NEWS

Want to know what I’ve been up to? Stay up to date on all the latest action by checking out the articles and stories below.

NEW CHAPTER FOR NEARY IN GT WORLD CHALLENGE

28th March 2023

Sam Neary is to compete in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS driving for Austrian team Grasser Racing.

The opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup will take place at the world-famous Autodromo Nazionale di Monza in Italy. The announcement sees Sam Neary getting behind the wheel of Grasser Racing’s new Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2s in the team’s return to the top-class endurance series.

The number 58 car will be driven by an international trio at the five rounds of this year's GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. Sam Neary (Great Britain), Ricky Capo (Australia) and Fabrizio Crestani (Italy) will fight for victories and podiums in the Silver Cup.

The team’s number 85 car includes Clemens Schmid (Austria), Glenn van Berlo (Netherlands) and Benjamin Hites (Chile).

Sam Neary said: "I’m really happy to start this new chapter of my racing career with GRT. Racing in Europe in a Lamborghini is a dream come true and I’m ready to make the most of the opportunity. I can’t thank Gottfried and everyone at Grasser Racing enough for putting their trust in me this season. There is a brand-new car to learn and new tracks to master. We have a lot of hard work in front of us but I’m really looking forward to it."

Gottfried Grasser, Team Principal of GRT said: "Ricky and Sam made a strong impression with the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 during our pre-season preparation. For both of them, the tests were their first kilometres in this car and we are confident that they will show a steep learning curve in the GTWC. It is the first season for both in this highly competitive championship, so it was important for us to round off the line-up with an experienced driver. Fabrizio looks back on a long motorsport career and has already celebrated successes in the Lamborghini. We have two promising driver pairings for the Silver Cup, from whom we hope to achieve a lot. The course has been set and we are looking forward to an exciting season."

At the age of 20, Neary has a wealth of experience in GT racing. He will again compete in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship alongside father Richard, where he has celebrated a victory, a pole position and several podiums. Sam Neary, who started racing at the age of 15, has risen from GT3 novice in 2020 to battling with established factory drivers throughout last season. At the beginning of 2023 he was invited to join Motorsport UK’s Team UK programme and is also a BRDC Rising Star.

Last year Sam competed in the 2022 FIA Motorsport games where he secured a bronze medal with Ian Loggie for Team UK.

The first round of GTWC Endurance Cup takes place at Monza 21st -23rd April 2023.

NEARY ANNOUNCES FOURTH BGT SEASON

17th March 2023

Sam Neary will contest his fourth Intelligent Money British GT Championship season in 2023, partnering with Neary senior, Richard.

The Team Abba Racing much-loved Mercedes-AMG GT3 retains its first-generation specification with a brand-new livery this year. Although Sam was unable to achieve major success last season, the father/son combination delivered regular front running pace in 2022, taking their first pole position in the Donington finale. It has once again heightened expectations within the family-run team, who will be eyeing an overall British GT title alongside its Silver-Am class ambitions.

Confident that Team Abba can punch above its weight in 2023, Sam Neary said:

“We love being the underdogs but are also hungry for silverware, be it in class or overall. Last year, for several reasons, a few strong results got away from us. In terms of pace, we definitely had the potential to beat Redline to the Silver-Am title, and they were also overall contenders don’t forget. So I don’t see why we can’t consistently trouble the top-six, score podiums and take a win when the opportunity presents itself.

“Richard and I are even more motivated to succeed in British GT this year. You can’t not be when you see the entry list SRO has assembled. Racing against the factory guys around somewhere like Oulton Park is the ultimate barometer.”

Sam Neary has risen from GT3 novice in 2020 to battling with established factory drivers throughout last season. The 20-year-old (21 in April), silver driver was invited to join Motorsport UK’s Team UK programme this year and is also a BRDC Rising Star.

Sam Neary started racing at the age of 15 and took part in his first competitive race in the Ginetta Junior Winter Series. At 16 he started driving for Team Abba Racing in the BMW M3 and in less than 12 weeks earned his International C racing licence. In 2019 Sam was one of the youngest ever pole sitters. His first victory in a GT3 car was at the age of 17 in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship at Snetterton. Last year Sam competed in the 2022 FIA Motorsport games where he secured a bronze medal with Ian Loggie for Team UK.

The first round of British GT takes place at Oulton Park Easter weekend 8th and 10th April.

NEARY & LOGGIE SECURE BRONZE MEDAL IN FIA MOTORSPORT GAMES

30th October 2022

A busy 48hrs for Sam Neary this weekend having received a late call up to join RAM Racing and partner Ian Loggie at the 2022 FIA Motorsport games on Thursday night representing the UK.

Due to driver illness, Sam Neary was a asked to step into Chris Froggatt's driving shoes in the GT Cup race on Saturday at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

Having caught a flight from Stansted to Marseille Friday morning, he was only able to manage 20 mins in the car before the first qualifying race at 6pm.

Sam Neary managed to drive a new car, at a new track into the dark to finish P3. A further qualifying race, Saturday morning gave Ian and Sam a P4 finish.

Starting fourth on the grid in the medal race on Saturday afternoon, Ian and Sam finished the podium race in P3 taking the bronze medal in what was a hugely competitive one hour race.

As one of only two medals won by the UK this weekend, it was a fantastic achievement for both drivers and Ram Racing.

The 2022 FIA Motorsport Games was the second edition of the FIA Motorsport Games. The event took place on 26–30 October 2022 with Marseille as a host city, and the Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet as the venue. Scheduled initially for 23–25 October 2020, and later for 29–31 October 2021, the event was postponed two years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 475 athletes (397 men and 78 women) from 72 National FIA member organisations took part with 48 sets of medals featured in the 16 disciplines.

NEARY PUTS ABBA RACING ON POLE FOR DONINGTON DECIDER

15th October 2022

Sam and Richard Neary will start the Intelligent Money British GT Championship’s season finale at Donington Park tomorrow from pole position after emerging on top in a wet/dry qualifying session this afternoon.
Richard Neary finished P2 in the am session to be followed by Sam bringing the car home in P1 in the pro session.
Sam’s fastest lap performance has handed Team Abba Racing a golden opportunity to atone for the late race heartbreak that denied the Nearys victory at Brands Hatch last time out.

SO NEARY YET SO FAR

12th September 2022

Sam Neary’s retirement on the penultimate lap in the Team Abba Racing AMG Mercedes left many wondering what they must do to secure a win in 2022.

In what is turning out to be a testing championship for the father/son duo despite excellent pace and performance, round eight of Intelligent Money British GT Championship at Brands Hatch saw Sam Neary retire the car having led from the halfway stage.
Richard and Sam Neary who would have claimed their second career British GT victory was it not for a fuel pump failure that struck the Team Abba race-leading Mercedes-AMG GT3 as it began the penultimate lap.

Richard Neary who made up three places on the opening lap handed the car to 20-year-old silver driver Sam Neary. A slick pitstop helped the Mercedes-AMG take the lead as the GT3 pack headed back out.

The Enduro Motorsport’s McLaren and Team Abba’s Mercedes remained little more than a second apart over the following 50 minutes as Clutton attempted to prise open the door and squeeze by. Neary was having none of it, though, and was fast enough to prevent any meaningful move for the lead. But that all changed moments before the chequered flag when the green and black Merc slowed dramatically as it approached the start/finish line with a fuel-pump failure stealing their chance of an overall win.

