Jesse Anttila Signs with UltraTek Racing Team RJN for British GT

UltraTek Racing Team RJN is pleased to announce the signing of Finnish rising star Jesse Anttila and VW Cup frontrunner Stephen Johansen to complete the team's driver lineup alongside Martin Plowman and Kelvin Fletcher. The pair will contest the 2018 British GT Championship in the #54 Nissan 370Z in the highly competitive GT4 category. Jesse Anttila enjoyed a part season in the British GT Championship in 2017 but is relishing the opportunity to compete in a full season. The young Finnish driver has had a great career to date and is no stranger to GT4 with appearances in British GT and a race win in the 2014 GT4 European Series. His accolades also include being former Finnish KF3 and Formula Ford champion; he has also competed in Formula Renault UK and Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe. Stephen Johansen has graduated from the British GT support series, the VW Racing Cup to fulfil his career-long ambition to race in the British GT Championship. Johansen was a consistent front-runner in the VW Cup, with previous seasons in the VAG Trophy and was a prolific class winner in his decade in the hugely popular Fun Cup Endurance Series. In addition to his role as Managing Director of Warrington-based Indigo Technology Sevices, Stephen is also a Grade A ARDS instructor. Jesse Anttila commented, "I'm pleased to have signed with UltraTek Racing Team RJN, I have a lot of faith in Stephen and am sure we're going to be pushing for the podium in GT4 Pro-Am category. I'm looking forward to completing my first full season in the British GT Championship, the guys at RJN turn out a first-class car, and the chance to race as a teammate with somebody of Martin's experience is an opportunity you don't get every day." Stephen Johansen remarked, "It is a dream come true to be racing in the British GT Championship. I have been a massive fan of the series for years having run alongside it for many seasons, so the chance to line up on the grid alongside some of the worlds best GT racers is hugely exciting. The package for this season was perfect, Jesse is a tremendously talented driver, plus having Martin Plowman and RJN Motorsport in my corner makes for the perfect package, I am counting the days until my home round of Oulton Park." Anttila and Johansen have taken up the UltraTek Racing mantle filling car #54 as long-term UltraTek drivers Richard Taffinder and Tim Eakin are forced to sit out the first part of the season due to business commitments. Richard Taffinder commented, "Sitting out has been an incredibly difficult decision, but it is an exciting time for my business as it continues to expand. I've made massive progress since working with Martin Plowman, and one of the main lessons I've learned is that to develop, I need to give 100% focus." Taffinder continued, "I will be attending as many races as I can, we're like a family, and I want to support the chaps." Ben Snowdon - UltraTek Racing Team Principal commented, "I'm thrilled to have signed Jesse and Stephen, the GT4 category is going to be very competitive this season, and they are an excellent driver pair. I have known Stephen for many years, and it's exciting to be able to give him his break in the British GT Championship. Martin and I have had our eyes on Jesse for a while now, he impressed us in British GT last year, not only has he got fantastic pace, but we think he will be a great cultural fit for the team too." Snowdon continued, "It won't be the same with Richard and Tim not in the car, but they are still a huge part of the team and are heavily involved and will be back racing as soon as practically possible. We are close to finalising a detailed driver development program for their return." The team will be in attendance at the British GT Championship Media Day at Donington Park this Thursday where they will be unveiling the 2018 Nissan 370Z GT4 livery.