BRANDON McCaughan is hoping his headline grabbing performances in this season’s GB4 Championship will be enough to convince Motorsport Ireland judges to hand him the prestigious Sexton Trophy at the second time of asking.
McCaughan, from Ahoghill in Co Antrim, has been nominated for the €50,000 (£42,000) Young Racing Driver of the Year prize based on his silverware-winning displays in the single-seater competition during the month of June.
The 19-year-old’s involvement in the feeder series was made possible after he won a cheque for £20,000 by coming out on top in last November’s GB4 Shootout at Snetterton circuit against Canadian hotshot, Nathan Yu.
With the money banked, McCaughan made the most of the opportunity and put himself in title contention by chalking up race victories and podium finishes before a shortfall in funds put the brakes on his involvement prior to the Snetterton 300 round on the weekend of July 13/14.
Since then, he has travelled to Mugello in northern Italy after Virage Group co-owner and former LMP3 champion Julien Gerbi invited him along to a test day where he got to sample a V6-engined Ligier JSP4.
He quickly gelled with the car and impressed Gerbi, who admitted he would be keen to join forces with the young talent moving forward.
Judges from Motorsport Ireland’s Race Commission – who have also named three-time Sexton Trophy finalist and current TCR China regular Max Hart, and Legends Cars Championship UK newcomer Jamie Moylan as contenders – singled out McCaughan for his “incredible performances” on the mainland.
“I am very excited to have a second opportunity to contend for the prestigious Sexton Trophy,” said McCaughan, who was pipped to the Sexton Trophy by Jack Byrne at Motorsport Ireland’s Champions Awards Lunch last December.
“Making it to the final last year was a brilliant experience, and this year I hope to utilise my performances from my time in the GB4 Championship to reach the final again and hopefully win.
“As well as the prize for winning, the publicity and experience that comes with taking part will be invaluable to me as I aim to step forward into 2025. A huge thanks to Motorsport Ireland for the opportunity,” he added.
Three more monthly nominees for August, September and October will be selected, with potential wildcards added to the mix, with nominees subjected to a formal interview in November.
As before, the trophy recipient is the one judges best feel demonstrate the most potential to represent Ireland.