Having missed the round at Spa due to illness, the team is pinning its hopes on a final success at Donington, where the team secured their maiden GT win in 2021.

BACK TO WINNING WAYS FOR TEAM ABBA RACING

27th June 2022

Team Abba Racing were back on the podium this weekend (26th June) taking third place overall and 1st in Silver-Am class in the Intelligent Money British GT3 Championship at Snetterton.

Having suffered a Parc Ferme infringement which saw their last podium at Silverstone taken away, Team Abba Racing was keen to demonstrate their ability and pace at Snetterton.

The Team Abba Racing AMG GT3 Mercedes ran in the top three in testing and Free Practice earlier in the weekend, however the team suffered a disappointing qualifying session which left them 8th on the grid for the opening race.

Warm up saw Sam Neary in P1 and demonstrating the team’s pace for the day and the ‘kings of the comeback’ didn’t disappoint in race one.

Richard Neary took the car to P6 in the first 25 minutes and when the driver change washed out Sam Neary was in P4. He defended his position for the next 35 minutes of the race, finally finishing P3 overall and 1st in Silver Am class.

Commenting on the weekend’s performance, Richard Neary said: “That was a great result for the team. The car is handling really well and our race day strategy is clearly delivering. After what has been a few difficult race weekends for Team Abba, the results at Oulton Park and Silverstone and here today demonstrate that we have a winning formula. As a driver coach, Sam Neary continues to push the learning curve for me and undoubtedly, he is maturing as a GT driver himself.

“We are looking forward to Spa in July, where we don’t carry over any pitstop penalties and want to continue our run of podium finishes.”

British GT returns to Spa on 23rd/24th July.

Team Abba Racing is a small family run race team based in Lancashire. For more information about the team visit www.teamabbaracing.com

SILVER-AM CLASS WIN FOR TEAM ABBA RACING

18th April 2022

The father-son duo of Richard and Sam Neary, sharing the wheel of the number 8 Team ABBA Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, got their 2022 campaign off to the best possible start on Monday 18th April.

After finishing fifth in the Silver Am classification in Race 1 of the British GT Championship at Oulton Park Circuit, the duo excelled themselves in the second sprint race, taking a well-deserved victory in class with second place overall.

The 25-minute dash for victory occurred following a mid-race downpour just as the GT3 pit window opened. Pro drivers typically maximise their 10-minute allowance, but that strategy looked set to go out the window with heavy rain sweeping the circuit.

Despite a well-timed call for wets by Sam Neary, any gain was short-lived as a race stoppage to recover two stranded cars prevented either class from completing their pitstop cycles.

Race Control restarted the race 30 minutes later with new drivers installed, tyres changed and cars in the order from one lap before the GT3 window had opened. That meant the top-three in both classes from Race 1 would have their Success Penalties added to the final result.

Ian Loggie therefore had to finish seven seconds, respectively, ahead of the chasing pack to maintain his lead position.

That initially looked possible as Mia Flewitt’s 7TSIX McLaren gradually fell away from the second place Audi. But it wasn’t long before Kelvin Fletcher was past Flewitt and in hot pursuit of the leaders. Indeed, his initial 10s deficit had reduced to a tantalising 7.1s with two minutes remaining before heavy GT4 traffic helped to comfortably overturn Loggie’s advantage on corrected times.

That also played a role in catapulting Team Abba Racing’s Silver-Am class winners Richard and Sam Neary to second overall although the race result remains provisional subject to RAM Racing's appeal.

It was a race full of strategy with Richard Neary pushing hard in the remaining few laps to narrow the gap and earn places. Commenting upon the weekend’s racing he said: “It was a weekend of highs and lows. In race one we saw the opportunity of a race win slip away which was frustrating. Despite starting from row six in race two we are delighted with our podium place and Silver-Am win.”

British GT returns Silverstone on 7th/8th May for the three-hour Silverstone 500 race.

Team Abba Racing is a small family run race team based in Lancashire. For more information about the team visit www.teamabbaracing.com

SAM NEARY ANNOUNCES RETURN TO BGT IN 2022 WITH TEAM ABBA RACING

13 Jan 2022

Sam Neary will join father Richard Neary in 2022 to contest their third Intelligent Money British GT Championship with Team Abba Racing.

The Team’s much-loved Mercedes-AMG GT3 also retains its first-generation specification after the father/son duo claimed their breakthrough victory at Donington in July and became overall GT Champions in October last year.

The team’s success and regular front running pace has heightened expectations within the family-run team, which is now eyeing an overall British GT title assault alongside its Silver-Am class ambitions.

Much has been made of Sam Neary’s rapid rise from GT3 novice in 2020 to battling with established factory stars last season when the 19-year-old regularly held his own against some of the world’s best.

However, Neary Snr has also made significant progress since his British GT debut in 2016. Standout stints at Donington, where he went from last to first on the opening lap, and at Silverstone suggest he and Sam have the combined potential to become regular podium contenders this year.

“That’s certainly the aim,” confirmed Richard. “Last year I think our performances made a few people sit up and take notice of what a family team can achieve in British GT. We don’t have the time or budget to test as much as some of the other guys so it’s always really satisfying when we turn up on a race weekend and achieve good results.

“We had a few too many peaks and troughs last year, which we need to iron out. But if we can do that and grab a win or two along the way then we can certainly aim for a top-three championship finish. That would be an incredible achievement for a team like Abba given how strong we’re expecting British GT3 to be this year.”

Sam Neary is also eager to maintain the team’s momentum, which is now leading to opportunities elsewhere.

“Last year’s achievements opened a few doors for me outside of British GT,” revealed Sam.

“That was always the hope – I’m young and naturally have ambitions to race elsewhere – so it’s nice that our performances haven’t gone unnoticed. I’ll be at the Dubai 24 Hours this weekend and had opportunities to do the Spa 24 Hours as well as Indy 8 Hours, amongst others, last season.

“Equally, I can’t afford to take my eye off the ball closer to home. British GT is a big deal for us and definitely my priority this year. We’re no longer the underdogs in some respects – 2021’s results marked us out as race winners and regular podium contenders, which is absolutely the level we should be targeting each and every weekend.”

Oulton Park hosts the opening round of this season’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship on April 16 & 18.

NEARY JOINS HOLMGAARD MOTORSPORT FOR DUBAI 24 HOUR

7th January 2022

Sam Neary will be racing in the Dubai 24-hour race on 14th/15th January with Danish team Holmgaard Motorsport.

This, the first race of the 2022 24-hour calendar, will see 90 cars participate and Neary is one of five drivers from Denmark and the UK.

Racing the team’s VW Gold GTI TCR 2020 model, the team has an excellent track record in endurance racing.

Commenting upon the forthcoming race Neary said: “This is exciting stuff and I’m delighted to get the call up to be Holmgaard Motorsport’s pro-driver for the 24-hour in Dubai. It will be all change for me, a new country, new car, new drivers and new team. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

END OF SEASON PODIUM IN BRITISH GT FOR NEARY

18th October 2021

Team Abba Racing’s Richard Neary and Sam Neary ended their Intelligent Money British GT season with a further podium (3rd overall) in the season’s final race at Donington Park this weekend (16th/17th October).

The father and son pairing started the race on Silver-Am class pole and P3 overall, their best qualifying performance to date.

