Rob Collard is embarking on an exciting new chapter of his motorsport career with a switch from the BTCC to British GT racing for 2020.
He’ll pilot the championship-contending Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo run by Barwell and sporting stealthy looking Black Bull Whisky livery. With their eyes on the overall prize Rob will partner 20-year-old official Lamborghini GT3 Junior Driver, Sandy Mitchell as a strong pairing for the title hopes.
After 20 years in British Touring Cars, 2020 felt like the natural time to make a change.
Rob explains:
“I was looking for a fresh challenge in motorsport. My sons Ricky and Jordan have brought home fantastic feedback and results from GT racing in the UK and Europe in the last few seasons and their experiences have definitely turned my head to try something new. Sandy is fast and the car is blistering! My first outings in pre-season testing have been very encouraging. Together with the team at Barwell we’re focussed on securing the championship for Lamborghini and working hard on winter prep ready for the first round.”
Ricky (23) and Jordan (19) continue their GT careers in 2020 with Aston Martin and McLaren respectively. Ricky once again lines up with R-Motorsport while Jordan has been promoted from a McLaren Development Driver to one of the coveted McLaren Academy positions for this season.
Dad Rob (51), meanwhile, is very well known to British racing fans after being one of the stalwarts of the British Touring Car Championship over the last 20 years. During that time he has been a multiple race winner, secured the Independents’ Championship in 2003 and played a key part in securing several team’s and manufacturer’s championships with West Surrey Racing and BMW Motorsport.
Rob’s team-mate Sandy Mitchell is returning to British GT having spent the last two seasons in the European Blancpain endurance series, as part of Barwell’s successful Silver Cup squad. The highlight of these was undoubtedly last year’s incredible victory at the Spa 24 Hours, which has firmly marked the Scot out as one of the rising stars of the international GT racing scene. He previously raced in British GT during the 2016-17 seasons, as part of the McLaren GT4 young driver development programme. Hence 2020 will see his first attack on the overall British GT3 championship title.