Gardner withdraws from GT rounds
Volante Rosso young gun Alex Gardner will miss the final two rounds of the 2024 GT World Challenge Australia season, but for an understandable reason.
Gardner has withdrawn with immediate effect to focus on his schooling with the final set of his Queensland Certificate of Education exams approaching and clashing the Bathurst International.
The 2023 Radical Cup Australia champion has been driving the Volante Rosso Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage GT3 alongside Jamie Day.
It was a mutual decision between both Gardner and Volante Rosso Motorsport.
Gardner will be replaced by Filipino Andre Canard for this weekend’s round at Sydney Motorsport Park where he will race with Day.
Gardner admitted it was a “tough decision” but is expected to return to the team in 2025.
“While I would love to be on track racing with everyone again, unfortunately, the next two races clash with my final Year 12 exams here in Queensland,” said Gardner.
”It’s been a tough decision and quite difficult trying to arrange to do both. As I’ve only got one opportunity to graduate, I need to focus on that and give it my all.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed racing in the category so far and have learnt a lot. After I graduate, it’s full steam ahead preparing for the 2025 racing season, and I can’t wait.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed representing Aston Martin Racing here in Australia and am looking forward to continuing this next year.”
Volente Rosso Motorsport Director Josh Hunt was impressed with Gardner’s “maturity.”
“This is obviously a very difficult call for Alex and his family to have made, but it’s a decision I commend him for,” said Hunt.
“It’s obviously not an easy decision to make and it requires a lot of maturity. There are a lot of young drivers out there who wouldn’t do something like this, so for Alex to recognise the importance of his education is quite remarkable.
“We have been super impressed with Alex this year and he has done a fantastic job in the car and with the team.
“With this said, he has our full support and we are looking forward to having him back for 2025 and building on what we started.
“He is part of the family and I have no doubt this relationship will continue to thrive as we help him reach his dream of driving in Le Mans and being a factory driver.”
Image: Race Project/Supplied
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