Having started the season with the aim of achieving a podium the team achieved an overall race win, second and third place and finished second in the Pro-Am championship.

TEAM ABBA RACING TAKES GT CUP CROWN

4th October 2021

Sam and Richard Neary claimed a maiden GT Cup Championship title victory for Team Abba Racing in the season finale at Snetterton last weekend (2nd/3rd October), beating away the threat of Topcats Racing after a fighting finish in Norfolk.

The much predicted rain made its presence felt just before the start of the afternoon Sprint Race on Saturday, after a dry qualifying session, dominated by Sam Neary.

At the start, Richard Neary battled from pole to keep in front of a storming Steve Burgess - the latter enjoying more grip in the faster corners to get a stronger exit onto the straights. Neary dropped back, eventually taking the flag in P5.

Weather remained an issue ahead of the second race of the weekend as drivers fought against the downpours once the 50-minute Endurance Race got underway.

Despite Richard Neary taking the lead following a decisive move out of Oggies heading into Williams Bend, the poor weather created a brace of safety car interruptions that halted the race early with 14 minutes on the clock. A short stop penalised the team and the final race outcome left more for Richard and Sam to do on the Sunday.

Brighter skies emerged for the final day of the season and Richard Neary was fastest out of the blocks to give the Mercedes the best chance of sealing the overall title. After 17 wins, the father and son pairing of Richard and Sam Neary ensured their title charge would be well on track with a lights-to-flag win by Sam in the sprint race.

Just needing to finish to confirm the title in the 50-minute Endurance Race, Richard Neary did what he needed to do by running up front and then third by the pit window opening, handed over to Sam to complete the task at hand and the Team’s maiden GT Cup title.

Commenting on the GT Cup Championship season, Sam Neary said: “It's been a tough year but a really good one at the same time. We hadn't won a race in the last six GT Cup races that we entered so it meant it really did go down to the wire in the end.

“I can't thank the team enough. We've worked back-to-back weekends to get the car out, we've re-shelled the car mid-season and despite all that, it's been a great year for us. Richard has been incredible this year; we've spent a lot of time in the data room trying to get faster and faster, and he's done a fine job with the pace he's shown."

In 2020 Sam Neary proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

This year nineteen-year-old Sam has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

More information about Team Abba Racing visit www.teamabbaracing.com

NEARY ACHIEVES MAIDEN WIN AT BRITISH GT

12th July 2021

It was a maiden victory for Team Abba Racing in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship during a dramatic two-hour race of attrition at Donington Park (11th July 2021).

Richard and Sam Neary not only took their first win of the championship but also became British GT’s first-ever father/son race winners which vaulted them up to tied third.

Team Abba Racing’s Mercedes-AMG started 10th after being forced to miss qualifying following a brake disc failure that destroyed the Mercedes-AMG’s front-right suspension during Saturday’s second practice session.

The team, however, were confident after Sunday morning warm-up before the race and immediately made ground at the start of the race before Leo Machitski clipped Michael Igoe’s spinning Lamborghini, which was tapped around by Nick Jones at Redgate on lap one. The accident sent cars scattering in avoidance, but Richard Neary made it through unscathed to occupy second behind Ian Loggie at the restart.

The race resumed once both cars had been recovered but was back under caution soon after when several GT4 cars came to blows. Neary took the opportunity at the restart to dive down the inside of Loggie into Redgate. His attempts to break clear were briefly delayed by a third Safety Car while debris was recovered, but he duly opened a three-second advantage once sustained racing finally began after 28 minutes.

Loggie had closed to within 1.5s of Neary before both pitted at the first opportunity. RAM’s 10s Success Penalty relieved some of the pressure of a race between mechanics, but Sam Neary still emerged with his father’s advantage plus RAM’s handicap intact.

The smart money would have been on the more experienced Yelmer Buurman chipping away at Neary’s lead, but it was actually the 19-year-old who slowly edged clear during his composed 55-minute stint to ultimately take the chequered flag 15.9s clear. It truly was the ultimate dad and lad’s day out.

This year’s Intelligent Money British GT Championship continues at Spa-Francorchamps on July 24/25.

Last year Sam Neary proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

This year nineteen-year-old Sam has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

More information about Team Abba Racing is available at www.teamabbaracing.com

NEARY ACHIEVES SECOND BRITISH GT PODIUM

13th September 2021

Sam Neary claimed a second podium with fellow driver Richard Neary, on their return to the Intelligent Money British GT Championship at Oulton Park this weekend (11th/12th September).

Despite a disappointing qualifying on the Saturday for the father and son pairing, Richard and Sam Neary finished second in race one in their AMG GT3 Mercedes and first in the Silver AM class in both the races.

Demonstrating different racing strengths, in the one-hour pitstop race, Richard immediately made an impact, taking the Team Abba Racing Mercedes from P6 to P5 and then P3. Finally squeezing through a near impossible gap on the way into Island bend, Richard took P2 just before the driver change.

After a slick driver change, Sam Neary left the pits in P2 on the tail of the Ram Racing Mercedes of Tom Onslow-Cole. Unable to keep pace with the Ram Mercedes, which was on new tyres, Sam was left to embark on a 20-minute dalliance with the chasing Barwell Lamborghini of Dennis Lind.

In a heart stopping battle Sam stuck his elbows out wide and didn’t miss a beat, despite the Lamborghini’s consistent efforts to pass. Neary eventually brought the car home 0.7 sec ahead to claim P2.

By race two, the weather had changed, and it started behind the safety car in the wet. Sam, starting from the back of the grid, lifted the car to P8 and then Richard took it to P5, despite failed wiper blades, before dropping back down the order to take P7.

A great return to the BGT Championship for Team Abba Racing after Spa and missing Snetterton.

The final British GT Championship will see a return to Donington Park on 16th and 17th October 2021.

In 2020 Sam Neary proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

This year nineteen-year-old Sam has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

More information about Team Abba Racing is available at www.teamabbaracing.com

NEARY EXTENDS GT CUP DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

16th August 2021

Team Abba Racing made it three wins out of four at Silverstone as Richard and Sam Neary dominated the weekend’s running extending their lead in the GT Cup Championship.

Saturday qualifying was fast and furious and went the way of the Mercedes AMG GT3 of 19-year-old Sam Neary, who scorched to another pole position ahead of the GTO Raw Motorsport Radical RXC.

Race One, driven by Neary senior delivered a victory margin of 15 seconds by the chequered flag ahead of GT3 rival John Dhillon. In the 50 minute sprint race Richard Neary held the lead and handed the car to son Sam who took exited the pits behind the Steve Burgess/Dimmack Radical, which he swiftly passed with bold move on the outside at the entry to Becketts on the restart.

Ross Wylie in the Brabham BT62 started his chase of Neary and made his move at Stowe in the final 10 minutes but was rebuffed at Club corner, only to repeat the move successfully minutes later to grab the lead and a first overall win for the David Brabham's machine.

Commenting on the race Team Abba Racing’s Sam Neary said: “It was a good day for us, two class wins and still leading the championship. There was nothing I could do against the Brabham, it’s just got too much horsepower and more aero. I gave Ross a run for his money I hope and held my own. I tried all my moves, pulled out all the stops, but kept it fair and kept it clean.”

