Racing Pride co-founder Richard Morris announced Tuesday that he will undergo a GT4 testing programme, furthering his bond with renowned marque Aston Martin.
Known for championing inclusivity for LGBTQ+ members of the motorsport community, a lot of Racing Pride’s work accounts for action off-track, but Morris is no stranger to on-track proceedings.
After progressing from Karting to Formula Ford single-seaters, Morris switched to prototype racing in 2019 and in 2023 was crowned European Sports Prototype Cup Champion, the BRM Chronographes UK-European Trophy Winner, and the Dutch Supercar Challenge Zandvoort Trophy of the Dunes Overall Winner in a season that saw him rack up seven wins and nine podium finishes across 11 races.
Now, he is stepping away from prototypes to focus on GTs and has already commenced a 2024 testing programme with Aston Martin partner Forsetti Motorsport in a Vantage GT4, with his first outing coming at Snetterton on May 10.
“GT racing presents so many huge opportunities,” said Morris.
“There are fantastic series with thriving grids and broad followings, featuring iconic motorsport brands, not just in the UK but internationally, all over the world, and, by building familiarity with these cars, I can position myself to be ready to race in them.
“I have shown that I can race at the very front in prototype cars, but by focusing on expanding my skillset and becoming acclimatised to GT cars, too, I will open up a world of new possibilities for my career.
“Of course, it will require the right backing and sponsorship to build a race programme, but this is all about putting myself in the best place to gain experience and be ready to capitalise on opportunities.”
Morris has chosen an apt partner to build toward a future racing in GT as Forsetti Motorsport currently leads the GT4 Silver standings in the British GT championship with drivers Mikey Porter and Jamie Day.
Joe Holloway, Forsetti Motorsport Team Principal, said: “Everyone at Forsetti is delighted that Richard has chosen Forsetti Motorsport and the AMR V8 Vantage platform to take steps into GT racing, enjoying a strong first-day testing at the team’s local circuit, Snetterton.
“We are very much focused on the continued support for Richard and his testing programme, and our goal is to ensure that he has the best possible framework and opportunities to succeed in the future.”
Moreover, Racing Pride has been a “proud” collaborator with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team since 2021.
“Racing Pride has been working with Aston Martin since 2021 – initially with the Formula One team, and then with Aston Martin Lagonda,” said Morris.
“I’m massively proud of the relationship we’ve built and the work we’ve done together.
“I’ve visited all of Aston Martin’s UK production sites, met with so many of its employees, helped to deliver workshops and training sessions, and been part of nurturing the IAM Inclusion network.
“So this is a really wonderful opportunity for me to drive one of Aston Martin’s race cars at last and to bring together this amazing work off-track with my racing on-track.”
Morris reflected on his first outing in the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 positively, as “a really promising and productive start,” adding that “It was great to work with the team [Forsetti], I can’t praise their professionalism enough, and I’m excited to continue this journey.”
In an official press release, Morris paid tribute not only to Racing Pride, but long-term partners Vroom Media and GayRealEstate.com, as well as Forsetti Motorsport, for their support in this next stage of his career.
