Gin Hashi ACM by Blackjack Racing is set to compete in the opening round of the newly rebranded China GT Championship (CGTC), now under the management and promotion of Top Speed Events. Chinese drivers Li Sicheng and Lele Zhang Hongyu will share the team’s Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo 2 in the season-opening double-header at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Following a double GTC class victory during the CGTC pre-season event at Ningbo – where Li Sicheng was partnered with Jack Pang Chengguan – the team is once again targeting top honours in the GTC class, part of a bumper 26-car GT grid.
This weekend, former Macau Grand Prix Formula 4 race podium finisher Li will be joined by 19-year-old Hong Kong Chinese driver Zhang Hongyu. Zhang, who previously triumphed in the F4 Chinese Championship, made a significant mark in the 2023 Chinese Touring Car Championship (CTCC), becoming the youngest driver of the season and in TCR China history. He was a class winner in CTCC last year and also claimed GT4 class honours in the Shanghai 8 Hours endurance race.
“We’re delighted to be part of this exciting new chapter for the China GT Championship and are determined to continue building momentum,” said a Blackjack Racing Team Principal Jack Pang. “Lele is an exceptionally talented young driver who brings both speed and fresh insight to the team. Li Sicheng remains a core member of the Blackjack Racing family and is among the fastest GT drivers in China. We fully expect to be in the thick of the battle for GTC class honours.”
Li Sicheng added: “I’m really pleased to be back in the CGTC with Gin Hashi ACM by Blackjack Racing. I’ve got a new team-mate this weekend, but Elle has a strong reputation for pace. We’re in a confident and motivated position, and we’ll be pushing hard to secure another strong result.”
Zhang Hongyu commented: “I’m thrilled to be racing in this round of the CGTC with Gin Hashi ACM by Blackjack Racing. Although it’s our first time working together, I’ve been familiar with the team for some time. We also completed a productive test at Ningbo ahead of this weekend. The team’s technical expertise and competitiveness are impressive. Li is a very experienced driver, and I’m looking forward to a strong showing together.”
Sanctioned by the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of the People’s Republic of China (CAMF), the CGTC embarks on an exciting new era under Top Speed’s promotion, beginning at the home of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix. Round two also takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit in May, with round three scheduled for June at the V1 Tianjin International Circuit. The season finale is set for September, either back in Shanghai or at the Zhuhai International Circuit.
The championship features GT2, GT3, GT4 and GTC-spec machinery, with entries split across Pro, Pro-Am, Am and Masters classes. Each race includes a mandatory pit stop and runs for 55 minutes plus one lap.
The opening round gets underway on Friday, 25 April, with two one-hour test sessions, followed by a one-hour free practice. Saturday features two 15-minute qualifying sessions to determine the grid for both races. Race one takes place at 16:15 on Saturday, with race two scheduled for 10:30 on Sunday (all times GMT+08:00).