Day two and the qualifying session went the way of Richard Neary. Sam Neary mastered the restart after a red flagged incident on the opening lap to secure a comfortable victory for Team Abba Racing, more than 20 seconds ahead of the GTO Radical.

In race two, Richard Neary had a close battle in the opening few laps with the GTO Radical and then set about extending his advantage, handing over to Sam at the halfway mark. Success penalties cut down Team Abba Racing’s advantage slightly, but the Scott Sport Lamborghini of Phil Keen couldn’t close enough to trouble Sam Neary’s victory.

The next GT Cup Championship meeting will take place at Donington Park over the weekend of 18th/19th September 2021.

Last year Sam Neary proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

This year nineteen-year-old Sam has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

More information about Sam Neary is available at www.samnearyracing.com . For more information about Team Abba Racing visit www.teamabbaracing.com

NEARYS ACHIEVES CLEAN SWEEP AT SNETTERTON

7th June 2021

It was four wins, three fastest laps and two pole positions for Team Abba Racing and the Mercedes AMG GT3 pairing of Richard and Sam Neary last weekend (5th and 6th June 2021)

Sam Neary initially set the pace taking pole position by two seconds over the nearest rival and Richard Neary was on equally strong form when the lights went out at the start the 25-minute sprint contest.

Neary senior charged to a clear victory by 17s at the flag over the Lamborghini of Lucky Khera which came out on top in a back-and-forth dice with both GT3 and GTO cars.

Race Two was the 50-minute endurance which provided some spectacular racing throughout. Up front, a dominant stint by Richard Neary was enough to give the Team Abba Mercedes a significant advantage for Sam to ease the car home and double up their win tally for day.

Commenting on the Saturday’s performance, Richard Neary said: “We thought we would really struggle in the second race as we had a 20-second pit stop success penalty to manage. I started and just pushed it as hard as I could. There was nothing left in that car! We managed to come in with a 32-second lead which made it doable, and we’re really happy today. We’ve been doing plenty of testing this season and we’re getting to grips with the car more and more each time we go out."

Day two saw a repeat performance from the Team Abba Racing duo. This time Sam Neary dominated the sprint race from the start and was never in trouble on his way to victory by 47 seconds.

Despite the endurance race delivering a race win of eight seconds for the team, it was by no means an easy one.

A safety car interruption near to the pit window bunched the pack and with a 20-second pit stop success penalty to manage, getting a clear exit from the changeover was key. Sam Neary came out inches ahead of Will Tregurtha in the Tecserv UK Nissan Nismo GTR GT3 and the Scott Sport Lamborghini Huracan of Phil Quaiffe; Neary and Tragurtha continued side-by-side into turn one with Neary winning out in the end.

The pressure continued as Neary junior proceeded to hunt down and rein in the fifteen second gap to race leader Lucky Keira in the Simon Green Motorsport GT3 Evo.

Neary continued to carved his way through the pack to take a much deserved fourth win of the weekend and leave them heading up the GT3 class and second in the overall championship.

Next stop for GT Cup is Oulton Park International on Saturday 3rd July.

Last year Sam Neary proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

This year nineteen-year-old Sam has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

More information about Team Abba Racing visit www.teamabbaracing.com

SUCCESSFUL START TO BRITISH GT CAMPAIGN FOR NEARY

24th May 2021

It was another successful outing at Brands Hatch in Kent this weekend (22nd/23rd May) for Sam Neary and Team Abba Racing in the opening round of the 2021 Intelligent Money British GT Championship.

Father and son duo of Sam and Richard Neary were Silver/Am winners and fifth overall in the two-hour endurance race on Sunday.

Saturday’s qualifying demonstrated how close racing will be in 2021. The Team Abba Racing Mercedes proved to be the fastest Mercedes in qualifying delivering a race start position on the third row of the grid in 6th with very little separating the top nine cars.

Sunday’s race started under the safety car following an incident in the formation lap. Richard Neary was keen to make an early move on fellow AM driver Adam Ballon and once passed he made a move on the Bentley Continental GT3 of Kelvin Fletcher at Paddock Hill to take fourth.

Team Abba Racing’s AMG GT3 Mercedes was in the thick of the action throughout the first hour of the race and although Richard Neary climbed from sixth to fourth a mistake left him back in sixth place before the pit window opened.

Sam then took up the mantle and it was particularly eye-catching in the second hour when he chased down Mercedes factory driver Yelmer Buurman. Despite being just 0.8 seconds behind Buurman, Sam finished in fifth place, but it was a very encouraging weekend for the pair.

Last year Sam proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

Nineteen-year-old Sam has recently joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

For more information about Team Abba Racing visit www.teamabbaracing.com

NEARY ACHIEVES A SUPER SATURDAY IN GT CUP

04/05/2021

Sam Neary and Team Abba Racing added another GT Cup Championship victory at Brands Hatch GP circuit this weekend (1st May) in the latest rounds of the season racing alongside father Richard Neary.

Following a bumper grid at Donington Park in April, it was a 45-car entry list that graced the Brands Hatch GP venue for rounds five and six of the GT Cup Championship.

Saturday morning qualifying was broken into two 15 minutes sessions to accommodate the extensive grid with three groups permitted to run in each. Team Abba Racing’s Sam Neary, one of the BRDC’s newly announced Rising Stars, placed the car in pole position with a strong time, good enough to beat their main rivals WPI Motorsport by over a second at the flag.

A miscalculation of the pit window and subsequent puncture cost Team Abba the lead and a win although Sam Neary’s speed continued to dominate taking fastest lap in the first race.

Race two was back to business for Abba Racing with the team taking a dominant victory in the second 50-minute contest. Sam Neary, who again took fastest lap in the race, brought the AMG GT3 Mercedes came home almost 30s clear of the nearest rival.

The next GT Cup Championship meeting takes place at Snetterton's 300 circuit over the weekend of 5/6 June 2021 however Sam Neary will be back at Brands Hatch later this month in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship which starts 22nd/23rd May.

Last year Sam proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

In the last week, nineteen-year-old Sam has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star. The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour, and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

For more information about Team Abba Racing visit www.teamabbaracing.com

SAM NEARY JOINS PRESTIGIOUS BRDC RISING STARS

29th April 2021

Nineteen-year-old Sam Neary from Great Altcar in Lancashire has joined the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as a Rising Star.

The BRDC Rising Stars are aged under 24 and viewed as the `future of the club’, taking their motor racing seriously and aiming for a professional career within the sport. A previous BRDC Rising Star is Sir Lewis Hamilton, MBE.

Commenting on the prestigious appointment Sam Neary said: “This is a huge honour and I am very pleased to know that my achievements to date having been recognised by such an influential organisation; I am really looking forward to representing the BRDC.”

BRDC Operations Executive, Luke Evans, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to the British Racing Drivers’ Club as a Rising Star. The Club’s Rising Star Scouts have been following Sam’s progress in a range of GT racing categories in recent seasons, and they have been impressed by his pace, especially when you consider how relatively new Sam is to racing.

“His recruitment into the BRDC’s current crop of Rising Stars comes in recognition of some strong results, eye-catching performances and the high likelihood that he has what it takes to sustain a great career in motor racing. As Sam aims to propel his racing career upwards, the BRDC looks forward to celebrating his successes with him and giving him all of the support that the Club can along the way.

