fundraising page has been set up and Joel appreciates any support you can provide.”
The fundraising page can be found at justgiving.com/fundraising/joelpearson