Former V8 Supercars regular Steven Johnson is on the ground at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Spa, hunting down European GT opportunities for 2016.
Set to miss the V8 Supercars endurance races for the first time in over two decades, Johnson has turned his attention to the booming GT3 formula.
The Queenslander drove in the opening two rounds of this year’s Australian GT Championship in a Jamec Pem Audi alongside team owner Steve McLaughlan.
While missing the most recent round in Townsville due to budget constraints, the 40-year-old is hopeful of returning to the team later in the season.
Although funded opportunities in GT cars are traditionally hard to come by, receiving a Silver FIA driver rating could play strongly into Johnson’s hands.
Talented Silver drivers are in strong demand in Europe’s Pro-Am GT3 events; as evidenced by David Russell’s recent appearances in Germany’s ADAC GT Masters.
Johnson’s next racing appearance will meanwhile come in the Touring Car Masters at Queensland Raceway.
He will continue behind the wheel of John Bowe’s Ford Mustang and is aiming for a third round win from three starts in the category.
“After a weeklong trip to Belgium to have a look at the Spa 24 hour, I get back just in time for Friday practice so hopefully jet lag won’t be an issue, I just want to race,” said Johnson in an event preview.
“I’m stoked to be able to go head to head with JB again. We’ve gained some momentum and understanding of ‘Sally’ in the TCM category and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”
The fifth TCM round of the season will be bolstered by eight competitors from the Queensland TransAm Series.
The additional entrants include former Bathurst veterans Charlie O’Brien and John English, boosting the total grid to 24 cars.
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