Ellinas took part in the inaugural Grand Prix Shootout competition in the United Kingdom in 2009. He was assessed by world famous driving coach Rob Wilson in September 2009 as part of the competition.
He then completed a number of sessions in a Double R Racing Formula BMW car at the Pembrey Circuit in Wales. In January 2010, Ellinas was announced as the first Grand Prix Shootout winner at the Autosport International exhibition.
He had taken on 50 other karters and drivers with over 100 major racing titles between them, and in the end was the runaway winner of the shootout.
"This is the best driver I have seen in this competition. In fact, he’s the best driver I have seen for a very long time. A star!"
Rob Wilson, July 2009
