2003 was James's first season of car racing, stepping up to the BARC Formula Renault Championship with JA Motorsport in the Van Diemen RF98/99.

[4] James's first foray in British GT was the final round of the 2007 Championship with Team Trimite Brookspeed in the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, partnering Italian Michelangelo Segatori.

[6] James and Jon won 4 races, stepping on the podium a total of 8 times on their way to winning the championship at the Brands Hatch event in July.

For winning the 2019 MINI Challenge JCW championship James received a prize test at Snetterton in the Motorbase Ford Focus RS.

It was announced on 9 January 2020 at the Autosport international Show that James would be joining the BTCC with Trade Price Cars Racing in their Audi S3 Saloon.

[8] Gornall returned to the championship for a one off appearance at the Croft Circuit round of the 2022 season, filling in for Jack Butel at Bristol Street Motors with Excelr8 TradePriceCars.com.