Rising motorsport star Jonathan Venter has secured a seat with global motorsport team Craft-Bamboo Racing, which will see him take on the top international racing teams and drivers in the GT Asia Series. Venter, who is only 19 years old will partner with Hong Kong motorsport ace Darryl O’Young, in the #99 Aston Martin Vantage V12 GT3 for the full championship season.
This is an incredible opportunity for the young Australian, who steps up to his full season role after completing a transition year last season from the Australian national ranks. Venter will be looking to put his speed and skill up against some of the worlds top GT drivers, and at the same time demonstrate his maturity to score points and challenge for the GT Asia Series title. Pairing with an experienced driver like O’Young should prove to create a fast and dynamic pairing, and Venter will be using O’Young’s extensive knowledge of the circuits and the car to further assist in his steep learning curve thus far.
Venter already has valuable experience behind the wheel of the Aston Martin, competing in the Bathurst 12 Hour in January and in three rounds of GT Asia in 2014. He made a serious impression with his speed and consistency in both series and successfully paved the way to be accepted into the prestigious Aston Martin Evolution Academy. After a rigorous selection process amongst the world’s most talented pool of young Aston Martin drivers, Venter was awarded one of only ten places in the coveted program.
It is not only his recent race history that will make him a formidable opponent on track but his championship winning experience in other racing disciplines. Climbing up through the karting ranks, Venter won an Australian Championship and three state titles all before the age of 15. Graduating to the high performance world of single seaters, Venter joined Formula Ford and in 2012 clinched the Victorian Formula Ford Championship and was awarded the very first Chairman’s cup by the Australian Formula Ford Association.
The 11 race season sees the series compete at Asia’s best circuits, finishing with the invitational event at the famed Macau street course. The first round of GT Asia will begin in South Korea, where the cars will line up on the grid at the Korea International Circuit. The weekend is comprised of two one-hour races, with the first to be held on Saturday May 16th, followed by the second race on Sunday May 17th.
Quotes
Jonathan Venter, Driver
“Ever since I’ve been a kid starting off in go-karts, racing GT cars has been my dream and the brand Aston Martin has always been a favourite. So to have the ability this year to race the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for a full season is more than a dream come true. Having been to the Aston Martin Factory and seeing the cars being built has given me so much more respect for the hard work and dedication that goes into building every one of these cars, whether it’s the race or road car. The Aston is a very strong GT car and has proven that on many occasions so I am more than excited to be able to race such an iconic car.”
“I am still so honoured to be chosen to represent Aston Martin as a part of the Evolution Academy. The academy is still in its early stages but I have already been to AML HQ in Gaydon with the rest of the Academy drivers and it was a fantastic experience. With each visit there we learn new ways and methods that are required to become a successful GT driver. Whether it’s driving itself or how to approach the media or fitness, the Academy gives us all a detailed insight into what it takes. It is a long road ahead and I have a lot to learn but I am dedicated to giving it my all and doing the best I can throughout the whole year.”