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Apex Tubulars Porsche Open and Porsche Club

Championship

Races 17 and 18, Brands Hatch, Kent

22^nd / 23^rd September 2007 

McAleer Takes Porsche Title at Brands Hatch Showdown 

Mark McAleer sealed the 2007 Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship title with victory in the final race of the year in front of a large crowd at Brands Hatch. Both McAleer and Neil Harvey won their class and took fastest lap- but McAleer took the title by a point with Ben Demetriou third.  

A supporting race to the visit of the World Touring Car Championship to the Kent circuit, the Club championship combined with the Porsche Open runners to provide a huge grid and superb racing to close a successful season. 

Qualifying

It was a Class Two front row after Friday's two 30-minute qualifying sessions, Ben Demetriou taking pole in his 944 S2 with Brian Robinson alongside in a similar car.  

"We wanted to set a time early in the first session," said Demetriou, "and I was on pole for 25-minutes then came in because the temperatures were getting high. In the second session I didn't get a clear run into the last two laps when I managed to set a time. It's my first time here on the Grand Prix circuit, but we have been quick before on the Indy layout and it could be a good weekend for us." 

 James Neal was quickest of the Class One cars and third overall, ahead of Gary Duckman and championship challenger Mark McAleer.  

Race One

Demetriou led the field away, with a short delay after the Porsche Open field has started, with Neal slotting into second. McAleer went wide exiting Graham Hill Bend, taking to the grass and slipping down the order to be tenth at the end of the first lap. When they reached the line to start lap two Neal was ahead, with Demetriou second heading Duckman, Robinson and Carniel. 

Demetriou started to close on Neal, Duckman losing places on lap four, the front two close through Graham Hill Bend on lap 12. A lap later Robinson went past Demetriou into Paddock Hill Bend, and was then right with Neal, taking the lead on lap 14, Demetriou moving into second the lap after that. 

Robinson claimed his second overall win of the season, also winning Class Two, Demetriou keeping his title hopes on track with second in class. McAleer's recovery drive saw him right with Neal on the final lap, but unable to take third and crucial extra points for winning Class Two. 

"That was good fun and I enjoyed it," said Robinson. "I got the lead at the little complex after the straight, I was quicker than both the guys in front all the way, it was just a case of finding a way by." 

"That was a busy race," said Demetriou, "second overall is good but it is a shame that Brian got me in the end. I was quicker than him out the back, but once he got down my inside that was that." 

Neil Harvey had been the championship points leader going into the race, and with just minutes to go looked to have Class Three under control, before dramatically slowing and tumbling to third in class, Charles Winterhalder taking the win, 

"I thought 'this is nice'," said Harvey, "a comfortable lead with three minutes to go, and then I came out of bottom bend and it felt like I had no power. We have no idea what the problem is, but it makes things rather traumatic for tomorrow!"    

Race Two

Sunday's race was to be the title decider, with Harvey, Demetriou and McAleer all in with a shot at the title, and dropped scores to be crucial in the final outcome. Again released shortly after the Porsche Open field, as they crossed the start line Marcus Carniel was swung round and his 911 slammed into the barriers on the inside of the track, coming to rest in the middle of the circuit and bringing out the red flags. 

The race was reduced to 20-minutes for the re-start, and again it was Demetriou who made the best of the start, Neal taking second and McAleer third. With the championship points on his mind McAleer was soon looking for a way past Neal, but had Robinson closing up in fourth, and he went past McAleer on lap three.

The three were close together over the line to start lap four, and Robinson got alongside Neal at Graham Hill Bend. McAleer saw him chance and dive past Robinson, then went inside Neal into Surtees to claim second and set off after Demetriou. Meanwhile, Harvey was leading Class Three and on course for a maximum points score from his class.

McAleer closed in on the leader, and took the lead out on the Grand Prix loop on lap nine, Robinson also having closed in on Demetriou. Robinson took second on lap ten, and they stayed in that order until the end, McAleer winning overall and taking Class One. The result made it close in the points, but McAleer was champion by a point from Harvey who also won his class and claimed fastest lap, with Demetriou third overall.

"I got a really good start," said McAleer, "and didn't have to work too hard to catch up the leaders. I knew I was quicker than James and it was just a case of getting past him, Brian came past me and was putting pressure on James, and I was able to go inside both of them. It was a case of tracking Ben down, and when I had the opportunity I thought I would take the win.

"After the year that we have had - which has been so up and down - it's brilliant to win the championship."

"It all went to plan," joked Robinson, "I was trying to help my team-mate Mark and it has been a great weekend for us." 

"I was flying early on," said Demetriou, "but once I saw Mark go past James, I knew it was only a matter of time. I didn't realise Brian was so close behind him - I was going to let Mark past, and didn't see Brian there. I tried everything I could to stay with Brian but there was no way I was going to get past him. It's been a great year." 

"Yesterday we had fuel vaporisation due to high temperatures," explained Harvey, "today it was cooler and we had more power and the car flew! I have thoroughly enjoyed the season and it couldn't have been closer at the end, I have done the season for enjoyment and I am really happy with what we have done." 

Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship, race one: 1 Brian Robinson (944 S2) 17 laps in 30m49.442s; 2 Ben Demetriou (944 S2) 30m51.387s; 3 James Neal (964 C2); 4 Mark McAleer (968 CS); 5 Scott Kavanagh (944 S2); 6 Gary Duckman (968 Cs); 7 Marcus Carniel (911 SC); 8 Mike Clapham (968 CS); 9 Carlo Bonetti (911 Carrera 3.2); 10 Trevor Lewis (944 S2). Class winners: Robinson; Neal, Charles Winterhalder (944). Fastest lap: Robinson, 1m45.342s. 

Race two: 1 McAleer 12 laps in 21m50.913s; 2 Robinson 21m51.309s; 3 Demetriou; 4 Neal; 5 Duckman; 6 Clapham; 7 Lewis; 8 Richard Higgins (968 CS); 9 Kavanagh; 10 David Botterill (964 C2). Class winners: McAleer; Robinson; Neil Harvey (911 SC). Fastest lap: Robinson, 1m45.590.

Races 15 and 16, Silverstone, Northants.

8^th September 2007 

McAleer, Demetriou and Taylor take Silverstone Double Victories

Mark McAleer made up for his Donington Park disappointment with wins in both Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship PMC Trophy races at Silverstone, putting his title challenge back on track. Ben Demetriou took both Class Two wins, with Mark Taylor doubling up in Class Three. The Club runners shared the Silverstone track with the Apex Tubulars Porsche Open - the two huge grids providing action packed racing. 

Qualifying

Neal set the Club pace in qualifying, 16^th overall on the 44-car grid. Donington Park race-winner and Class Two runner Brian Robinson was second quickest, McAleer third despite a long brake pedal which had hampered his session. Out in a car previously raced by Paul Livesey, McAleer was having problems getting comfortable in the new 968. 

Race One

The Club runners were set off with the assistance of a flag for those well back from the lights, 25-seconds after the Open cars, James Neal making the best start with McAleer moving into second ahead of Trevor Lewis. There was drama behind, a start line incident seeing Brian Robinson and Chris Dyer out on the spot, Robinson's car stopping at the edge of the circuit and bringing out the Safety Car. 

