A West Cumbrian racing team has joined forces with South African junior motorsport stars for the 2025 Ginetta Junior Championship.
Led by former rally driver Richard Barnard, RABsport Racing has competed nationally from its Distington base, near Workington, in the C1 Endurance Series since 2022.
The team has built a strong reputation for fielding competitive cars with a focus on driver development, resulting in multiple race wins and podium finishes.
The new collaboration marks a significant step forward for the team, Barnard said.
ICAN Motorsport, a South African motorsport management company dedicated to promoting junior talent, approached RABsport Racing to help guide their top young karting stars as they transition from karts to car racing.
Recognised as the pinnacle of junior motorsport on both national and international stages, the series has nurtured several Formula 1 superstars over the years.
The Ginetta Junior Championship was the ideal choice, offering young drivers a highly competitive platform to hone their skills.
With manufacturers and major sponsors closely watching, the series provides the perfect stage to showcase emerging talent on a level playing field.
Team manager Barnard said: “We are delighted to work with ICAN on this project. This is a big step up for us as a team, and we’re ready for the challenge.
“Our goal is to provide the drivers with everything they need to succeed. The competition will be fierce, but we’re fully prepared to rise to the occasion.”
Elijah Mpho Gumbi, manager of ICAN Motorsport, added: “Our drivers are ready to take on the pinnacle of junior racing, and we have full confidence in Richard and his team to guide them through this crucial transition.”
The team will field three ICAN-liveried Ginetta G40 Junior Evo cars, featuring sequential gearboxes, lightweight chassis, and 1.8L Ford engines.
The driver line-up includes Luviwe Sambudla, a former WSK and FIA World Championship karter, along with brothers Mahlori and Ntiyiso Mabunda, who are set to embark on their second year in the series after a partial campaign in 2024.