“It is hoped that Sam will, in due course, gain the results that he requires to qualify for Full Membership of the BRDC which is something that he absolutely has the ability to do.”

Somewhat of a late comer to motorsport, Sam Neary began racing at the age of 16 and skipped the often-traditional karting route, preferring to gain his motorsport race licence at the age of 16 and then take the giant step to GT3 racing at 17.

Scouted by a member of the Rising Stars Scouts Panel, Sam was invited to Silverstone for an informal meeting and following this invited to become a Rising Star. Provided his career continues with upward momentum, Sam can stay on the scheme until the end of the year in which he has his 24th birthday.

It will be a busy season for Sam who announced earlier in the year that he returns to compete for Team Abba Racing in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship with his father Richard Neary. He is also racing in GT Cup in 2021 and carrying out a number of ‘driver-coaching’ responsibilities in the championship.

Last year Sam proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was also selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance. In 2019 Sam was the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year.

More information about Team Abba Racing visit www.teamabbaracing.com

DOMINANT START TO 2021 SEASON FOR TEAM NEARY

17th April 2021

Team Abba Racing’s Richard and Sam Neary were the ones to watch at Donington Park this weekend (10th-11th April) as they clocked up four pole positions, three race wins, and two fastest laps in the opening round of the GT Cup Championship.

Richard and Sam Neary from Merseyside, in the Team Abba Racing AMG GT3 Mercedes, demonstrated top class racing as the pair were, at times, matching pace despite a 35-year age difference.

One Saturday 18-year-old Sam Neary was the star of qualifying, setting the benchmark in the weekend’s first 15-minute session and beating the nearest rival by 1.5 seconds. He headed the GT3 table for the first pole position of the season.

The first sprint race of the weekend, in a record 38-car-grid, was the chance for Richard Neary to take centre stage. Surviving a safety car interruption which wiped out his lead briefly, he took the car from `grid to flag’ in a faultless drive for the team’s opening victory of the season.

Commenting on the first race Richard Neary said: “It was a great race. I just put my head down at the start as I wanted to build up a gap before hitting back marker traffic later. After the safety car it was a good restart and I began battling with Michael Igoe, in the WPI Motorsport Lamborghini for the lead. I know him from racing in British GT so I can trust him battling closely.”

Sunday's 15-minute qualifying session was a much tighter affair. Richard Neary this time took control of the Team Abba Racing Mercedes and instantly put down the marker to beat. He finished 0.6 seconds clear for a second pole position of the weekend for the Team.

The Sprint and Pit Stop races on Sunday were intense and briefly interrupted by a smattering of snow falling. The day delivered an overall double triumph with Sam Neary dominating the Sprint from pole. He later beat off the challenge of factory- driver and three times British GT Championship runner-up Phil Keen, to make it three wins from four at the Leicestershire circuit.

Sam Neary said: “The races went really well, and the tyre pressures were mega this time. The team prepared a really good car and I’m very happy with how Richard and I performed this weekend. It was all about managing the gap after the safety car in the sprint race and saving the tyres for the final race.”

Team Abba Racing will take part in the next GT Cup Championship round at Brands Hatch on 1st May.

It will be a busy season this year for the family-run Team Abba Racing. Earlier this year, Sam and Richard Neary announced they will be back competing with Team Abba Racing in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship which starts 22nd/23rd May.

Last year Sam proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

This year Sam was selected to join the Motorsport UK Academy’s Team UK Futures programme, the governing body’s talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-academy-selections-2021/

NEARY TO COMPETE IN GT CUP IN 2021

5th February 2021

Sam Neary will join with Jason Garrett to compete for the GTH title in the 2021 GT Cup in the Team Abba Racing newly acquired AMG GT4 Mercedes.

For 18-year-old Sam Neary’s first pro contract of his racing career, he teams up with Jason Garrett who despite being new the GT racing has already shown how quick he can be in a GT Car during testing late in 2020.

Commenting upon the partnership, Sam Neary said: “This is an exciting time for us all and we can’t wait for the season to get started. There is a steep learning curve for Jason to tackle having never driven on slicks or even used TC and ABS but he has shown that he is really quick already. With more coaching we hope to become a formidable line up in the championship.”

Jason Garrett commenting in the 2021 season and challenges ahead said: “I am super excited to get out there with Sam and be a part of his amazing professional journey in motorsport. I know I am in safe hands and really believe with Sam and Richard Neary running the show they will help me develop as a driver”.

It will be a busy season this year for Neary. Earlier this year, Sam and Richard Neary announced they will be back competing with Team Abba Racing in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship which starts in May.

Richard Neary will be joined by Sam once again in British GT in the AMG GT3 Mercedes. Last year Sam proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign and his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

The first rounds of the GT Cup Championship take place 10th/11th April at Donington Park.

Sam was the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year 2019. In 2019 Sam, who only started racing at the age 16, competed in Team Abba Racing’s BMW M3 GTR in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and the Creventic 24-hour series.

By June 2019 he was testing the Mercedes AMG GT3. He competed successfully in the Mercedes in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and GT Cup (taking several pole positions, several firsts and Sunoco Driver of the Day twice).

Website: www.teamabbaracing.com

SAM NEARY RETURNS TO BRITISH GT SERIES IN 2021 WITH TEAM ABBA RACING

2nd January 2021

With an unchanged driver line-up Richard and Sam Neary will be back competing with Team Abba Racing in the Intelligent Money British GT Championship this year.

The popular black and chrome-green Mercedes-AMG is also the first entry into British GT’s new Silver-Am class, which replaces the Silver Cup from next season. The category provides an additional opportunity for Bronze and Silver-graded drivers to fight for class honours as well as the overall title.

Neary Snr returns for a sixth consecutive campaign and fifth with Mercedes-AMG’s previous-generation GT3 model, which once again eschews the factory’s Evo upgrade.

Richard Neary will be joined by 18-year-old Sam who proved a revelation during his maiden British GT campaign earlier this year. Indeed, his ability in wet and changeable conditions was comparable with far more experienced factory drivers, while his pace in the dry also took a notable step forward as the season progressed.

ABBA’s father/son pairing are now aiming to improve on their best finish of sixth at Donington and 11th place in the overall GT3 standings, as well as capturing the Silver-Am title. The team’s best-ever result remains second at Oulton Park in 2019 when Richard shared the Mercedes-AMG with Adam Christodoulou.

“We’re part of the furniture in British GT these days so it’s great to be back with an unchanged line-up and car, and an opportunity to fight for a class title in 2021,” said Richard Neary. “Last year was all about getting Sam up to speed and he surpassed our expectations. Ultimately, we’re here to have fun but we’re also ready to hit the ground running and ruffle a few feathers at the front!

“We had a chance to upgrade to the Evo kit but are really comfortable with what we already have and would rather not introduce something that requires more testing and development to be fully optimised. Our pace wasn’t far off RAM’s Pro-Am champions last year, and Sam compared very well against Yelmer Buurman, so I don’t see a need to chase incremental improvements while we’re still unlocking our own potential.”

Sam added: “British GT was a blast this year and quite a step up compared to my previous racing experience. So, personally, it was nice to show what I could do while also improving as the season progressed. We’re not expecting miracles – the difference in experience and resources between us and the bigger teams is clear – but Silver-Am gives us something tangible to fight for while also targeting a first overall podium with my old man.”