The Safety Car picked up the overall race leader, which had the effect of closing the Club field up onto the back of the Porsche Open runners. Racing resumed on lap four, Neal and McAleer leading the Club pack through the Open backmarkers, McAleer taking the lead on that first lap back at pace. 

Carniel moved up to second, and headed Class Two, before coming under pressure from class rival Ben Demetriou, who found a way past and then closed on McAleer, going ahead on lap 11. The front group caught a gaggle of slower cars at Vale a lap later, and McAleer took the opportunity to slice down the inside and regain the lead, a move that was to seal his win. 

Demetriou was second and took the Class Two win, Neal holding off Carniel to take third.

 "The car is really uncomfortable!" said McAleer of his new mount. "The seat is set up for someone a bit shorter, and then halfway through the race I lost my brakes - which was when Ben went past, he drove brilliantly. It was a win - but not a comfortable one."

 "I got past Mark coming onto the pit straight," said Demetriou, "he went a bit wide and I was able to box him in behind another car. I could tell he was struggling with his car, but he got past when we were surrounded by Open cars." 

"That was good fun," said Carniel. "I was in second for a while and with Mark, then Ben went down the inside into Stowe, but I should have put new brakes on the car and they started to go off. I wasn't decisive enough when Ben made his move, it will be new brakes for tomorrow." 

In Class Three, championship leader Neil Harvey pitted under the Safety Car, his windscreen coated in power-steering fluid making vision marginal.  Taylor held off Charles Winterhalder to take the win, Harvey recovering to take sixth in class and just cling on to his overall points lead.  

Race Two

James Neal made the best of the start, McAleer sliding into second with Carniel and Demetriou heading Class Two in third and fourth. McAleer was soon challenging for the lead, looking either side of Neal through Vale for the second time, the leader having to defend in the early laps. 

Into the stadium section on lap three McAleer was nosing inside Neal, and they exited Luffield side by side, Neal just claiming the inside line into Copse and holding on. Again close the next lap, a touch between the two saw Neal lose places, McAleer continuing in the lead and clear of the rest.

 It was the battle for second that was getting the attention, Carniel heading Demetriou and Trevor Lewis, with the rapid Duckworth working his way up the order. Past Demetriou for second on lap 12, Duckworth was closing on the leader before McAleer increases his pace and took his second win of the weekend. 

"It's been a brilliant weekend. The car is getting better but I still can't get comfortable in the car. James and I were close and went through Luffield side by side, he gave me lots of room, I think he may not have seen me when we touched. I got in cruise mode but then had to pick it up in the last couple of laps." 

"I was worried when I wasn't catching the Class Two guys," said Duckworth. "Then they lost time and I got past, and found myself catching Mark. I think he may have backed off a bit, then he started to go again as I was catching him, but it was rewarding to be closing on him in only my second outing. It was fabulous race." 

"Battling at the front is getting to be a nice habit to have," said Demetriou. "I was a bit of the pace at the start and Trevor and Marcus got past, but they clashed which was what gave me the lead. I had a battle with Gary but I needed the points and had to be sensible. A good weekend." 

Taylor made it a Class Three double, ahead of Winterhalder and the recovering Harvey who had started at the rear of the field. 

"I kept expecting Neil Harvey to appear in my mirrors any moment," said Taylor. "It's good that the 944s are so quick now and Charles Winterhalder and Dave Roberts were hard to shake off. It's my first time round the full circuit here - a big variety of corners and is tricky to learn - but its good to win here!"

Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship PMC Trophy, race one: 1 Mark McAleer (968 CS) 12 laps in 31m51.533s (78.19mph); 2 Ben Demetriou (944 S2) 31m52.386s; 3 James Neal (964 C2); 4 Marcus Carniel (911 SC); 5 Trevor Lewis  (944 S2); 6 Richard Higgins (968 CS); 7 Gary Duckman (968 CS); 8 Cieran Brewer (944 S2); 9 Chris Milne (911 SC); 10 Alan Newbold (944 S2). Class Winners: McAleer; Demetriou; Mark Taylor (911 SC). Fastest lap: Demetriou 2m15.528s (84.84mph). 

Race two: 1 McAleer 13 laps in 30m22.279s (82.02mph); 2 Duckman 30m24.216s; 3 Demetriou; 4 Carniel; 5 Higgins; 6 Neal; 7 Holden; 8 Milne; 9 David Botterill (964 C2); 10 Newbold. Class winners: McAleer; Demetriou; Harvey. Fastest lap: Duckman 2m15.470s (84.87mph). 

Rounds 13 and 14, Donington Park, East Midlands

3^rd September 2007

Robinson and Clapham win at Dramatic Donington

Mike Clapham    pic Paul Williams

A turbulent Donington Park meeting saw both Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship races interrupted by lengthy Safety Car periods - the first having a major effect on the championship as points leader Mark McAleer crashed out and is now left with a race against time to have a car ready to race at Silverstone in just five days time. Brian Robinson won race one, first Class Two car to win outright in several seasons, while Mike Clapham took his first outright race win in race two. 

Richard Higgins took a second and a third place finish in his first season of racing, while of the title challengers Neil Harvey had the best day, moving ahead in the points with two Class Three wins.  

Qualifying

James Neal claimed pole for the first race, half a second clear of Class One rival McAleer. Robinson headed the Class Two runners and was third overall, Higgins filling out row two on the grid. 

"Mark and I were running together at first," said Neal, "and were in traffic but doing some quick laps, but both seemed to realise this was rather futile and backed off. Then I put in some really quick laps - faster than any Club car has been round here before." 

 "It was very slippery out there," said McAleer, "everyone was doing quick times and there was lots of traffic. It's my first time here with this car." 

Neil Harvey headed Class Three, with Castle Combe race winner Charles Winterhalder second quickest. 

Race One

Neal made the best start, McAleer appearing to briefly bog down off the line as he got away, while Carniel from sixth on the grid was second into the first corner. McAleer was back into second at the end of the first lap, and a fastest lap from the Yorkshireman put him right with Neal as they started lap two. Side by side through Hollywood and into the Craner Curves, the two clashed and both spun, Neal to ultimately rejoin but McAleer's 968 CS slammed into the tyre barriers, bringing out the Safety Car as the damaged vehicle was removed. 

"We were close through Redgate," said Neal, "side-by-side without touching and I was forced wide and off the circuit, and as I came back on I touched Mark's car and we both spun, unfortunately he went the wrong way." 

"The car was fine when I got going," said McAleer, "I got up with James, we were side by side through Redgate, and he knocked me on the back corner." 

The demise of the lead pair saw Brian Robinson leading the train of cars round behind the Safety Car, ahead of Clapham, Carniel, Higgins and the Boxster of Marcus Holden. After three slow laps the field were released with just under eight minutes of racing remaining, and Robinson backed up the field before accelerating through the chicane and immediately opening a gap at the front. Clapham gave chase, as behind Carniel came under pressure from Higgins, Demetriou also closing in the final laps. 

