Trackspeed Return To British GTC With Winning Ways

17 July 2007

Surrey based Trackspeed Racing, who are already enjoying a successful season in the FIA GT3, returned to the British GTC class this weekend with an impressive victory at Brands Hatch. Having won the British GTC Championship in 2006 the team decided whilst concentrating their 997 GT3 efforts in the FIA series this year, time allows to return to the scene of last season’s British stomping ground with the still highly competitive 996 GT Cup car which is up for sale. What better advertisement than a race win?!

Driven by David Ashburn and Phil Keen the bright yellow and green livery of the Trackspeed Porsche 996 was immediately at the forefront of the GTC class with strong qualifying sessions putting them on GTC pole position for both races. The pace easily translated to the hour long races.

In Race One on Saturday it was action from the word go with David starting the race in the #64 Trackspeed car, in a back and forth battle for the GTC lead with James Smyth. David firmly took the lead with his stint disrupted by a safety car period just ending before the pit window when he handed over to Phil Keen.

Phil was romping away in the GTC lead when a drive through penalty was issued on the car due to an infringement by David under the safety car period. Thankfully with a large enough lead the penalty did not harm the duo’s charge and they came home with a convincing victory, fastest GTC lap to their credit and proving that the 996 still has the legs.

“The car was very good” commented Phil afterwards. “David builds a good car!”

In Race Two held on Sunday the pair looked set for another victory by a country mile. With Phil Keen starting the race he not only sped away from his GTC rivals but was leaving a number of GT3 cars in his wake, even keeping the Tech 9 997 behind him until the pit stops!

After the hand over David kept the blistering pace going (once again the Trackspeed Porsche would post the fastest GTC race lap) but it was time for some cruel fortune. Going through Druids David was hit twice by the Aston Martin of Paul Drayson causing race ending radiator damage.

Back at the Cranleigh base it’s a hive of activity with not only the ongoing development of the FIA GT3 997 but with a 997 being prepared for the prestigious 24Hours race at Spa, Belgium on 28-28th July with full driver line up to follow shortly.

You can keep up to speed with Trackspeed at their website www.trackspeed.net.

RHPR

See 2007 series calendar for British GT Championship

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