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Next GT racer? SA teen lands Nismo test

KENT, England - South African racer Liam Venter (19) could find land himself a seat in GT racing after testing in a Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 for the JRM Group at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, England, on Thursday (July 10 2014).

The test could see the SA teen become part of JRM’s racing efforts as a potential new customer team in the GT series.
 
Venter’s coach, Craig Dolby, commented: “Despite it being his first time in a GT car he was immediately at ease. His times were very good, just a couple of tenths off my benchmark.”

‘HAVE TO UP MY GAME’
 
Venter also managed to test the car on a wet track after a summer downpour.

Dolby said: “In hindsight that was a bonus. He was out there looking for and finding the grip, and working too to keep the tyres cool.  If he keeps up that level of progress I’m going to have to up my game.”

Venter said: “I was a little wary before trying the car but found myself feeling very much at home straight away. The car is a stunning-looking thing and despite its size it was pretty nimble and had very good grip, plus lots of power, certainly not a huge difference from the bigger single-seatersI’ve raced and tested.
 
“I was certainly very encouraged and the team was fantastic in helping me to get the most out of the car.”
 
Venter was also due to test again at Brand's Hatch towards the end of July 2014 before returning home to South Africa and potentially receiving news of a new direction for his motorsport career for 2015.
 
Comtec Racing, a team that has seen success at Formula Ford, Formula Renault and Formula 3.5 World Series, was participating at the Brand's Hatch test.

GT RACING ON THE ‘UP’

The Comtec Racing team said: “We are working with JRM towards a potential programme next year with the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3. At the moment the situation looks very encouraging. We find JRM’s team to be hugely helpful and professional, a real must in such a competitive business.
 
“GT racing is certainly on the ‘up’ at the moment and Comtec wants to be out there winning races.
 
“Liam has tested and raced for us in WSR and Auto GP and then Craig introduced us to the  JRM Group and things have moved along from there. There’s a way to go yet but everyone is pulling in the same direction so there’s good reason to be optimistic.”
 
JRM also has its sights set on the Pro class of Blancpain Sprint and Blancpain Endurance and an increasingly competitive showing from the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 in motorsport.
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