A STAMFORDHAM-BASED motor racing driver is to make a return to the prestigious British GT Championship at Silverstone.

Matthew Graham contests the Silverstone 500 on May 8, courtesy of AL-2 Teknik UK, partnering Scotland’s Ross Wylie in a Valluga Racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.

Matthew, who celebrates his 26th birthday later this month, has twice previously contested the Silverstone 500 - a three-hour race run on the 3.66-mile Grand Prix circuit - finishing runner-up in the GT4 category in 2017.

The duo posted the fifth quickest GT4S time in testing.

“I’m super appreciative of Peter Gronbjerg’s AL-2 Teknik UK company", said Matthew.

"His support essentially allows me to compete in the BGT again at the wheel of Valluga’s GT4 entry. These opportunities don’t come around often so it’s a case of making the most of the opportunity.

"In addition to AL-2 Teknik UK support, NGE PyroDry plus Carronbridge Sawmill (Thornhill) is also involved in the venture.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out in British GT having competed in 2016 and ’17, making my BGT return in the Silverstone 500, especially as the GP track is my favourite circuit.

"The GT4 Cayman RS is a new car for me so my main aim is to be as competitive as I can.

“2022 is turning out to be crazy busy, which is great, having not experienced anything like it since my karting days.

"I believe Ross and I will be a strong combination this season and hopefully, we can pick up some class wins along the way.”  

Valluga Racing team owner Benji Hetherington added: “I’m delighted to have Matty join us. He’s already a proven winner in Porsches this year, and in previous seasons, so we know the calibre of driver we are getting.

“He got a very, very late call-up from us to race at Brands Hatch and having never driven the Cayman GT4 Clubsport before, he was a race winner by the end of the day.

" A huge thank you must go to Peter [Gronbjerg] for making this all come together. His support of Matty and Valluga was vital in making this deal become reality.

AL-2 Teknik UK - a specialised water treatment service provider based in Thornhill near Dumfries - is the primary sponsor of current Porsche Carrera Cup GB championship leader Matthew's exciting BGT programme.