British GT Championship Update: Revised Schedule and Team Insights
September 2025 – The British GT Championship is set for a significant change in 2026, with the calendar reduced to six race meetings. This alteration aims to ensure the long-term viability of the series, as confirmed by Paddock Motorsport founder and team principal Martin Plowman.
The 2026 schedule will feature only one round at Donington Park, taking place on September 5-6, diverging from the double-header format of 2025. Plowman, a seasoned competitor and 2013 FIA WEC LMP2 champion, expressed that the decision aligns with the financial realities of the sport.
“It was quite necessary to cut back a race to go to six events,” Plowman stated. “It helps bring back the overall operating budget into a window that is more affordable for the average gentleman driver.”
He highlighted the mounting costs in the industry, including fuel, staff expenses, and accommodations, declaring the current situation unsustainable for many teams.
The GT3 and GT4 classes have experienced a slight decline in participation, illustrated by Paddock Motorsport’s withdrawal of its Mercedes-AMG and McLaren Artura GT4 entries for the season. Recent sprint rounds at Snetterton also displayed diminished grid numbers, with notable absences like Greystone GT and Team Abba Racing.
Despite these challenges, Plowman noted positive developments within Paddock Motorsport. The #9 McLaren GT3 EVO has shown marked improvement in performance, with consistent top-ten finishes, including a fifth in the first race at Snetterton and ninth in the second.
“We’ve closed the gap quite a lot to the very top teams. We’re a lot more consistent in how we operate now,” Plowman commented on the team’s advancements.
Reflecting on the recent Snetterton races, Plowman credited drastic overnight changes to the car’s setup for their competitive result, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a rigorous racing environment.
Paddock Motorsport will compete in the final two endurance races of the 2025 season at Brands Hatch and Donington Park, where they aim to further improve their standings as the title chase heats up.
With the revised calendar and ongoing tactical adjustments, the British GT Championship continues to navigate its complexities, focusing on sustainability and competitive integrity as it moves forward.
