Elite Motorsport has confirmed that Tom Lebbon and Tom Emson will return to contest the 2026 International GT Open Championship, once again driving the team’s distinctive yellow Ferrari 296 GT3. The Norfolk-based squad will enter the series for a second consecutive season, aiming to build on an encouraging debut year in the highly competitive GT3 category.
The British pairing enjoyed a strong first campaign with the team, finishing fourth in the Drivers’ standings while Elite Motorsport secured fifth place in the Teams’ championship. The result proved particularly impressive given that both the team and its drivers were adapting to GT3 machinery for the first time.
Throughout the season, Elite demonstrated consistent pace and competitiveness, establishing itself as a regular contender near the front of the field.
Strong debut season in GT3 paves way for 2026 return
During the 2025 campaign, Elite Motorsport achieved five podium finishes, highlighting the team’s ability to challenge established GT operations. The standout moment of the season came at the Hungaroring, where Lebbon and Emson secured a race victory after starting from pole position.
The result represented a major milestone for the team in its first year competing in the GT3 class. It also underlined the effectiveness of the partnership between the drivers and the team as they adapted quickly to the Ferrari 296 GT3 platform.
With valuable experience gained over the course of the season, Elite Motorsport now looks ahead to 2026 with increased confidence and higher ambitions.
Longstanding partnership between Lebbon, Emson and Elite the foundation for 2026 International GT Open campaign
The continued partnership between Lebbon, Emson and Elite Motorsport reflects the team’s long-standing philosophy of nurturing drivers through multiple stages of their careers.
The team, owned by Ed Ives, prides itself on developing young racing talent by offering a structured progression through the ranks of car racing. Many drivers begin their journey with the team at a young age, often transitioning directly from karting into circuit racing.
Both Lebbon and Emson followed this pathway. Emson first joined Elite Motorsport in 2017 in the Ginetta Juniors championship, while Lebbon began his career with the team two years later. From there, both drivers progressed through GT4 competition before stepping into GT3 machinery. Lebbon also gained additional experience in single-seater racing during his development.
Team confident for the season ahead
Elite Motorsport’s team owner Eddie Ives believes the continuity within the team will play a key role in achieving stronger results in 2026.
“We’re pleased to confirm that Elite Motorsport will return to the International GT Open in 2026 with our Ferrari 296 GT3. Continuing with Tom Emson and Tom Lebbon, who have both been with us in various formula for many years now, was a very easy decision. They’ve developed an excellent working relationship, shown strong pace and delivered some standout performances this year as we’ve grown with the car. Building on what we’ve learned, we’re confident we can be even more competitive next year and push on from the progress we’ve made. We’re really looking forward to continuing this journey together in GT Open.”
Both drivers also expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership with the team for another season.
“I am really excited to be staying with Elite Motorsport in 2026 to contest the GT Open Championship again. Our debut season in the Ferrari 296 GT3 was extremely positive and the progress we showed during the season was hugely encouraging. Working with Tom [Lebbon] and the Elite team has been fantastic all year and with the experience we have gained from this year, I am confident we can be fighting consistently at the front next year.”
“It’s great to be returning to the GT Open series with Elite Motorsport for another season. We learned a huge amount with the Ferrari 296 GT3 this year and showed what we’re capable of with some really strong results. The continuity with the team and with Tom [Emson] is important. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum into 2026 and pushing for even better performances.”
Elite Motorsport building momentum for 2026 International GT Open
With a successful debut season behind them, Elite Motorsport now enters its second GT Open campaign with increased experience and stability. The retained driver line-up and familiarity with the Ferrari 296 GT3 should allow the team to focus on refining its performance and targeting further podium finishes.
As the 2026 International GT Open season approaches, Elite Motorsport aims to convert last year’s promising results into a stronger championship challenge.