Higgins snatched third from Carniel - who was later penalised by 10 seconds for starting out of position on the grid - moving Demetriou up to second in Class Two, behind race winner Robinson who became the first overall race winner from Class Two this season. 

"My car was better on the brakes," said Robinson after his win. "I have done a few re-starts and knew what I was going to do there, and after that it was an easy cruise. It's a real shame the front two took themselves out - I could have caught them and had a good race." 

"Once I realised I was an easy second and it was my team-mate in front of me I decided I wasn't going to catch him and cause any problems," said Clapham. 

"That was a brilliant race," enthused Higgins. "It was a good scrap and I knew I was quick today, and at one point I was side-by-side with Marcus down through the Craner Curves. It's only my first year racing - I never expected to be on the podium." 

Neil Harvey added to his tally of class wins by heading home the Class Three runners, but Charles Winterhalder was closing rapidly in the final laps. 

"It seems to keep opening up for me at the start," said Harvey. "I can getting going quick and gain places. I could see Charles catching me and was starting to get a bit worried, but I kept my concentration and kept it smooth. He will start right with me for the next race - so that should be a good one." 

"I thought I was going to have him!" said Winterhalder. "I made an awful start, but the Safety Car helped no end and I knew I just had to clear the cars in front as quick as we could. There was just not enough time to get him at the end." 

Race Two

Clapham took the lead at the start, while a fast-starting Carniel rapidly gained places only to find himself boxed in and briefly taking to the air. His 911 SC escaped major damage and continued at virtually unabated pace, but one victim of the first corner melee was Robinson, who fell to the rear of the field, while Higgins moved up to third. 

Higgins took second from David Botterill on lap two, with Marcus Holden fourth and close behind in the lone Boxster in the field. Higgins was looking to close on the leader, but Clapham replied with a new fastest lap.  

The race totally changed on lap five when Frazer Robertson spun under Starkey's Bridge and was then collected by another car, Robertson's damaged 944 coming to rest in the middle of the track. The Safety Car was sent out, but crucially missed the lead three and picked up Holden's Boxster as the lead car of the train, leaving the front three circulating at reduced pace on their own during the lengthy clear up process with marshalls working on the circuit.  

When the track was virtually clear the Safety Car started waving competitors past to get the leaders to the head of the pack, but with just two minutes of the race time left it peeled in to the pits with Holden still well off the back of the lead three. That left Clapham, Higgins and Botterill fighting over the podium positions, Clapham just holding off Higgins who had scented a win in his rookie year. 

"I wasn't sure how many laps there were to go at the end," said Clapham "I just tried to stay ahead. I got a good start and all the action at the first corner was behind me. I was being cautious and didn't want to make a mistake, and felt I had a bit in hand. I didn't know where the Safety Car was, I was expecting it to be looking for me, and I wasn't sure whether to hold back or try to catch him up - but there were people working on the circuit. It's my first ever outright win - which has been an ambition of mine." 

"That was fantastic," said Higgins, "David had a cracking start and went past me, but I got him back into McLeans. The Safety Car was frustrating, I felt I was catching Mike and was hoping I could have got past. I'd have loved to have a go at Mike, you don't get many opportunities for a win. This has been a brilliant way to get into motorsport for me." 

"The car has been handling better over the weekend - it's been like a different car each time I have got in it," said Botterill. "It didn't want to turn in at all in qualifying, this race it was somewhere near where it should be. I'm not sure what happened with the Safety Car, but I am happy with how it turned out!" 

A frustrated Holden took fourth, with Carniel winning Class Two and fifth, just holding off James Neal on the final lap, up from 12th on the grid.

"The Safety Car didn't come out in the right place," said Holden, "I was with David, we were having a great race, and my car is now running brilliantly and I could have got on the podium." 

"I got a good start, then went up in the air!" said Carniel. "I was behind Higgins, then inside Brian and he turned in and I went over his front. The car is not steering as well as it was, but I got the points for the class win." 

Harvey made it a Class Three double, Winterhalder close early in the race before spinning exiting the chicane on lap two. 

"It was shame the Safety Car messed up everyone's race," said Harvey. "I made a bad start for once, I missed second gear. It's a good weekend for me in the points, but I do really feel for Mark McAleer." 

Race One - 20 Minutes (12 Laps): 1 Brian Robinson (944 S2) 20m41.908s; 2 Mike Clapham (968 CS) 20m45.152s; 3 Richard Higgins (968 SC); 4 Ben Demetriou (944 S2); 5 David Botterill (964 C2); 6 Chris Dyer (968 CS); 7 Marcus Carniel (911 SC); 8 Marcus Holden (Boxster); 9 Carlo Bonetti (911 Carrera 3); 10 Adrian Greives (968 CS). Class winners: Clapham; Robinson; Neil Harvey (911 SC). Fastest lap: James Neal (964 C2) 1m22.596s (85.297mph). 

Race Two - 20 Minutes (12 Laps): 1 Clapham 20m43.771s; 2 Higgins 20m44.287s; 3 Boterill; 4 Holden; 5 Carniel; 6 Neal; 7 Demetriou; 8 Dyer; 9 Ed Hayes (968 CS); 10 Bonetti. Class winners: Clapham; Carniel; Harvey. Fastest lap: Higgins, 1m22.872s (85.013mph).

Rounds 11 and 12, Castle Combe, Wiltshire

27^th August 2007

McAleer and Neal Share Combe Victories

Mark McAleer and James Neal shared overall and Class One honours as the Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship visited Castle Combe on August Bank Holiday Monday, while in Class Two Marcus Carniel took two wins, though a red flag in race one saw the results wound back a lap and Ben Demetriou denied the win. In Class Three points leader Neil Harvey won race one, and Charles Winterhalder took his first win of the year in a closely fought second race. 

Qualifying

Demetriou claimed pole on the morning's 15-minute session, the second overall pole position for the Class Two runner this season. James Neal was second quickest and headed up the Class One runners, despite a lurid spin exiting Camp corner. Mark McAleer and Alex Eacock made it an all 968 CS second row, while Neil Harvey was quickest in Class Three. 

"I didn't expect to be on pole," said Demetriou, "but the car is going well and taking the bumps well." 

"My spin provided a bit of entertainment," joked Neal. "I was running on my own for most of the session, the car is good and I'll just have to see it goes this afternoon." 

"It's all very close," said McAleer. "The circuit is very bumpy but I think I can go quicker - the races should be fun!"

Race One

Neal and Carniel were the fast starters at the front of the grid, making the most of the traction of their rear-engined Porsches. McAleer was slow away, but recovered over the first lap to be third across the line ahead of Demetriou and Alex Eacock. 

McAleer passed Carniel on lap two, then a lap later dived down the inside of Neal into Camp corner to take the lead. Behind, his pursuers closed up to run together, the leaders starting to lap backmarkers by lap seven which saw gaps fluctuate, Neal closing on McAleer as their fortunes varied while lapping, only for the leader to re-establish his advantage.. 

