We welcomed Brian Gush to join our podcast series at Solo Classics.
Brian is one of the key figures behind Bentley’s modern identity, and the man who helped lead the brand back to the very top of motorsport.
Brian spent two decades with Bentley as Director of Motorsport, playing a central role in the journey that culminated in Bentley’s Le Mans victory in 2003.
But as quickly as the conversation turns to boardrooms, budgets, and strategy, it comes back to something simpler: motorcycles – and the off-road grit you only earn the hard way.
Roof of Africa
Brian rode in the Roof of Africa in 1977 – an event still spoken about today with a mixture of respect and disbelief.
He was riding a Yamaha TT500, battling altitude, fatigue, and the kind of puncture trouble that quietly ruins even the best ride.
He dropped down the running order late on, but the point still remains: he finished.
And in the Roof of Africa, that’s the achievement.
From Podium to Victory
Bentley’s first podium at Le Mans meant more than people might expect – because it changed the belief inside the business. It gave the workforce in Crewe something to rally behind, and put Bentley back in the spotlight.
Then came 2003: a first and second finish, and a win that reshaped how Bentley was seen worldwide. As Brian puts it, motorsport isn’t just about trophies – it’s one of the most powerful business tools a manufacturer can use, when it’s done properly.
The GT3 Programme
The GT3 programme mattered for a different reason: it was completely Bentley’s own.
It began with a simple question from Wolfgang Dürheimer – “what are your motorsport plans?” – Brian’s answer was clear. GT3 was the right category: competitive, relevant, and cost-effective.
Getting there wasn’t straightforward. The Continental GT wasn’t designed for GT3 rules, and the FIA pushed back hard – until they confirmed only the manufacturer could homologate the car. So the team proved the concept virtually before building anything.
Then it came down to finding the right partner. Quality and exclusivity were non-negotiable – which led them to Malcolm Wilson. And like many of Bentley’s biggest moments in motorsport, it started with a handshake.
The Thread That Runs Through Everything: Engineering, Integrity and Belief
This podcast episode isn’t just a timeline of achievements. It’s a look at what sits beneath high performance – whether it’s enduro, Le Mans, or running a programme inside a major group.
It comes down to:
- Doing the engineering properly
- Building trust and belief
- And understanding the real value of motorsport beyond the trophy
And yes – it comes back to motorcycles too. Because even after everything, the passion is still there.
You can watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: SoloClassicsMotorcycles.