ABBA join the likes of reigning champions Barwell Motorsport, WPI Motorsport and Beechdean AMR on the list of GT3 already confirmed for 2021. The seven-round, nine-race campaign begins at Oulton Park on April 3 & 5.

FAMILY TIES PAY DIVIDEND FOR NEARYS

21st September 2020

Team Abba Racing’s Richard and Sam Neary had their best result of the season in the 2020 Intelligent Money British GT Championship last weekend (19th/20th September) finishing second in the Pro/Am class in a three-hour race at Donington Park.

In the fourth round of the championship the Neary pairing qualified mid pack in another `edge of seat’ session; both drivers were less than four tenths of a second off the pole sitting time.

During the race both drivers delivered consistent pace. In a race very much about pit stop strategy, the team stuck with their plans despite a safety car incident in the first lap which saw some teams pitting early. Richard also managed to avoid early incidents despite being pushed into the pit lane at the start.

The final driver change left 18-year-old Sam Neary to bring the car home in 8th place, but not before he spent the final 15 minutes keeping Mercedes factory driver Yelmer Buurman at bay and in his mirrors in the new Evo Mercedes. The result leaves Team Abba fourth in the Pro/Am title race.

Commenting on the weekend, Richard Neary said: “Today was a great result for us and it’s clear that despite being a first-generation Mercedes we still have the pace to be competitive. We are once again really pleased with the result and how we are improving each time as a pairing.

“It is great to come away with second place in the Pro-Am class and we will continue to have our eye on the prize and see where improvements can be made. Sam is just growing as a driver each time and it’s a real pleasure being able to compete at this level together.”

The next race will be at Snetterton on 3rd and 4th October.

Sam is the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year. Last year, Sam who only started racing at the age 16, competed in Team Abba Racing’s BMW M3 GTR in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and the Creventic 24-hour series. SMXL

By June 2019 he was testing the Mercedes AMG GT3. He competed successfully in the Mercedes in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and GT Cup (taking several pole positions, several firsts and Sunoco Driver of the Day twice).

Thanks to Ian Cutting Photography for photos.

Website: www.teamabbaracing.com and www.samnearyracing.com

BRANDS HATCH DELIVERS NEARY SUCCESS

1st September 2020

The bank holiday weekend (29th/20th August) brought individual as well as team success for Team ABBA Racing’s Richard and Sam Neary in the third round of Intelligent Money 2020 British GT Championship at Brands Hatch.

Some early overtaking by both drivers in the Team Abba Racing Mercedes AMG GT3 during the two-hour race saw Sam bring the car home in 7th place and third in the Pro/Am class.

The weekend further demonstrated 18-year old Sam Neary’s pace; he set the second fastest time in Free Practice 1 and the fastest time in sector one in Free Practice 2.

Not to be out done, Richard Neary set the fastest lap time of the AMs in qualifying and 6th overall - less than a tenth of a second behind pole position in a field dominated by Silver drivers.

Sam Neary, despite going a further second quicker in qualifying than free practice was blocked on a fast lap. There was once again a slither of a margin - five tenths - between six of the pro drivers.

Commenting on the weekend, Richard Neary said: “Brands Hatch is a great circuit and the team really enjoy racing here. I feel both Sam and I demonstrated great pace this weekend and we will be looking to build on this at Donington Park.

“It is rewarding to come away with another third place in the Pro-Am class and we will be working to improve on this in September.”

The next race will be at Donington Park on 19th and 20th September.

Sam is the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year. Last year, Sam who only started racing at the age 16, competed in Team Abba Racing’s BMW M3 GTR in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and the Creventic 24-hour series. SMXL

By June 2019 he was testing the Mercedes AMG GT3. He competed successfully in the Mercedes in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and GT Cup (taking several pole positions, several firsts and Sunoco Driver of the Day twice).

Thanks to Ian Cutting Photography for photos.

Website: www.teamabbaracing.com and www.samnearyracing.com

WET WEATHER BRINGS OUT THE NEARY BEST

18th August 2020

Donington Park’s wet and damp conditions certainly brought out the best in Team Abba Racing’s Neary pairing of Sam and Richard this weekend (15th/16th August) in the second round of the Intelligent Money 2020 British GT Championship.
Having qualified lower down the grid that hoped, Richard Neary demonstrated his wet weather racing prowess taking the team’s Mercedes AMG GT3 from 12th to 6th in some difficult conditions in the opening hour of the two-hour format race.
And like father like son, 18 year old Sam Neary’s wet weather pace was a match for the factory pros. He took the fastest lap and held onto the accolade until the next to last lap, only to be beaten by legendary pro driver Phil Keen.
The one-hour race two, declared a wet race, saw mixed tyre choices at the start with Team Abba Racing on a wet tyre configuration. A rapidly drying track saw those on slicks carve their way to the front while the quickest of the wet runners proved to be Sam Neary who performed some impressive overtakes on his very experienced pro competitors as he held fifth place at the pitstops – a jump of five places from P10 where he qualified.
Swapping tyres early in the pit stop window as track conditions changed, Richard Neary took up the mantle, but a spin on a greasy track less than ten minutes before the end resulted in damage and retirement.
Overall a successful weekend for Team Abba Racing and Sam Neary once again demonstrating his ability beside some of the best pro GT3 drivers.
Commenting on the weekend, Sam Neary said: “Overall I am really pleased with how the weekend has gone. My experience of wet racing hasn’t been that much, but it seemed to come together well, and the car felt great. Overtaking Yelmer Buurman, who I know is awesome in the wet, will stay with me for a while! Maybe wet weather racing is in the Neary genes!”
The next race will be at Brands Hatch on the bank holiday weekend – 29th/30th August.
Sam is the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year. Last year, Sam who only started racing at the age 16, competed in Team Abba Racing’s BMW M3 GTR in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and the Creventic 24-hour series. SMXL
By June 2019 he was testing the Mercedes AMG GT3. He competed successfully in the Mercedes in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and GT Cup (taking several pole positions, several firsts and Sunoco Driver of the Day twice).
Thanks to Ian Cutting Photography for photos.

POSITIVE START IN BGT CHAMPIONSHIP FOR NEARY PAIRING

3rd August 2020

It was a terrific start to the season for Team Abba Racing's Sam Neary in the the Intelligent Money 2020 British GT Championship achieving third place in Pro-Am class and eighth overall in race one.

This weekend (1st/2nd August 2020) Richard Neary maintained qualifying position in the opening round of the championship at Oulton Park in the Team ABBA Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 handing over to son Sam, the youngest GT3 driver on the grid.

Despite a faulty pit stop timer, which meant that Sam left the pits five seconds too late, he drove a competent stint to complete his first British GT race under massive pressure from Matt Griffiths in the chasing Ferrari GT3, taking P3 in the Pro-Am category.

Race two carried different fortunes with Sam Neary punted off the track at turn fourteen, lap one by a chasing car which ultimately led to their early retirement.

Commenting on their first time pairing in the British GT Championship, Richard Neary said: “Sam has shown bags of promise this weekend and at one point was third fastest on the track in race two. It’s fantastic to be racing with him and good to have the first round under our belts now after such a long wait. We’re looking forward to Donington already!”

Sam is the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year. Last year, Sam who only started racing at the age 15, competed in Team Abba Racing’s BMW M3 GTR in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and the Creventic 24-hour series.