Carniel ran in third until lap 12, when Demetriou made a strong exit to Camp and slipped into third down the inside into Folly as Carniel's car hit problems. Neal looked to be closer to McAleer a lap later, only for the red flags to fly and halt the race early, the results being wound back a lap denying Demetriou his third place. 

"I made a diabolical start," said McAleer, "but I was able to get back past people as they had cold tyres. Then James was slow out the chicane and I don't think he expected me to go up the inside. I had a wheel on the grass but was by. He was quicker in certain places, but I had to be careful in back-markers and manage the gap."

"I got a perfect start and had a good run into Quarry," said Neal. "Marcus was behind me and I hoped he would give me some space to Mark McAleer, but he seemed to disappear and Mark was with me. I then made a small mistake at the second chicane and Mark got a run down the inside of me. We were very evenly matched and I was just working out where to take him in the final laps when the red flag came out." 

"That was a good race, I had a good start but yet again Marcus was away well, " said Demetriou prior to being relegated a slot in the results, "I then had a six-lap battle with Alex Eacock which was fun, and got past him in the chicane. I closed on Marcus and then got a good run out of Camp."  

"I got away well," said Carniel, "and I was on top of James at some points but he is hard to get past. Something happened to the car and made it hard to turn right, I need to look at it before the next race." 

Harvey won Class Three, well clear of his rivals: "I made a cracking start," he explained, "and I don't know what happened to the others, I never saw them again." 

Race Two

The second race of the day was a classic, no-one managing to break clear at the front and the race ending with three cars disputing the lead and five cars battling over fourth. Neal made the best start from the outside of the front row, with McAleer slotting in behind ahead of Carniel, Eacock and Demetriou. 

Carniel slid inside McAleer into Folly at the start of three, Eacock following though and then moving into second. Eacock challenged Neal at Tower and nosed ahead for a split second, but Neal had the better line and stayed ahead. A lap later Carniel went outside of Eacock through the rapid Camp corner, only to run a fraction wide at the exit and allow McAleer to regain a place. 

Lap eight saw McAleer and Eacock side-by-side through Camp, McAleer having the inside line into Folly to move back to second. By now the lead three were clear, with fourth being battled over by a train of cars - Carniel heading Segrue, Demetriou, Trevor Lewis and Gary Duckman. 

At the chequered flag the lead three were nose to tail, the race distance having been reduced to 15-minutes, Neal holding off McAleer and Eacock, while Carniel and Segrue led the second group over the line. 

"Mark got me in the first race and I wasn't going to let him do it for a second time," said Neal. "I was better into Camp, but it was close and exciting. The last minute board came out and I thought I could just defend the last lap, then the flag didn't come out and there was another lap. It was a pleasing win, all very clean and I had to stay in control and make no mistakes. It is the first time I have won here." 

"A frustrating race," said McAleer, "I was caught behind James into Camp, and he had a better exit, I bogged down and Alex went past. I had to work hard to get back past him - I think I could have done with the extra five minutes we lost. I've got to be happy with the weekend, I've had a win and a fastest lap - and the car is all in one piece for Donington Park next weekend." 

"That was brilliant," enthused Eacock, "we were all so closely matched and there was just nothing in it. I got past Mark at the start finish line, and he tangled with Marcus for a bit, then I got the lead for a split second by James was just a bit too quick into the chicane. Mark caught me - then it was just a three-way fight to the end. It doesn't get better than that - but this is my last race of the season." 

"That was a good race, lots of trading places," said Carniel. "I traded places with Mark a couple of times through Folly, but James' pace dictated the race and you had to be a bit strategic, holding back at some corners to get your own run through them. You needed lots of racecraft - but it was fantastic fun." 

With the racing tight at the front, the Class Three battle was also a thriller, Charles Winterhalder taking his first class win since moving across from the Porsche Open, heading Dave Russell and Harvey across the line in a close finish. 

"A top race," declared Winterhalder, "the car was perfect, the guys have done a great job with it. We got up with a Class Two car, Neil Harvey got baulked, Dave Russell went past and I followed through, then I got ahead of him. It's nice to be back at the front, it's been a while and is my first win of the season." 

"That was brilliant, I made a gap, then lost concentration after a couple of mistakes - I must be getting old!" said class points leader Harvey. "The other guys had dialled themselves in and they went past me at Quarry. We had a cracking race - despite coming third it was the most enjoyable race of the day."  

Race One - 11 Laps: 1 Mark McAleer (968) 14m31.234s; 2 James Neal (964 C2) 14m.32.560s; 3 Marcus Carniel (911 SC); 4 Ben Demetriou (944 S2); 5 Alex Eacock (968); 6 Tom Segrue (968 CS); 7 Chris Dyer (968 CS); 8 Gary Duckman (968 CS); 9 David Botterill (964); 10 Trevor Lewis (944 S2). Class winners: McAleer; Carniel; Neil Harvey (911 SC). Fastest lap: Segrue 1m17.499s (85.937mph). 

Race Two - 15 minutes (12 laps): 1 Neal 15m53.324s; 2 McAleer 15m53.641s; 3 Eacock; 4 Carniel; 5 Segrue; 6 Demetriou; 7 Lewis; 8 Duckman; 9 Richard Higgins (968); 10 Richard Harrison (911). Class winners: Neal; Carniel; Charles Winterhalder (944). Fastest lap: McAleer 1m17.232s (86.234mph).

Silverstone 28^th  / 29^th July 2007

Eacock and Johnson Take Maiden Porsche Wins

The Apex Tubulars Porsche Open and Porsche Club Championship combined for two races at Silverstone's Classic historic meeting - each named after a famous Porsche driver. Saturday's Mark Donohue race was won by Nick Staveley, with Alex Eacock first in Club, his maiden outright win in his 968 CS.                       

In Sunday's Derek Bell Trophy race Mike Johnson took his first overall win in his debut meeting in a Class One car, with James Neal heading the Club runners. "It's amazing to see so many Porsches here this weekend," said Derek Bell as he presented the trophies, "I'm honoured to have my name on your trophy."

Qualifying

Friday's qualifying session for race one saw Open series returnee Richard Chamberlain quickest in the 935 he would share over the weekend with John Allen. Closely matched just behind were Adrian Slater and Nick Staveley. 

Trevor Lewis headed up the Club runners, 22^nd overall and ahead of Alex Eacock, James Neal and Tim Bevan.

Race One 

It was almost a disastrous start to Saturday's race, with both front row cars slow away. While Allen managed to get away after a hesitation, Slater - making his first ever standing start in his 996 GT3 - had his engine die, and cars were streaming past either side before he finally got away well down the order. 

All of this saw Mark Sumpter take the lead, with Paragon team-mate Nick Staveley sliding into second. A driver already moving up the order was Mike Johnson, into fifth from ninth on the grid in his first drive of a Class One 996 GT3. A strong run from Staveley out of Luffield and through Woodcote saw Staveley take the lead into Copse on lap three. 

A good start from James Neal saw him move into the Club Championship lead, poleman Trevor Lewis having been hindered by cars lining up out of position on the packed grid. Thus it was Eacock who led the chase of the class leader, closing in over the opening laps. 

