British motor racing enthusiasts will be treated this year to the sight of equally matched, racing Aston Martin Vantages doing battle over a six-round series.

The first round will be at Snetterton, Norfolk on April 5 with Donington Park hosting the final race on October 9. Both these events, as well as those at Silverstone (May 22), Brands Hatch (June 26) and Oulton Park (August 21) are Aston Martin Owners Club-organised. There is one ‘out’ round, at the dramatic Spa-Francorchamps track in Belgium, on June 5/6.

All races will range in length from 90 to 150 minutes and are for up to two drivers. The overall winner will have the chance to test an Aston Martin Vantage GT2 or Aston Martin DBRS9 (GT3). Aston Martin Racing will support the Challenge with a spares truck, while control tyres should ensure both close racing and reduced costs for competitors.

The series is for both N24- and GT4-specification Aston Martin Vantages built by Aston Martin Racing at Banbury. The cars are closely based on the road versions with necessary safety equipment such as racing seats, fuel systems and roll-cages, together with uprated suspension, installed.

The company has produced more than 60 Vantage GT4s in the last three years, with four cars in build which can be made available in time for the series.

Roland Cherry, director of GT4 racing, commented: “By creating the GT4 Challenge, we have been able to give our customers the opportunity to compete on some of the best and most iconic race circuits in the world.”

You can read our track test of an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 elsewhere on Classic Driver.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Aston Martin