Generation Bentley becomes first customer for Continental GT3

David Appleby Engineering is pleased to announce that it will become the first Bentley Continental GT3 customer team when it takes delivery of the new racecar in January. The team, which will race under the Generation Bentley Racing banner, has been formed to develop young talent in motorsport for drivers, engineers and mechanics and will compete in the British GT Championship in 2014.

Drivers James Appleby (GB) and Steve Tandy (GB) will take the wheel next year in British GT and the car is available to compete in the FIA Blancpain endurance series for interested parties. The team is keen to take full advantage of the Continental GT3's eligibility for a wide spectrum of worldwide endurance racing.

James Appleby from Banbury, initially began his racing career in the SEAT Cupra Championship in 2008.  James has since competed regularly in the Aston Martin GT4 at a European level as a Junior Aston Martin Racing team driver and was presented the star of the future award by Aston Martin Racing in 2010.

Steve Tandy from Gloucestershire started his career racing classic sportscars in 2006 and is very familiar with the British GT Championship having competed for the last two seasons in the GT3 class achieving two overall wins and a multitude of podium finishes.

Launched at Goodwood in July this year, the new 1300 kg Bentley Continental GT3 race car features a 4.0 litre V8 twin turbo V8 developing an unrestricted 600 bhp. The new race car is based on the road-going Continental and has received an aerodynamic package of enhancements while retaining its iconic and recognisable form.

Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, comments: “I am delighted that David and his team will be competing with the Continental GT3 in our home country in 2014. The team has a wealth of experience and I'm confident that their energy and professionalism will see some very encouraging results next year. We'll be supporting them every step of the way and I wish them every success in the British GT Championship.”

David Appleby, Managing Director, David Appleby Engineering said: "Having had enormous success in GT4, we are very excited to be taking it to the next level. The Continental GT3 is a fantastic package of British design and engineering, and it's eligibility for both British GT and Blancpain makes it a perfect racecar for us."

Generation Bentley Racing will make its debut at the opening round of the British GT Championship taking place at Oulton Park on 19 April 2014.