Staveley was in control, even when the leaders started picking their way through back markers on the crowded track. Sumpter had a moment when they reached the Club lead battle, going wide on the exit to Luffield, but Staveley stayed clear to take the win at the end of the 20-minutes. 

"I knew both the cars in front of me on the grid were more powerful," said Staveley, "but they both seemed to stall so I went for the gap they left. I had to push hard early on, but took it easier in the later laps." 

"That was brilliant fun," said Sumpter, who won Class Two, "and we had a one, two, three for Paragon. I wanted to have a go at Nick, but I should have been more defensive early on when he went past - I'll know better tomorrow." 

Slater recovered from his hair-raising start to storm back up to third. "The car has done GT racing, so this was my first ever standing start in it," said Salter. "It has a tiny clutch and no fly wheel, and when I let the clutch go ....there was just nothing. I managed to get it going again and it was great to overtake so many cars - I think I counted 39. I just need to figure out how to get it off the line tomorrow." 

Johnson had fought his way up to third in his new mount, only for an incident on lap seven to see him lose places. "The car felt really good and I got up to third," said Johnson, "then I was at the kink by Farm, went to go outside of a backmarker, and he came wider and wider. I went off, bounced through the gravel, and got so much dust in the car I couldn't see and went off at the next corner." 

Peter Fairbairn was running in fourth in his GT2 R before dropping places after a misunderstanding with a backmarker, Allen coming home in that slot. 

In the club battle Eacock found a way past Neal with two laps to go to take his first win in his 968 CS. 

"We had a good battle," said Eacock, "and I'm really pleased, that was a hard-fought win.  It was a good race, lots of different speed differentials, which added a bit of excitement. Now I just have to do the same again tomorrow." 

"That was a really close race," said Neal. "Alex drove really well and caught me early on, then I missed a gear at Copse and we were side-by-side for a while. Later on I had backmarkers ahead, the race leaders coming through, and Alex was past." 

Lewis took third overall of the Club runners, and first Class Two car home: "My start was dreadful, I ended up in the wrong sot on the grid after some confusion ahead, then saw yellow flags, lifted, and lost ground. It was an enjoyable race though - and a good result."

Race Two 

Slater was slow away again on Sunday, despite a practice start having worked perfectly, and as Rupert Lewin moved round the crawling 996, he was struck from behind by Steve Wood and both were out.  At the front, Chamberlain blasted his 935 to the front, passing initial leader Staveley, with Sumpter third. 

The confusion at the start played into the hands of Neal, who coolly picked his way through weaving Open cars and took the Club lead, coming round 13^th overall at the end of the first lap well clear of his rivals. Eacock was second, with Lewis third, the pair amidst a gaggle of Open cars. 

Chamberlain was flying at the front, the orange 935 extending his lead lap by lap - until with two laps to go he dramatically slowed. "The oil pressure light came on," explained Chamberlain, "and that can mean things are going to get expensive. Turns out it was only a wire come off the sensor, and the engine was fine." 

That put Johnson into the lead, after working his way up the order in his rapid 996. The Yorkshireman reeled off the final lap to take his first overall victory in his first meeting with the new car since stepping up from Class Three. 

"That was awesome," said Johnson. "I had a go in the car at a track day and wanted to try it in a race. We qualified ninth yesterday on old tyres, then splashed out on some new Michelins. I got a good start and just kept chipping away - it's my first ever outright race win." 

The recovering Slater finished second, having passed Staveley on lap six. "I'm happy with my weekend as I haven't been in this car for 12 months," said Slater. "When I finally got the car away it was half clutch and half throttle I think, and I just had to push and keep coming through the field." 

"Third was pretty much what I expected," said Staveley. "I led for maybe a quarter of a lap, then Richard came flying past. It has been a good weekend - yesterday was one of my better drives." 

Sumpter finished fourth, again taking Class Two, with Jim Geddie fifth ahead of Steve Rance. A drive of note was that of Paul McLean - who charged through to seventh from 41^st on the grid, only to lose an engine belt and retire. 

Neal had a straightforward race to the Club win after the excitement of the start. "I got a good start - then had to slalom round some Open cars," said Neal. "I think I went from 20^th to 13^th, then it was pretty uneventful from there." 

Eacock took second overall, to go with his win from the day before, well clear of Chris Dyer in third. "James just got away," said Eacock, "I pleased to take fastest lap, and it's been a great weekend." 

Tim Bevan took fourth overall in Club, and first Class Two, but only after clashing with Fraser Robertson - who had lent him the 944 S2 for the weekend. 

"I borrowed the car from Fraser," said Bevan, "then I think he had a misfire in his car I the race. I caught him up and he waved me down his inside - but I think the car missed in the middle of the corner, I touched him and spun him round. I tried to wait for him round the next lap, but never saw him." 

Race 1, Mark Donohue Trophy - 20 Minutes (11 Laps): 1 Nick Staveley (997 GT3) 21m13.601s (97.694mph); 2 Mark Sumpter (996 GT3) 21m13.601s; 3 Adrian Slater (996 GT3); 4 John Allen (935); 5 Rupert Lewin (996 GT2 R); 6 Jim Geddie (997 GT3); 7 Steve Rance (996 GT3); 8 Mike Johnson (996 GT3); 9 Henry Firman (996 GT3); 10 John Taylor (996 GT3). Pole: Allen 1m50.367s (102.367mph). Class winners: Staveley; Sumpter; Mark Chilton (Porsche 928); Alex Eacock (968 CS); Trevor Lewis (944 S2); Dave Parnell (944). Fastest lap: Slater, 1m52.226s (100.754mph).  

Race 2, Derek Bell Trophy - 20 Minutes (11 Laps):  1 Johnson, 11 laps in 21m13.331s (97.715mph); 2 Slater 21m19.394s; 3 Staveley; 4 Sumpter; 5 Geddie; 6 Rance; 7 Paul Winter (996 GT3); 8 Tommy Dreelan (997 GT3); 9 Andrew Tate (997 GT3); 10 Richard Chamberlain (935). Class winners: Johnson; Sumpter; Neal; Chilton; Tim Bevan (944 S2); Steve Winter (911). Fastest lap: Chamberlain 1m49.790s (103.026mph).  

Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship

Races 7 and 8, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

16^th/17^th June 2007

 Neal and Livesey Porsche Spa Winners

The visit of the Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship to the famous Grand Prix circuit of Spa Francorchamps in Belgium is a highlight of the season for the drivers, and two close races saw James Neal and Paul Livesey travel back to the UK with outright wins under their belts. Marcus Carniel and Ben Demetriou shared Class Two honours, while Neil Harvey and Mark Taylor continued their Class Three battle with a win apiece.  

Qualifying

Friday's 45-minute qualifying session saw the Porsche Club racers on track with the Apex Tubulars Porsche Open runners, the two series running together all weekend. A fired-up Demetriou, who only arrived at the circuit shortly before qualifying after travel dramas, was a superb quickest overall round the Spa circuit in his 944 S2, heading Neal's Class One 964 C2.  

"WE arrived at the circuit late," said Demetriou, "after my flight had been cancelled and it then took us an hour to get in. I just jumped in the car and went out with no timing or pit board - I was amazed to be on pole overall." 

