Honda NSX GT3 Set to Make a Grand Return to British GT in 2025
The Honda NSX GT3 is poised to make a triumphant return to the British GT Championship in 2025, marking an 18-year hiatus since the last Honda-powered car raced in the series. Back in 2007, Honda provided the engines for the Lotus Exige GT3s of Mackintosh Motorsport and Cadena Motorsport, but its presence in British GT has been notably absent since the 1990s. This year, the NSX GT3 will be run by Bridger Motorsport, a relatively new team that has primarily contested UK single-seater championships since its inception in 2015. The team’s venture into GT3 racing represents a significant leap forward, both for Bridger Motorsport and for Honda’s motorsport legacy in the UK.
Team Boss Jay Bridger’s Vision and Confidence
Team boss Jay Bridger is understandably elated about the opportunity to bring Honda back to British GT. "We are very excited to be joining British GT with Honda this year," Bridger remarked. "It is a massive jump up for us as a team. We are working alongside JAS Motorsport, and their support has been invaluable to us. It will be a big learning experience for everyone, as we are running the only Honda on the grid. We have a lot of catching up to do, but testing has exceeded our expectations." Bridger is confident in the team’s preparation and the support from JAS Motorsport, a renowned development partner of Honda. "We have put a good team in place around us, and it will also be a significant step up for our drivers. However, I have a lot of confidence in our line-up. I believe they will make a big impression this year," he added. Bridger’s optimism is palpable, and he is hopeful that Bridger Motorsport will be competitive in the upcoming season.
Meet the GT3 Debutants: Luke Garlick and Johnny Ip
The Honda NSX GT3 will be piloted by two GT3 debutants: Luke Garlick and Johnny Ip, both of whom have extensive experience in other racing categories and are eager to take on this new challenge. Johnny Ip, hailing from Hong Kong, brings a unique perspective to the team. "I am proud to be competing in the British GT Championship, a stage where some of the world’s best GT racers push the limits," Ip shared. "Competing in British GT is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to take on this challenge, represent my roots, and push myself to the next level." Ip’s enthusiasm and dedication to his craft are evident, and he is determined to make a mark in the highly competitive British GT scene.
Luke Garlick, a 18-year-old rising star, has spent the last three seasons racing Ginettas, during which he clinched the GT5 Challenge Pro title in 2023 and finished third in the 2024 GT Championship standings. "I am very excited to start my GT3 journey with Bridger Motorsport and Honda," Garlick said. "Having previously raced Ginettas, this is a new challenge for me, but I am sure that we will make our mark on the British GT grid. I’ve tested the car, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel for the season opener at Donington Park." Garlick’s track record and his hunger for success make him a valuable asset to the team, and his transition to GT3 racing is expected to be both smooth and impressive.
Season Opener and Final Round at Donington Park
The British GT Championship’s 2025 season will kick off at Donington Park on April 5-6, the same venue that will host the final round of the campaign on October 4-5. Donington Park is a historic and challenging circuit that has hosted numerous prestigious races, making it an ideal setting for the season’s start and finish. The circuit’s mix of high-speed sections and technical corners will provide a true test for the Honda NSX GT3 and its drivers, setting the stage for a thrilling and competitive season ahead.
Bridger Motorsport’s Ambitions and Support
Bridger Motorsport, despite its relative inexperience in GT3 racing, has been meticulous in its preparation. The team has been working closely with JAS Motorsport, Honda’s development partner, to ensure that the NSX GT3 is ready to compete at the highest level. JAS Motorsport’s expertise in GT3 racing has been a crucial factor in Bridger Motorsport’s decision to venture into this category. The collaboration has already yielded promising results during testing, and the team is committed to a continuous learning process throughout the season. Bridger’s focus on driver development and technical know-how underscores the squad’s determination to succeed in the challenging world of GT3 racing.
A Notable Line-Up of Entries for 2025
Bridger Motorsport is the sixth entry confirmed for the 2025 British GT Championship, joining a lineup that includes Ferrari’s long-awaited return to the British championship. This announcement has generated considerable excitement within the motorsport community, as it signals a resurgence of iconic brands and a fresh influx of talent. The competition is expected to be fierce, with each team vying for supremacy on the track. Bridger Motorsport’s entry of the Honda NSX GT3 adds a new dimension to the championship, bringing with it the legacy and engineering prowess of one of Japan’s most respected automakers. The team’s determination and the support from JAS Motorsport position them well to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