By June 2019 he was testing the Mercedes AMG GT3. He competed successfully in the Mercedes in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and GT Cup (taking several pole positions, several firsts and Sunoco Driver of the Day twice).

Thanks to Ian Cutting Photography for photos.

NEARY RECOGNISED AT MOTORSPORT UK NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

26th January 2020

Sam Neary added to his track success last night (25th January) by becoming the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year.
Sam, 17, from Formby, Merseyside was presented with the accolade at the Motorsport UK Night of Champions held each year at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London.
The evening, hosted by sports presenter Steve Rider, saw Sam receive the award from Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK’s CEO. Sam along with four others were shortlisted for the award. They attended a full day’s assessment before Christmas at iZone Motorsport in Silverstone which involved a range of Sim challenges, fitness tests, a presentation and panel interview.
Considered the most consistent performer overall, judges from Motorsport UK, Loughborough College, Motorsport News and iZone Driver Performance were impressed by Sam's performance on the day.
In addition, the work he has been doing away from the Academy, actively implementing what he has learnt from Motorsport UK’s AASE course at Loughborough, was also considered in the decision-making process.
Commenting upon his achievement Sam Neary said:" I am so pleased to have been given this award. I try to put 100 percent in to all that I do, whether on the track or in the classroom.
“The course and living away from home have taught me so much - independence, discipline, responsibility. It has expanded my knowledge base and given me the confidence to believe in my ability. I couldn't recommend Loughborough College and Motorsport UK more highly for the excellent work that they do with those keen to make it in the industry.
“It’s important to be an ambassador for Motorsport UK and the industry as a whole and I aim to give something back where I can. This year I am looking to support Limitless Motorsport*, to help coach their rookie drivers at Donington and Oulton Park.”
Last year, Sam who only started racing at the age 15, competed in Team Abba Racing’s BMW M3 GTR in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and the Creventic 24-hour series. By June he was testing the Mercedes AMG GT3. He competed successfully in the Mercedes in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship and GT Cup from August (taking several pole positions, several firsts and Sunoco Driver of the Day twice).
This year Sam will join his father Richard aboard Team ABBA Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the 2020 British GT Championship.
The family-run team has contested British GT since 2016, first with a BMW Z4 before switching to its current Mercedes-AMG which is returning for a fourth year.
At 17, Sam will become one of the youngest drivers in British GT3 history when he debuts at Oulton Park on 13th April.
*Based in Kent, Limitless Motorsport, formed through a passion for Motorsport, helps give disabled people the belief that they can succeed. The organisation aims to make Limitless Motorsport UK the #1 Disabled Racing Team in the UK.

NEARY ROUNDS OFF 2019 WITH YOUNG DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

December 2019

Sam Neary added to a successful season on the track by becoming the iZone Motorsport UK AASE Young Driver of the Year at Silverstone (Friday 13th December 2019).
Sam, 17, from Merseyside achieved the award after a long day of assessments involving a range of Sim challenges, fitness tests, a presentation and interview.
Considered the most consistent performer overall, judges from Motorsport UK, Loughborough College, Motorsport News and iZone Driver Performance were impressed by Sam's performance on the day. In addition, the work he has been doing away from the Academy, actively implementing what has been learnt on the AASE course, was also considered in the decision making process.
Commenting upon his achievement Sam Neary said:" I am so pleased to have been given this award. I try to put 100 percent in to all that I do, whether on the track or in the classroom.
“The course and living away from home have taught me so much - independence, discipline, responsibility. It has expanded my knowledge base and given me the confidence to believe in my ability. But it’s equally important to be an ambassador for Motorsport UK and the industry. I couldn't recommend Loughborough College and Motorsport UK more highly for the excellent work that they do with those keen to make it in the industry.”
Sam will receive his award at the Motorsport UK Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Association's London headquarters in January.
This year Sam will join his father Richard aboard Team ABBA Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the 2020 British GT Championship.
The family-run team has contested British GT since 2016, first with a BMW Z4 before switching to its current Mercedes-AMG which is returning for a fourth year.
At 17, Sam will become one of the youngest drivers in British GT3 history when he debuts at Oulton Park on 13th April.

SAM NEARY JOINS FATHER RICHARD FOR ABBA'S 2020 BRITISH GT3 CAMPAIGN

15th October 2019

Sam Neary will join his father Richard aboard Team ABBA Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the 2020 British GT Championship.

The family-run team has contested British GT since 2016, first with a BMW Z4 before switching to its current Mercedes-AMG which is returning for a fourth year.

At 17, Sam will become one of the youngest drivers in British GT3 history when he debuts at Oulton Park on April 13. However, he has already accrued significant experience of the team’s Mercedes-AMG during several victorious GT Cup and Britcar appearances throughout 2019.

“This season has been all about getting up to pace in the Mercedes-AMG and the last few outings have demonstrated where I am at,” said Sam. “At 17, I feel incredibly lucky to be given this opportunity in a GT3 car and proud to be racing as a father and son pairing. I hope with Dad’s racing experience and my youth we will be able to do some good things together next season and maybe achieve a podium or two!”

Richard Neary, who claimed his first British GT rostrum at Oulton earlier this year, remains in the Pro/Am ranks after spending the last two seasons alongside Adam Christodoulou, a period that also coincided with Sam’s development.

“For the past two years I’ve supplemented my British GT programme by coaching and supporting Sam in several club racing championships,” he confirmed. “He is a fast learner and has demonstrated that he is more than ready to take on the next test at British GT.

“The Pro/Am pairing of Silver and Bronze won’t play to our advantage, but with Gold/Silver not an option and Silver/Silver carrying a weight penalty we didn’t think Sam would be able to shine. As Bronze/Silver he gets to compete directly against some of the best Gold and Platinum factory drivers in the world. Sam is focused on the prize and I believe we will have a great season together.”

TEAM ABBA RACING ENJOYS WEEKEND OF SUCCESS IN GT CUP

23rd September 2019

Sam and Richard Neary enjoyed another weekend of success with three pole positions and three race wins at Donington in GT Cup Championship last weekend (21st/22nd September).
The Team Abba Racing duo picked up where they left off at Brands Hatch with a fine performance in qualifying; Sam Neary grabbing pole position and GTO honours by 1.3s over John Seale’s JMH Automotive Lamborghini Huracan.
Sam Neary then went on to add more silverware for Team Abba in the opening 25-minute sprint race of the weekend, winning by 12.7s from John Seale and Grahame Tilley for GTO honours.
Team Abba Racing’s second win of the day was much tougher to come by. A rare moment through the gravel for Richard Neary at the first corner on the opening lap put the Mercedes duo on the back foot.
Down to eighth, the fightback began for Neary as he chased and passed the GTC frontrunners and picked off the GTO rivals one by one, eventually taking Tom Webb’s Huracan for the overall lead as pit stops took place. Sam Neary took over the lead car and extended his advantage despite Jamie Stanley and Will Tregurtha’s best efforts. Second win of the day for Team Abba Racing and a glorious late summer’s day to boot.
Day two and Sam Neary added another pole position to his name in the 15-minute qualifying session, which was hampered by rain and oil on the circuit throughout. Neary topped the times from a battling John Seale to take overall and GTO pole.
Rain came back with a vengeance for the 25-minute sprint, which started and ended behind the safety car. A restart was required when the pole-sitting Mercedes of Sam Neary rotated into the gravel trap with Seale joining the Team Abba car.
The weather improved, and so did the luck of Team Abba Racing as Richard Neary charged by the fast-starting Webb into the race lead by the end of lap two, having started fifth in the Mercedes GT3.
Handing the car over to Sam Neary with just over 25s in hand, the latter resisted the potential pressure of a rapid Jamie Stanley on slick tyres in the JMH Automotive Lamborghini Huracan to win Team Abba Racing’s third race of the weekend by just under 30s for overall and GTO spoils.

