National Motorsport Academy announces its participation in 2024 GT Cup, with exciting ambitions for its self funded team named Team NMA.
Marc Haynes established the GT Cup as a cornerstone in UK motorsports. The GT Cup series has developed into a championship in recent years. It boasts a diverse range of GT vehicles on the grid. Its classes range from cutting-edge GT3 cars like Mercedes-AMGs or McLarens to classic cars that competed during the 1990s-2000s. This multi-class lineup delivers consistently excellent racing.
Kevin Riley, the founder of National Motorsport Academy (NMA), first entered the GT Cup in 2012. He competed in a Mosler MT900R. He soon joined forces with Dr. Kieran reeves, who engineered the Mosler during the 2014 and 2015. After its formation in 2015, NMA participated for the first time in 2016 as the newly formed Team NMA. Since then, they have raced the Mosler MT900R, and two variants of Lotus Evora GTE which was a former 24 Hours of Le Mans Works Car.
Unique team setup
The setup is one of the unique features of Team NMA. The core of the squad comprises of three full time members: Dr. Kieran Reeves, architect of the world’s first online motorsport engineering degree and NMA director of motorsport; aerodynamic specialist and deputy director Wayne Gater, and race engineer/tutor Ed Sarling. They balance their time between developing, running and tutoring the course, as well as continuing research and development on the cars. The team is composed of NMA students enrolled in either the BSc (Hons), Motorsport Engineering, or MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering degree.
Many readers are familiar with the way a race team works, but what about a tutor-led race team?
The NMA will invite students to participate in GT Cup race weekends at the beginning of the season. It is completely optional to take part in these events as it has no impact on grades. By participating, students gain invaluable experience.
There are six or more students placed in a weekend of racing, regardless their level of experience. Students are then given the chance to put into practice all the skills acquired during their studies. This enables them to draw from specific modules, such as Race Car Design & Preparation, Vehicle Dynamics & Data Acquisition, and Race Strategy Optimisation.
During race weekends, students work closely with tutors in every aspect of the team’s operations; from setup, testing and tuning, all the way to data analysis, car development, and more, enabling students to gain hands-on experience to develop their skillset and enhance their careers.
Competition for Results
Team NMA, despite the highly competitive nature of GT Cup has achieved consistent success over the years. The team also achieved a second-place finish with the Lotus Evora GTE in its first campaign. Its greatest achievement, however, was clinching GTO with the Mosler MT900R. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of the academy’s students.
The NMA team, like many other race teams, has had to rebuild both the Mosler Evora and Lotus Evora over the years. But now, they are on their way to recovery. The NMA team built a brand new Evora for the CSCC Slick Series 2022, but unfortunately it was damaged in a crash.
The car was a huge success in the GT Cup, and returned for the three final rounds of the season 2023. The Evora was able to achieve multiple podiums and a pole in its class despite the extremely short testing period. This led to the car finishing 3rd in the GTO standings.
The team’s focus is on optimising Evora. They are implementing tweaks that will enhance performance, such as in aerodynamics, suspension and powertrain. These areas link to the academic programmes delivered by the NMA.
Mosler MT900R had a similarly momentous journey before returning to the track. Team NMA started a total rebuild of the car in 2022. In addition to a full engine overhaul and some chassis modifications the wiring and entire electronic system were outdated. The car needed a cutting-edge electronic system, which was a difficult task.
The team made the most of the time available by upgrading the engine. This included installing eight new throttle bodies, as the throttle was transitioned from fly-bywire to drive-bywire. This will give the car increased driveability, reliability and more power. It also serves as a resource for students who want to improve their electronics skills.
Goals for the 2024 season
The NMA Evora delivered the car that was envisioned by the team. Highlights include multiple podiums, a class pole and lap times that are comparable to current GT3 racecars. But a victory never materialised. The safety cars were a factor, but so was the fierce competition from Paul Bailey. His Lamborghini GTO GT3 Evo won the GTO, and also the championship.
For 2024, it is important to keep up the consistent podium placements and achieve that elusive first place. However, this won’t be an easy task. The GTO class this year is extremely competitive, with contenders like a Radical SR3 RSX, a customised Porsche 935, and a Brabham BT62 among others. This presents huge challenges to Team NMA. The Brabham will be a particular challenge as it’s being driven by reigning champion Bailey, as well as ex-Formula 1 driver and 2009 Le Mans winner, David Brabham.
The Evora will kick off Team NMA’s campaign for at least the first few rounds. However, as the Mosler draws nearer to being race ready, there’s a strong chance that the car will make its grand return before the end of the season, once calibration of electronics, engine mapping sessions and several shakedowns are complete.
Driving the Evora will be Jay Shepherd – who’s back in the cockpit for Team NMA following his strong end to the 2023 season. Jay is most well-known for racing Britcar, British GT and historic championships. He has also raced in single seaters and prototypes. He is a perfect fit for an educational team.
Season begins at Donington on April 19. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can catch the races live on the GT Cup YouTube channel or follow live updates and behind-the-scenes content on the NMA social media channels.
Whether you’re seeking a path into motorsport or you’re an employer in search of the brightest upcoming talent, connect with the NMA online:
> National Motorsport Academy Website
> National Motorsport Academy Social Media
> Find Your Perfect Candidate
> Start Your Path into Motorsport Today
The post Student-Powered Team NMA to compete in 2024 GT Cup Challenge first appeared on Racecar Engineering.
