Griffin gears up for busy 2020 on and off track
Irish racing driver Matt Griffin is busy preparing for what is sure to be a very exciting year. The 2020 season will see Griffin compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) for a ninth consecutive year giving him a chance to add to his tally of 23 ELMS podiums whilst also extending his relationship for the thirteenth year with the iconic AF Corse Ferrari GT team.
As the most experienced Ferrari GT driver, the Irishman is also looking forward to adding to his massive 300 races behind the wheel of Ferrari GT cars.
“It will be great to be back in the ELMS again. I have a long history with the championship,” noted Griffin. “In addition to winning the championship in 2013, I have fought for the championship at the final race many times.” While the ELMS championship will be hugely competitive, Griffin believes that with his stable of co-drivers and his extraordinary team, they will be in a position to fight for wins at every race.
Alongside the European Le Mans series, the GT ace will also compete in the International GT Open Series with his usual teammate, Duncan Cameron. The duo will pilot the number 21 AF Corse, Ferrari 488GT3 in the 14-race pan European series, where they will be vying for the Pro-Am championship. The two championships include a total 23 races for the 2020 season.
“Duncan and I did a limited GT Open campaign last year and were very successful taking a win and three further podiums in eight races. I like the format, which stimulates some excellent racing. The calendar is awesome, with the best Grand prix circuits Europe has to offer,” said Griffin.
Away from the car, the Cork, Ireland native will continue his involvement with AF Corse UK and the UK Ferrari challenge series, working closely with Ferrari North Europe and the network of UK Ferrari dealers.
The 37-year-old Griffin has also accepted the exciting new role of senior development officer for CJJ Motorsports, a race team established by inspirational Irishman John Campion, which was developed with the aim of developing and supporting young Irish racing talent.
“I am, and I continue to be, very lucky to race professionally,” added Griffin. “Whilst driving and competing in the biggest races in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, continue to be my priority, it’s fantastic to put my experience within motorsport to good use with CJJ Motorsports, AF Corse, and Ferrari.”
Most exciting for Griffin is the opportunity to put his 20 years of experience in the business of motorsport to good use. “My involvement with CJJ Motorsports is recent but working under John Campion and together with the CJJ team has already proven to be an incredible experience.”
The European Le Mans Series kicks off with the official test days on 30-31 March with the opening round on 5 April in Barcelona.