Marcus Carniel and Trevor Lewis made it a all Class Two second row, with Alex Eacock fifth and second in Class One ahead of Tom Segrue. Usual Class One front-runners Livesey and Mark McAleer missed testing at the circuit - as did Demetriou - and lined up eighth and ninth on the grid. 

Harvey claimed Class Three pole ahead of Taylor by just under two tenths of a second. 

Race One

The rear-engined cars of Neal and Carniel got the best starts, Neal taking the lead despite a nudge from behind at the first corner. The others closed up when the Safety Car slowed the field for three laps, leaving just 12-minutes of racing remaining. The Club runners were sharing the track with the Porsche Open field - 37 cars in all on track. 

"I got a good start," said Neal, "and led despite a little tap from behind. It was a wet track and then the Safety Car came out, but again I was good at the restart and it was a straightforward race to the end. It is terrific to win at a place like Spa." 

Carniel went past Demetriou on the run down to Eau Rouge to take second, and open a gap to take the Class Two victory. 

"I usually get good starts and managed one this time," said Carniel. "It was a shame we had Open cars in front of us, if there had been a clear track ahead of us I would have tried to go round his outside at the first corner. I was flowing James and he looked at the limit, I almost got past him up the hill from Eau Rouge on lap but his power told and he stayed ahead. It was quite something to be on the Spa podium at the end of the race." 

"I touched James at the first corner," said Demetriou, "and lifted as he was my team-mate. It was my first time in the wet at Spa so maybe I was a bit over cautious, but I was able to hold off Alex Eacock at the end." 

Eacock, took a fine fourth place, first of the 968CS's home. Mark McAleer took fifth despite missing part of qualifying and still learning the circuit. 

"I made a poor start," said McAleer, "and by the time I was going the leaders had gone - at least by now I am starting to remember the corners." 

Neil Harvey got the better of Mark Taylor to claim Class Three victory. 

Race Two

Neal was on pole for race two and led the field away at the start of the 50-minute event, again surviving a tap in the first corner to take the lead. Battling with Carniel in the early laps, a gaggle of 968s was closing in, and soon Neal was having to defend his lead. 

After much position swapping Paul Livesey was the man to break clear, taking his first win on 2007 after making the most of a missed gear by Neal. McAleer then looked for a way past Neal, finally getting by on the last lap to claim second. 

"It all came together on Sunday and I was really getting to know the circuit," said Livesey on his first Spa visit. "I was confident with the car and able to push, and it is great to take a win there, it was a great weekend." 

"It was a whole different ball game for us on Sunday," said McAleer. "It all fell into place and we had a good race, swapping places everywhere at one stage which was fun! I'm over the moon to take second place here, that must have been one of our closest races all year - this is a great circuit to race on." 

"I had a good race with Marcus early on," said Neal, "then I saw four or five 968s coming at me! I missed a gear and Paul Livesey went past, I got back ahead but then he went by again and opened a small gap. I held off Mark but then made a mistake and he was past at the very last corner - which was annoying." 

Demetriou claimed sixth overall and Class Two victory, recovering form a brief off to chase down Carniel. 

"I made a good start and was third, but had Class One cars hounding me up the straight," said Demetriou. "I passed Marcus under yellows so waved him back ahead, but then Trevor Lewis spun and we both went off. That made the red mist descend a bit and it felt like I drove the race of my life and I go into the class lead. It was an eventful but successful weekend."

Race One - 30 Minutes (9 Laps): 1 James Neal (964 C2) 32m05.667s; 2 Marcus Carniel (911) 32m07.682s; 3 Ben Demetriou (944 S2); 4 Alex Eacock (968CS) 5 Mark McAleer (968CS); 6 Tom Segrue (968CS); 7 Trevor Lewis (944 S2); 8 Paul Livesey (968CS); 9 David Botterill (964 C2); 10 Richard Harrison (911) Class winners: Neal; Carniel; Neil Harvey (911 SC). Fastest lap: Carniel 2m57.418s (88.29mph).

Race Two - 50 Minutes  (17 LAPS) 1 Livesey 51m11.527s; 2 McAleer 1m19.481s; 3 Neal (964C2); 4 Segrue; 5 Eacock (968CS); 6 Demetriou (968CS); 7 Carniel; 8 Harrison; 9 Botterill; 10 Cieran Brewer (944 S2). Class winners: Livesey; Demetriou; Mark Taylor (911 SC). Fastest lap: Neal 2m54.958 (89.53mph).

Races 5 and 6, Silverstone, Northants.

20^th May 2007 

McAleer Porsche Double at Silverstone

Mark McAleer took a brace of wins at the Silverstone National circuit in an Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship double-header. With McAleer putting his title charge firmly on track after his win at Snetterton last month, Ben Demetriou also doubled up in Class Two - and took fourth overall in the second race. In Class Three Mark Taylor and Neil Harvey split the honours.

Qualifying

Paul Livesey took his first pole of 2007 in the 20-minute qualifying session early on Sunday morning, over half a second quicker than the rest who were headed by championship leader James Neal. "It was a good lap, but there was certainly nothing left," said Livesey. "I was lucky to get some clear laps, but it's nice to start from the front."  

"There was a lot of traffic out there," said Neal. "Then I had a spin which seemed to lose me a bit of power - the car had been going well till then"  

Trevor Lewis headed Class Two and was a superb fourth overall, just behind Mike Clapham in the timesheets. Mark Taylor was quickest in Class Three, his 911SC having the edge over the 944s that dominate the class.

Race One

Neal made the best start from the outside of the front row, Livesey in close attendance. The pair clashed on lap two - both losing palces and allowing McAleer thought to the lead with Clapham second and Demetriou third. Segrue had lost ground when the leaders tangled, but was quickly back past Demetriou and set about chasing down Clapham. 

McAleer had a gap at the front, and it took till lap 17 for Segrue to get to within a second of Clapham, but from then on he was swiftly past and set about closing the gap to McAleer. Their gap varied as they encountered traffic on the National circuit, McAleer staying clear to take the win. 

"That was a good race but I had a bit of help from the guys in front when they went off," said McAleer. "I had a lead and at first didn't realise it was Tom coming up behind me at the end - I had to push on again.  It was a relief to see the chequered flag - I was low on fuel." 

"I had a problem with the power-steering, and the car was pulling to one side, but it was a good result," said Segrue. "Though when a back-marker spun in front of me I thought 'here we go again'." 

Clapham was pleased to be on the podium after his first incident free race of the year: "It was good to stay out of trouble. I have been having a fuel pick up problem, and when the car stuttered out of a corner Tom was straight past." 

Livesey recovered to take fourth, a lace ahead of Neal, while Demetriou took his first Class Two win of the season with sixth overall. Class Three saw a great battle between Mark Taylor and Neil Harvey, the former getting by on the last lap to take the win. 

"I got him on the last corner," said Taylor, "when he went wide - I really enjoyed the race." 

"I made the same mistake earlier in the race," said Harvey, "but that was a good race."

