The 90-minute Britcar Endurance round at Donington sees the car racing debut of Mike Chalkiopolous, who’s previous experience of motorsport is through Superbike racing and karting in his native Greece. He has tied-up with Innovations Racing, and has been impressive as an absolute beginner on an unknown circuit in pre-race testing in the team’s Ginetta G56 GT4 machine, which bodes well for his inaugural race outside of Greece. And there is an historic Britcar connection here too as Mike’s father Andreous, former front runner in Greek touring cars and F3, and also British Thundersaloons, Boss Series and F3000, was a significant contender in the Britsports series some 15 years ago, claiming many podiums in a Juno partnered by Dave Mountain.
So when Mike wanted to make the transition to cars, Andreous proposed that Britain was the place, and Britcar was the championship to do. Through his extensive contacts, Andreous chose Innovation Racing for Mike’s campaign, a tight, family-run team by husband and wife partnership – both Level 2 HGV drivers – Simon and Aime Griffiths, who after many years of club racing consider 2025 as their “first season as a professional team”. Simon has provenance in Caterham and Ginetta racing, and most recently has been tasting success in the Ginetta G56 in another well-known GT championship. Britcar is delighted to re-kindle the relationship with Andreous and welcomes Mike and the Innovation Racing team to the championship, wishing them a safe and successful event.
Text and Photos: Steve Wood