The first sustainably fuelled car to compete in the GT Cup Championship will take to the track this May, driven by Ex-Formula 1 driver David Brabham.
Kendall Development’s Brabham BT62 will be driven by the multiple Le Mans winner, alongside reigning GT Cup champion Paul Bailey, in Round 2 of the Championship at Brands Hatch on 19th May. Bearing the famous Brabham family name, the vehicle will compete in the GTO Class powered SUSTAIN Racing GT80 fuel.
Developed by bespoke fuel specialist Coryton, SUSTAIN Racing fuels use advanced second-generation biofuel manufactured from agricultural waste, such as straw, by-products or waste from crops which wouldn’t be used for consumption. By doing so, the fuel utilises the carbon that already exists in our atmosphere, which the plants absorb as they grow, recycling it, rather than releasing additional CO2 that is currently locked underground in fossil fuel.
SUSTAIN Racing GT80 is an advanced racing product specially designed to meet the performance and sustainability criteria outlined by the FIA. The blend is based on 80% renewable materials and delivers a minimum 65% greenhouse gas saving when compared to traditional fossil fuel (taking into account the carbon costs used to produce and transport the product). With six rounds still to go in the championships, this could result in approximately 1.08 tonnes of CO2 saved.
Speaking about his decision to use sustainable fuel, David Brabham said:
“I first started talking about sustainable fuels around 20 years ago as I’ve always believed these fuels are essential for the survival of motorsport. In the early days, the options were somewhat limited. However, through its pioneering SUSTAIN brand, Coryton has shown just how far the technology has come. I can’t wait to showcase its potential as the first car to compete with sustainable fuel in the GT Cup Championship.
“The race at Brands Hatch will also be significant for me for another reason, as it’s the 10th anniversary of my father Jack’s passing. As a three-time Formula One World Champion and the Co- Founder of Brabham racing team, he devoted a great deal of his life to racing and future technologies. Taking a Brabham car through Brabham Straight feels like a very fitting way to honour his memory and I’m excited to be back behind the wheel again of a car that bears our name.”
The GT Cup Championship is the first full racing event that David Brabham has competed in since he stood back from the sport in 2012.
David Richardson, Business Development Director at Coryton, the developers of SUSTAIN, said:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with David, Paul, and the team to mark a new sustainable milestone for motorsport. The Brabham brand has always been incredibly innovative and its mission to ‘inspire futures through pioneering thinking’ aligns perfectly with our own progressive approach.”
Together, Brabham and Bailey have already completed Round 1 of the GT Cup in a Lamborghini GT3 EVO, claiming podium positions in four races. Now, with the power of the BT62 at their fingertips, the pair hope to claim victories in the remaining six rounds of the championship.