125-Year-Old British Oil Duckhams Joins British GT Championship
The original British motor oil, Duckhams, is delighted to announce a new partnership with British GT, continuing its winning partnership with British driver Adam Smalley.
Adorned with the iconic blue and yellow livery, reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion Adam Smalley will make his British GT Championship debut driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for renowned British racing outfit Garage 59.
The British GT Championship is one of the UK’s most exciting motorsports championships. For over 30 years, viewers have been thrilled by the series’ multi-class format, which brings together production-based, race-tuned supercars. This year’s lineup will feature Duckhams-sponsored Smalley in his McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, alongside other incredible cars, including the Aston Martin Vantage, Lamborghini Huracan, Lotus Emira, and the Ginetta G56.
McLaren first drove to victory in British GT in 1996 in the McLaren F1 GTR. They dominated the opening weekend last year and will be looking to repeat that performance when this year’s championship kicks off with the traditional Easter Weekend races at Oulton Park. The championships then traverse through the UK’s premier circuits and the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium before culminating in a final race weekend at Brands Hatch on 28th & 29th September 2024.
Duckhams’ successful association with motorsport began in the 1950s, conquering the British Motorcycle Championship in 1955. In 1971, the company moved into Formula 1, Formula 3 and Formula Ford sponsorship, which proved to be a winning move. Duckhams-sponsored Jackie Ickx won the F1 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in 1974, and in 1975, James Hunt won the Dutch Grand Prix in a Surtees. During the 1980s and 1990s, the original British motor oil supported the Van Diemen Works Formula Ford Team and celebrated victory in 1981 when Ari Vatanen became World Rally Champion.
Duckhams’ involvement with the Porsche Carrera GB Cup began in 2021 with a first victory by Duckhams driver Dan Cammish, followed by Adam’s victory in 2023. Duckhams also triumphed at the OR BRIC Superbikes Championship in Thailand in 2023, continuing to earn accolades in motorsports and showcase the pioneering spirit that defines the brand.
Duckhams’ Global CMO, Rajat Moitra, said, “We are excited to be moving into the British GT Championship this year and thrilled to welcome Adam back to a new winning partnership. Adam’s championship win in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB last year underscores his exceptional talent and showcases the dedication and winning spirit that has fuelled Duckhams since 1899. Let’s continue the winning streak and add a British GT title to Duckhams’ motorsports legacy!”