Race Two

The afternoon's race went to a very similar script. McAleer went away cleanly from pole and took the lead into Copse, with an unusually tardy start from Segrue seeing Livesey initially second before losing out to Neal. 

Segrue was with Livesey and Neal when once more they clashed, both eventually retiring and Segrue again losing places. He passed Demetriou for third, and again took second from Clapham, and set off after McAleer. 

A second apart as they started the final lap, Segrue drove a storming final circuit and was right with the rival 968 CS as they crossed the line, but the win was gain McAleer's - his third in a row this season. 

"I always seemed to catch the worst of the traffic," said McAleer. "On the final lap I came out of Becketts to see cars all over the road in front of me, then I made a bad exit from the final corner and was lucky to hold Tom off. It's been a good day." 

"I almost got him," said Segrue. "I got swamped at the start after I got wheelspin, and lost ground when Neal and Livesey did it again - but other than that it was good fun." 

"I really didn't have to do much in that race," said third-placed Clapham. "People made mistakes in front of me and that gained me places." 

Class Two provided a lot of the action during the race, Demetriou taking a class double and fourth overall, just staying clear of the rapid Brian Robinson on the final laps. The battle for fourth between Robinson, Marcus Craniel and Trevor Lewis was a highlight of the race. 

"Brian Robinson seemed to come from nowhere right at the end," said Demetriou. "My car was very noisy - sounded like someone was playing the drums on it - but was going well and it was a good day's racing."

Race One - 30 Minutes (27 Laps): 1 Mark McAleer (968CS)  30m54.591s (85.87mph); 2 Tom Segrue (968CS) 30m56.838s; 3 Mike Clapham (968CS); 4 Paul Livesey (968CS); 5 James Neal (964 C2); 6 Ben Demetriou (944 S2); 7 Marcus Carniel (91SC); 8 Brian Robinson (944 S2); 9 Ian Oliver (911); 10 James Hilliard (944 S2); 9 . Class winners McAleer; Demetriou; Mark Taylor (911SC). Fastest lap: Livesey 1m06.689s (88.45mph).

Race Two - 20 Minutes  (27 LAPS) 1 McAleer 30m58.480s (85.69mph); 2 Segrue 30m58.662s; 3 Clapham; 4 Demetriou; 5 Brian Robinson (944 S2); 6 Trevor Lewis (944 S2); 7 Carniel; 8 Hilliard; 9 David Botterill (964 C2); 10 Oliver.. CW McAleer; Demetriou; Neil Harvey (911SC). FL Segrue 1m07.010s (88.02mph).

McAleer Breaks Neal's Run of Wins at Snetterton 

James Neal made it three wins in a row with victory in round three of the Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship at Snetterton, but despite storming through the field could not stop Mark McAleer opening his 2007 account with a win in round four. Richard Lambert won Class Two in both races on a one-off return to the series, while Mark Taylor took two Class Three wins on his series debut.  

Qualifying

Neal continued his run of form with pole in Saturday's 15-minute qualifying session, with McAleer second despite a spin that saw his car in the tyre barriers. Lambert, on a one-off return to the series, headed up Class Two, with series rookie Taylor quickest in Class Three. "We're shocked to be on pole," said Taylor after the session. 

Race One

James Neal kept up his run of victories in Saturday's race, but was pushed hard till virtually the end of the race by the rapid Segrue. Once Neal had recovered from a poor start, he fought his back to get on terms with Segrue, and then moved into the lead. 

Together down the Revett Straight, the pair dived inside a backmarker only for contact with Neal to tip him into a spin, and heavily into Segrue's 968's passenger door. Neal went on to take the win, while Segrue brought his battered car home third behind McAleer - who had struggled for pace all race. 

"Someone hit me at the start, and I was fourth into the first corner," said Neal. "Once I was past Mark McAleer, I followed him for a while before looking inside into Riches. Finally I was able to get ahead and make it stick, then at the end of the straight we caught a backmarker and went inside him, but he turned in - I think he hadn't seen us - and I touched him and he spun, then hit Tom." 

"The race was good," said Segrue, "I made the same start as Oulton Park and was away well. I was with James Neal into the chicane and we were catching a back-marker, he turned in with us, touched James, spun, and then came back across and hit me. The car took a big impact on the passenger side door, we've straightened the suspension and we'll have to see how we go tomorrow." 

"I went off on oil in qualifying and only managed six laps," explained McAleer, "and I just didn't have the pace today and couldn't stay with them." 

Continuing the train of 968s to finish behind Neal was Livesey in fourth, and Alex Eacock in his family-built car fifth. Lambert took Class Two, but only after long-term leader Marcus Carniel went from first to third in the final half-lap after a gearbox problem. 

"That wasn't an easy win, explained Lambert. "I was happy with qualifying, it was nice to get pole, but then race start wasn't the best, I spun at the first corner. Everyone managed to avoid me, but it must have dropped me down into the mid-20s. I was pushing hard, and started making ground in the second half of the race. I was with Brian Robinson and then suddenly we were right with Marcus. I got past Marcus on the way to the finish line and Brian just before the line." 

"I got a good start, and was up to third by the first corner, " said Carniel. "The front three went away and I could see no-one in my mirrors, so it was a bit lonely for a while. I could see Richard Lambert and Brian Robinson behind me, but into the Esses I missed third gear and couldn't get a gear. I finally got first, but they were past me." 

Class Three went to series debutant Taylor, who brought his 911SC home 21^st overall.  

Race Two 

Neal was away cleanly initially off the line, but his car suddenly bogged down losing him places and causing cars behind to swerve round him. That put McAleer into the lead with Livesey and Segrue behind, and Neal well down the order. 

McAleer rapidly opened a gap as Neal charged back up through the field, moving back into fourth on lap four and set off after the lead three. Livesey in second could do nothing about catching team-mate McAleer, while behind, Neal had a brief spin at Russell and continued without losing a place. 

By lap ten the lead group were in traffic, and McAleer lost time, allowing the three behind to close right up. Livesey had a look inside the leader at Russell, while Neal got inside Segrue at Riches to move into third. A lap later he was into second, but despite setting fastest lap on his pursuit of McAleer could find no way into the lead to preserve his run of wins and the Yorkshireman held on for victory. 

"The new tyres I put on must have really made a difference," said McAleer after his first win of 2007. "I got held up by traffic into Sear, then found it really hard to step back up the pace again. It's good to take a win - we couldn't let James have them all." 

"The car bogged down off the line, I'm not really sure what happened," said Neal of his poor start. "With that and the spin I really did what the team asked - they said my races were becoming boring! Mark drove well, I thought I was in the perfect position behind him when the last lap board came out, but he held on." 

Segrue had moved ahead of Livesey with a lap to go, but as they came into Russell on the very last lap Livesy looked down the inside and they touched, Segrue spinning and rejoining to take fourth. 

"It was a good race," said Livesey, "my touch with Tom was unintentional, I had no brakes left and felt I was inside him." 

The Class Two battle was equally exciting, Lewis holding sway for much of the race after Lambert had been delayed off the line by Neal's tardy start. Once back up to pace Lambert closed in, and was past with two laps to go, then held of a challenge by Lewis to take his second win of the weekend. 

