Bewley and Exton up for more
Young guns Tom Bewley and William Exton showed front-running pace at the Nürburgring in their one-off appearance in the GT4 Germany Championship and learned enough to leave them wanting more.
Although lady luck conspired against them with inconvenient a full course yellow, variable weather and contact from another car, the dynamic duo showed their class with eye-catching pace throughout practice, qualifying and both races last month.
The main prize for their own outstanding campaigns in the 2023/24 Toyota 86 Championship, the weekend’s race meeting at the iconic track – along with all the build-up – presented a golden opportunity to take their racing experience and driving skills to a new level.
“It was a fantastic 10 days overall,” enthuses Bewley. “It’s hard to explain how different everything was, from trying a world-class simulator at TGR Europe, to working with a new team of engineers, and even driving on a circuit that in the wet has a lot more lines and grip than any tracks we have at home.
“But for me those were the things that stand out during the week as highlights. I loved the car and track, and the racing was really close. There’s a lot to learn, of course. I think the big thing for me was learning how to keep the tyres alive for as long as possible and managing that in a very competitive race.”
The racing left a lasting impression on both drivers, but left them wanting more.
“It really was full on in the one-hour races,” says Exton. “I love practising and tuning the car, and it went well for me in qualifying by getting a time that was only three tenths of pole position. But when that meant eighth on the grid, you get an idea of how competitive this championship is and how fierce GT4 is as a category.”
Bewley, too, reckons the two one-hour races were among the most competitive he’s ever competed in.
“Even watching Willie on the Sunday when he did the first half hour, I enjoyed it as it was more like watching a sprint race than an enduro,” he says. “That is what I’ll prepare for if I can do more GT racing. I loved that part of the experience. It’s what we want as drivers and it was very exciting.”
The big weekend was a glimpse into the future for both young Kiwis. They were left in no doubt they wanted more, especially as events outside of their control left them a few places shy of their goal of two top 10 results.
“Neither of us really know what the next opportunity will be, but it’s certainly something I want to do again,” says Bewley. “Working on the simulator, working with a new team and adjusting to their engineers are all things I want to do again.”
Exton is also itching to get back behind the wheel of a GT. “It’s a great class – fast, challenging and really competitive. It’s an ideal next step for drivers like Tom and myself.”
