Snetterton

April 30th 2023 will see the start of a new GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy season, as Rochdale racers Matty Street and Sandro Ballesteros join the grid for the forthcoming six-round calendar.

It will see drivers be tested in an endurance format between late April and early October. They will all be heading to five well-known tracks in the United Kingdom that includes the “Home of British Motorsport,” Silverstone.

This championship, which is part of the 750 Motor Club, provides close and competitive racing, with a big emphasis on cost effectiveness. It has even attracted the likes of legendary racer-turned-broadcaster Tim Harvey, who competed with his son Jamie last July at Silverstone.

Street has already had proven success in racing, especially with Team BRIT in the Britcar Endurance Championship Trophy class in previous years, and makes a welcome return to competitive action this year.

Along with his current workload that includes owning and running a successful UK karting team in the form of X-Kart, the Team Karting indoor facility in Rochdale and other projects, he is very much looking forward to getting back in a race suit and compete at some great tracks.

“To be honest, I am just really happy that I’ve gotten another chance to get back behind the wheel. It has been a lot of hard work to get back into this. ,” Matty admitted, as he’s also pleased to be partnering up with Sandro.

“The excitement is climbing up another level as we get closer to the beginning of the season. We’ve known each other for so long, and it felt like the perfect fit for us to get to race together as a team.

“Sandro and his family have also worked so hard to get to this stage of his career as a racer. The fact that this is now happening just is testament to all those long days and weekends away. I’m just so proud of what he’s done so far.“

Ballesteros has also been gaining welcome experience through his karting endeavours, which also saw him compete with X-Kart around the country in the Cadet Kart Championship, and has also raced with Matty before as part of the #RacingWithAutism team at various charity events.

“I’m really buzzing about the season alongside Matty, as he’s pretty much like an older brother to me,” he said, explaiing that he is also excited about competing in the 116 Trophy, having moved up from the Junior Saloon Car Championship last year.

“He’s an amazing driver, and was also my tutor for my ARDS test, helping me out a bit lot, plus his BMW 116i was the first car I ever drove – so it’s a no brainer and I can constantly learn with someone I can really trust.

“Endurance racing is the step I want to take, and it’s going to be a big challenge. I’m putting in a lot of time on the sim, along with an exercise program, which includes neck training, as the G-forces in this cars can be overwhelming.“

Stay tuned for further news as it happens about this dynamic duo teaming up and heading into a great competitive series like the GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy.

To find out more on the GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy, head to: https://116trophy.com

2023 GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Calendar:

30/04/2023 – Silverstone National

21/05/2023 – Brands Hatch Indy

25/06/2023 – Croft

30/07/2023 – Snetterton

20/08/2023 – Silverstone International

07/10/2023 – Oulton Park