Teenager Ryan How has confirmed his intentions to return to the CAMS Australian GT Trophy series after last year’s successful GT debut at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The Victorian impressed in his first time behind the wheel against a star studded line-up, claiming two class victories and two outright sixth placings, as well as holding out multiple Bathurst 1000 winner Steven Richards.
How’s round victory shook up the whole Trophy class, with his result eventually having a major impact on the season for title contenders and Audi teammates Nick Kelly and Rio Nugara, a result which How himself was surprised with .
“I really never expected to be able to win a race, much less two,” How admitted post-event.
“It was a bit of a gamble with our limited budget to come here and race against such great drivers, and hope that we were able to stay out of trouble and avoid any unnecessary contact.
“Our real goal was to learn as much as we could about the car, and from my perspective, to learn to drive the car better and hopefully pick something up from my Audi team-mates, so to say I am overwhelmed by our results would be an understatement.”
With a wealth of experience gained from his successful year on track, which How included a Victorian State Series’ 2018 Sports Car title and his current partnership with Audi set to continue for 2019, the 17-year-old is in the process of securing a deal that will see him confirm his 2019 schedule soon, one that will most likely include both categories.
“Budget is clearly the big thing for us but our aim is to do the full Australian GT Trophy Class season of four rounds, whilst doing what we can to join the Endurance Series in a later model car in a co-driver’s role,” How explained.
“I’d also like to defend my State Series title too as that’s such great competition and gives me more valuable mileage in the car.”
Despite all the newfound hype surrounding the young driver after a successful year, How remains humble as he looks to build on his long term goals of driving on the world stage.
“I love the Audi and I’d dearly love to be able to prove to the factory that I have what it takes to make a career out of the sport, that’s my goal,” How added.
“If that’s Supercars, great, I think that’s every Australian kid’s dream, but I’d like to compete on the world stage as a factory driver, I think that would be fantastic.
“I’ve seen drivers like Matt Campbell and Earl Bamber take their immense skill and turn that into a career, so I know it’s possible, I just have to continue to listen and learn, and who knows what might come.