Stewart Linn Nets LNT Management Deal

Senior Ginetta Champion of 2004 and 2006 Stewart Linn, has secured backing from Ginetta owner Lawrence Tomlinson to further his career in motorsport.

27-year old Linn won his second Ginetta crown in his fourth year racing in the Championship. He and his father Ron, ran their own car during this time with a limited budget from their company, Motorgeek.co.uk. As part of his 2006 prize, the young Leeds-based Champion received a test drive in sister-company Team LNT’s Le-Mans winning Panoz Esperante GT2 sportscar.

Stewart Linn having just emerged from the Panoz last November

During the test last November, Linn impressed bosses and engineers with his quick adaptability to the 500 bhp V8, Elan Motorsports-powered car.

He was invited to Pembrey last week to test the Panoz once again and meet up with engineers from LNT Automotive and Managing Director Richard Dean and while there, secured a management deal with the company.

“Stewart’s impressed us, showing ability in every area” said Dean. “He’s proved himself over the past few years in Ginetta racing, performed well in GT testing and has an Automotive Engineering degree.

"Education has proven to be an important part of running a car in giving an understanding of things such as the setup and handling.”

Linn will initially be the LNT European Panoz test driver assisting Team LNT from basic race car shakedown to major development programs whilst also actively seeking a drive in GT racing.

Alongside Panoz development, Linn’s experience with Ginetta cars will aid development of all Ginetta models of road and race cars, undertake driver coaching and advise customers in the capacity of an ex-Ginetta owner and Champion.

“LNT Automotive aren’t in the business of signing up ‘any’ driver” added Dean. “Stewart was ‘spotted’ as having talent in a car whilst also presentable and personable outside of a car.

"He’s earned this chance through his talent, determination and education and we’re all pleased he’s decided to join us.”

Still smiling from his second testing opportunity, Linn told Team LNT "I couldn't believe it when Richard (Dean) rang me up and asked me to come to Pembrey for a second time. When he then proposed a management deal with a test driving role for Team LNT I was speechless.

"This is something I have always dreamed about since I started racing sports cars in 2001. It's one of those things that you think never happens in motorsport - someone spots you and offers you a permanent role. It just goes to show how hard work on the track and at University can pay off.

"I know my new role will be very demanding and I'll have to work even harder but I can't wait to begin. The LNT team mechanics are a fantastic bunch of lads and I'll be 100% focussed on helping them to develop the car."