"I had to swerve round James," said Lambert, "and after that couldn't relax for a second as I tried to get back up the field. Trevor drove really well, but I knew where I was quicker and I was able to get past." 

"That was an enjoyable clean race," said Lewis, "and only my second race meeting in ten years. I missed a gear and Richard got the power down better on the pit straight, then it was a good battle, we were side-by-side several times." 

"My two races were very similar," said Class Three winner Taylor, "and really good fun. I think we have surprised ourselves with our performance, and we'll definitely be back for more." 

Race One - 20 Minutes (15 Laps):

1 James Neal (964 C2) 20m37.513 (85.177mph); 2 Mark McAleer (968CS) 20m56.925s; 3 Tom Segrue (968CS); 4 Paul Livesey (968CS); 5 Alex Eaccock (968CS); 6 Ian Oliver (911); 7 Richard Lambert (911SC); 8 7 Brian Robinson (944 S2); 9 Marcus Carniel (911SC); 10 Trevor Lewis (944 S2). Class Winners: Neal; Lambert; Mark Taylor (911SC).  Fastest Lap: Segrue, 1m21.187s (86.556mph). 

Race Two - 20 Minutes (15 Laps):

1 McAleer 20m49.556s (84.356mph); 2 Neal 20m49.931s; 3 Livesey; 4 Segrue; 5 Eacock; 6 Oliver; 7 Lambert; 8 Lewis; 9 Carniel; 10 Mike Chapman (968CS). Class Winners: McAleer; Lambert; Taylor. Fastest Lap: Neal 1m21.049s (86.703mph). 

Next rounds: Silverstone, Northants., May 19^th  /20^th  

Neal Takes Double Win in Porsche Club Opener 

On a day of doubles, James Neal took both overall wins as the Apex Tubulars Porsche Club Championship started its 2007 season at Oulton Park, while Marcus Carniel and Neil Harvey doubled up in Classes Two and Three respectively. Tom Segrue took the chequered flag in race two, only to be dropped to third in the results after a ten second penalty for an adjudged jump start. 

Qualifying

A confused qualifying session, due to timing problems, finally saw Marcus Holden's Class Two Boxster on pole for the opening race - a first for the model. Segrue lined his new 968CS up second on the grid, ahead of Mike Clapham, Neal and McAleer. Carniel was second in Class Two and Neil Harvey headed up Class Three. 

Race One

A superb start from Neal saw him sweep round the outside of the front row pair and lead into Old Hall in the first of Saturday's races. From then on he was under almost constant pressure in the 20-minute race, with Segrue sliding into second as poleman Holden slipped down the order. 

Segrue forced Neal to defend lap after lap, but the leader never offered a clear opportunity to pass. Their battle enabled McAleer and Carniel to close, and they were joined by Paul Livesey to make it a five-car lead group. Carniel elected to settle for Class Two honours and having let McAleer by in the early laps allowed Class One racer Livesey past as well. 

Into Old Hall on lap eight McAleer took advantage of a backmarker to slip inside Segrue, with Livesey following past into third. Like Segrue before him, McAleer could find no way past Neal's 964 C2, and Segrue moved into third with two laps to go, the lead three virtually together as they took the chequered flag. With Livesey fourth, Carniel took fifth and Class Two victory. 

"I made a good start, and that seemed to make the difference," said Neal. "I'd given a lot of thought to the stat, but it was hard work after that and I was under pressure all the time - Tom was very quick. It's a good start to the season, I didn't qualify well as we had an oil leak." 

"The race was great apart from my start," said McAleer. "I got caught behind the Boxster and had to get past, and it was hard to make places as we all had pretty much the same pace. I got past Tom when he was caught behind a backmarker, but James was very difficult to get past - I'm pleased with second though." 

"I was unsighted and never saw the chequered flag!" said Segrue. "The car was quick though, which was good in my first race with it." 

"Once we were into the race I had no-one in class to worry about," said Carniel. "I ended up racing diplomatically and let Mark McAleer and Paul Livesey through. It's good to start with a class win, I hope I do the same later." 

Trevor Lewis just held off Brian Robinson to take sixth and second in Class Two, while Class Three honours went to Harvey.

Race Two

At the start of race two Segrue burst between front row starters Neal and McAleer to lead into the opening corner, and open up a four second gap over the opening two laps. Unfortunately, his getaway was adjudged a little too rapid by the officials and earned him a 10-second penalty to be applied to his race time.  

McAleer briefly headed Neal on the opening lap before the race one winner regained second, and their battle allowed Segrue to extend the gap at the front, and Livesey to close in from behind. Carniel was fifth with Ben Demetriou in close attendance for the Class Two lead battle. 

Neal was forced to defend as hard as he did in the first race, McAleer looking to get inside the 964 on several occasions only to have the gap disappear. Even a group of backmarkers as the pair went through Old Hall with two laps to go failed to provide McAleer with an opportunity, and they crossed the line in that order, Neal taking the win due to Segrue's penalty which dropped him to third in the results. 

"I made a poor start and saw Tom go straight past," said Neal. "Then I just had to defend from Mark, the 968 seems to be the quicker car round here. I'm pleased with the two wins, I wasn't expecting them." 

"James defended hard," said McAleer. "I had a couple of chances to go past but didn't make it and that's racing." 

"I thought my start was legitimate," said a disappointed Segrue. "I feel really aggrieved and just feel sorry for the team."  

Carniel claimed his second Class Two win of the day, but only having to defend in the final laps from Brian Robinson who climbed up through the order as the race progressed. On the final laps they were together, Carniel surviving a determined last lap challenge to take the win and fifth overall. 

"That was a hard race," said Carniel. "We touched and I think we both went sideways on the final lap, and now my car doesn't like turning left, but I'm happy with two wins." 

Harvey won Class Three to make it a third double win of the day, Charles Winterhalder running close in the opening laps before engine failure sidelined his 944. 

"I've had a great time today," said Harvey. "This is my first time at Oulton in 14 years so it is a great start to the season." 

Race One - 20 Minutes (10 Laps):

1 James Neal (964 C2) 20m11.934s; 2 Mark McAleer (968CS) 20m12.284s; 3 Tom Segrue (968CS); 4 Paul Livesey (968CS); 5 Marcus Carniel (911SC); 6 Trevor Lewis (944 S2); 7 Brian Robinson (944 S2); 8 Ian Oliver (911); 9 David Botterill (964 C2); 10 Ben Demetriou (944 S2). Class Winners: Neal; Carniel; Neil Harvey (911).  Fastest Lap: Livesey, 1m58.289s (81.997mph).

Race Two - 20 Minutes (10 Laps):

1 Neal 20m15.813s; McAleer 20m16.242s; 3 Segrue; 4 Livesey; 5 Carniel; 6 Robinson; 7 Demetriou; 8 Alex Eacock (968); 9 Botterill; 10 Oliver. Class Winners: Neal; Carniel; Harvey.  Fastest Lap: Segrue 1m59.081s (81.383mph). 

Next round: Snetterton, Norfolk, April 21 / 22