NEARY ADDS MORE VICTORIES TO HIS 2019 TALLY AT BRANDS HATCH

1st September 2019

It was a trio of victories for Team Abba Racing this weekend in the team’s first appearance in the GT Cup Championship at Brands Hatch (Saturday 31st/Sunday 1st Sept).

In qualifying Team Abba Racing staked their claim early on Saturday with Richard Neary’s best effort of 1 27.133s suffice to seal the deal around the GP circuit, beating fellow GT Cup returnee Michael Igoe (WPI Motorsport) by just under 0.2s.

Seventeen-year-old Neary was quick to convert pole position into the first victory of the weekend in Kent. Holding the lead from a chasing Igoe, would drop back in the second half of the race, easing the pressure on Neary who could calmly grab his and Team Abba Racing’s first victory of the season in GT Cup in their Mercedes GT3.

On day two Sam, in a repeat of Saturday’s 15-minute qualifying session came to the fore to grab pole position from the G-Cat Racing Porsche 911 GT3 of Greg Caton with a time of 1.25.9s.

With a clear view heading into Paddock Hill Bend, Sam Neary kept his advantage over Caton on the opening lap with a solid getaway in the second 25-minute sprint race of the weekend. The pair traded fastest laps in the second half of the contest, but Neary had done enough to control the pace and add a second win by 4.7s from his Porsche rival.

Commenting upon the Sunday’s Sprint race win, Sam Neary said: “It's been incredible driving that car around the GP circuit, it's a great circuit. We were able to get a bit of a gap early on in the sprint race, and that was all we needed, and I could try and control the pace. Dad seems to love the rain, so I think we’re ready for anything now! We've been on the pace, and really enjoyed it all weekend.”

Team Abba Racing duo looked to avenge their endurance race loss on Saturday from the front row of the grid. A great start from Richard Neary set the tone, and he handed the Mercedes over to Sam Neary with a comfortable advantage of over 20 seconds ahead of Jennings.

That cushion extended to 30 seconds after 50 minutes of racing, Sam bringing the GT3 car home for a third GTO and overall race win of the weekend at Brands Hatch from Jennings and Grahame Tilley/Will Tregurtha.

GT3 RACE WIN FOR SAM NEARY AT ONLY SEVENTEEN

9th August 2019

Richard and Sam Neary, driving the Invitation entry Team Abba Racing Mercedes GT3, took convincing wins this weekend at Snetterton in the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship.

17-year old Sam bagged pole position in his first outing in a GT3 machine and is believed to be the youngest ever pole sitter and winner in a GT3 car, made all the more important by his maiden success.
Richard Neary, taking the first stint in the Mercedes, led away from the rolling start. Bang on schedule, with 24 minutes of the race run, some brought their cars into the pits to hand over to second drivers. This, while sensible in normal circumstances, would prove to be not the best option, as the Safety Car was deployed just minutes later. A dash for the pits ensued for most runners - and in Team Abba Racing's case, a double stop to take on two churns of the maximum-allowed 25 litres of fuel.
The Mercedes, now with Sam Neary on board, had retained the lead during the caution period, and once it was lifted, had a one-lap lead. Sam Neary and Team Abba Racing brought their high-level experience to the party to claim a comfortable win, having flexibly strategized a history-making performance by teenager Sam against the experience of dad Richard.

Richard and Sam Neary did it again in race two making it a clean sweep across the weekend in the Mercedes GT3; pole, two wins, two fastest laps and the Sunoco Driver of the Day trophy for Sam for his record-setting achievement.

BACK TO FRONT VICTORY FOR NEARY

27th April 2019

It was another back to front victory for Sam Neary this weekend (27th April) and Team Abba Racing in the Dunlop Britcar Endurance Championship at Silverstone.

Having qualified 12th on the grid and first in class, a great start by Sam Neary in race one took the car to 7th overall with a 50 second lead over P2 in class. A mechanical failure tripped the team up however and took Team Abba Racing out of race one.

A frantic fix followed but it meant the team started race two from the back of the grid. Not deterred on his 17th birthday, Sam Neary made up 20 places in lap one to take class lead with Richard taking over 30 minutes in and then working his way further up the board to bring the car home in P1 in class and 4th overall.

The next round of the Britcar championship is at Brands Hatch on 11th May.

unpredictable weather conditions and another sterling team effort.

The next Dunlop Britcar Endurance Championship round is at Brands Hatch on Saturday 11th May.

TEENAGER NEARY PICKS UP DRIVER AWARD AT OPENING ROUND OF BRITCAR

April 2019

Team Abba Racing's Sam Neary* started the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship at Silverstone as he means to go on - and earned himself the title of Sunoco Driver of the Weekend from race organisers.

Richard and Sam Neary had a disappointing first race when the BMW M3 GTR was punted into the gravel and out of the race after less than one lap.

Because of this Sam began Race Two from the back of the grid. An excellent start though saw him overtake 13 cars on his first lap. Sam continued up the pecking order bring the car into the pits in P1 in class. It was a sterling effort from the team and superb driving from Sam.

Sam who is still only 16, has raced in the Ginetta Junior Winter Series and in various series last year as he worked to achieve his International race licence in October 2018. Britcar is his his first full championship.

Last year Richard and Sam ended last season on the podium achieving 3rd in class (SP3) in the BMW M3 GTR at the Creventic 12hr Endurance race in Spa.

* Sam Neary is currently studying at Loughborough College and is part of the Motorsport UK AASE programme.

NEARY ANNOUNCES ENDURANCE RACING SEASON

January 2019

Sam Neary has announced he will be competing in the 2019 Dunlop Britcar Endurance Championship driving the Team Abba Racing BMW M3 GTR.

Sam, who is still only 16, raced in the Ginetta Junior Winter Series and in various series last year as he worked to achieve his international race licence in October 2018. The Dunlop Britcar Endurance Series will be Sam's first full championship.

Sam will also compete with Team Abba Racing in the Creventic 12hr at Brno and 24hr at Barcelona this year.

TEENAGER NEARY ACHIEVES CLASS PODIUM IN FIRST ENDURANCE RACE

30th October 2018

Team Abba Racing's Sam Neary took the podium in Spa this weekend following the Team's 3rd in class (SP3) performance at this year's Creventic 12hr Endurance race at Spa.

The team consisting of British GT drivers Ian Stinton and Richard Neary were joined in victory by 'newbie' driver Sam Neary, just 16 and with only a dozen races to his name.

Team manager, co-driver Richard Neary said:" Sam drove the race of his life, quite literally, never having raced a car for more than 50 minutes in the past. This was quite a challenge for him but one I am proud to say that he stepped up to and I hope will set him on the road to bigger and better things next season".

BGT SILVER-AM CLASS WIN FOR NEARY

19th April 2022