Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography
GB3 frontrunner Will Macintyre has announced that he will not see out the season after being diagnosed with cancer in two areas of the body.
Macintyre sits fifth in the points table with two rounds remaining. His season has featured one victory and two second places.
The Elite Motorsport driver shared the update about his medical condition and racing plans via an Instagram post today:
“Hi everyone. This is a very different post to usual, but I’ll just spit it out. Over the past few months, I haven’t quite felt myself and now it’s starting to make a bit more sense as to why.
“I’ve been diagnosed with both brain and lung cancer. Sadly, it’s as serious as it sounds! The amazing team at Milton Keynes [University] Hospital have already been incredible in helping put a plan together for how I’m going to fight this.
“Unfortunately, this does mean I won’t be racing for the foreseeable future. But rest assured the second I’m able to, I’ll be back behind the wheel where I belong.
“A massive thank you goes to my family and friends for their support and to everyone who continues to back me through this unexpected detour.”
The 18-year-old started his car racing career with Elite in the Ginetta Junior sportscar series, and was runner-up in the 2022 season. He then switched to single-seaters with Hitech GP, becoming British Formula 4 runner-up in 2023 and winning three times with the team en route to fifth in last year’s GB3 standings.
“This is not the kind of news we ever imagined sharing but it’s important that we stand alongside Will Macintyre as he shared his journey,” Elite said in a team statement.
“Anyone who knows Will knows the strength and determination he carries both on and off the track. With the incredible support of the team at MK Hospital, a treatment plan is already in place, and the fight is underway.”
It added: “As a team, our priority is to support Will and his family through every step of this challenge. Will is, and always will be, a huge part of Elite Motorsport. Together, we’ll face this detour head-on.”