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Porsche Open Series

Chamberlain and Allen Take Croft Victory

Race 11 Croft, North Yorkshire

24^th September 2006

Richard Chamberlain and John Allen shared their 935 to a comfortable win in the final one-hour enduro of the 2006 Porsche Open season, but had to play second fiddle to Colin Broster's 996 for the first half of the race.

After problems with his own car in qualifying, Peter Morris joined Broster for the race, and left the meeting as the winner of the Porsche Carrera Cup prize drive at a meeting in 2007 awarded to leading Class Two 996 GT3 runner.

Qualifying

A healthy 20-car line up completed qualifying, with Chamberlain and Allen securing pole for their hugely powerful 935 by over three seconds from the Class 2 GT3 Cup car of Jean-Marc Rotsaert and John Gaw. Colin Broster's 996 was third quickest from Peter Morris's GT3, but after Morris had serious gearbox maladies, he joined up with Broster for the race to take the second stint in the latter's car.

Mike Johnson's continued to set the Class Three pace in his 911, while Geoffrey and Alex Elbrow were quickest in Class Four with their 944.

Race

Broster made a flying start to lead into Clervaux, with Rotsaert holding an initial second as McLean spun before he had even cleared the grid. Allen recovered his momentum and had second out of Clervaux on the second lap, by which time Broster was already stretching his lead.

Mark Stephenson's GT3 slipped back from a promising early third place as Brian Robinson's 993 and the 944 of Mark Livesey made ground and Rotsaert continued to slip down the order. Livesey's charge took him into third at Clervaux on lap six, before Robinson lost out further as both Gerry Harrison and the recovering McLean went by at the Hairpin. McLean continued to press and ousted Harrison at the Jim Clark Esses and then Livesey into Clervaux a lap later.

It was soon game over for Livesey though, as he was black flagged with a trailing exhaust. McLean was left clear to chase down Allen, as Harrison, Robinson and Stephenson ran nose to tail for fourth. McLean had just got past Allen for second when the latter headed pitwards to hand over the 935 to Chamberlain.

As the driver changes shuffled the pack, both Broster and McLean stayed out for another 13 laps, as Chamberlain carved his way back to third. With Morris taking over the lead car he just made it out of the pitlane with the lead intact, but Chamberlain was already scorching down the pit straight and his momentum saw him ahead into Clervaux.

Over the remaining laps his advantage grew to well over a minute, but it was still a dramatic finale as Chamberlain found himself battling to lap John Bussell in Harrison's third placed GT3. "I wasn't sure what places we were battling for," said Bussell.

"That was my first ever win," declared Allen after the race.

"The car was great and John drove a stormer for me in the first half," Chamberlain replied, the duo having set a new Porsche Open lap record for Croft.

Broster and Morris took a comfortable second, while Harrison and Bussell finished third, after passing Fairbairn, who had taken over from McLean, five laps from home. Rotsaert and the rapid Gaw recovered to claim back fifth and Class Two victory in the second half of the race and Robinson eased himself clear of Stephenson to complete the top six.

Mike Johnson held off his rivals for a comfortable Class Three win and the Elbrow's survived in Class Four.

Result - One Hour: 1 Richard Chamberlain/John Allen (935) 39 laps in 1h00m00.716s (81.884mph); 2 Colin Broster/Peter Morris (996) +1m08.762s; 3 Gerry Harrison/John Bussell (GT3); 4 Paul McLean/Peter Fairbairn (993 GT2R); 5 Jean-Marc Rotsaert/John Gaw (GT3 Cup); 6 Brian Robinson (993); 7 Mark Stephenson (GT3); 8 John Taylor (GT3 Cup); 9 Jim Geddie (GT3 Cup); 10 Mike Johnson (911). Class Winners: Chamberlain/Allen; Rotsaert/Gaw; Johnson; Elbrow/Elbrow. Fastest Lap: Chamberlain/Allen 1m25.733s (88.181mph) Record

Morris Adds to Victory Tally at Oulton Park

Race 10, Oulton Park, Cheshire

16^th September 2006

Peter Morris took his fifth win of the 2006 Porsche Open season to win at Oulton Park in an exciting 15-minute 'sprint' race. Porsche veteran Colin Broster returned to take second and win Class One ahead of fellow series visitor Paul Hogarth, who claimed third in his 997.

Morris took Class Two in addition to the outright victory, with Mike Johnson claiming the Class Three win for the tenth time this season. For the first time the series ran a Class Five - comprised of the 11 competitors from the Irish Porsche Open series who were racing for their own championship points - Jim O'Reilly first of the Celtic contingent home.

Qualifying

Porsche Carrera Cup competitor Hogarth took pole, half a second clear of Morris with Broster and Malcolm Spendlove forming row two.

"I only live in Knutsford so this is my local circuit," said Hogarth. "Coming here this weekend gives me some time in the car outside of the cut-and-thrust of the Carrera Cup, and it's going well so far. The 997 is really good in the quick corners."

O'Reilly was quickest of the Class Five runners, in seventh overall, with Mike Johnson heading Class Three and Dave Parnell heading Charles Winterhalder in Class Four.

Race

Morris led into the first corner from the outside of the front row, Broster tucking in behind with Spendlove up to third and poleman Hogarth only fourth at the end of the first lap. He was soon on the move though, setting fastest race lap on the way to passing Spendlove, and setting off after the lead pair.

By lap three Hogarth was past Broster, and was right with Morris and looking for a way past. The pair crossed the line nose to tail, Hogarth in the newer 997 looking to the outside of Morris' GT3 into the first corner. Into the chicane for the fourth time and Hogarth challenged for the lead, but skated off onto the grass, dropping to third - still clear of the rest of the field but out of touch with Morris and Broster.

Broster closed up to within half a second of Morris, but could find no way past the Class Two car, Morris never offering an opportunity to his pursuer. They crossed the line in that order, Hogarth a safe third ahead of Spendlove and Mark Stephenson. The latter pair crossed the line in the opposite order, but Stephenson was given a ten second penalty for an illegal start.

"I made a good start," said Morris, "I got into Old Hall first and from then on it was a close race. I knew where my car was strong and I just had to drive a wide car in places to keep them behind. Colin was really on it in the final laps and we had a cracking race - the long Oulton Park layout really suits the Porsches."

"It was very close," agreed Broster, "He knew where I was trying to come through and kept his car wide, and we had a good clean race. Pete defended well and was always in the right place.

"My main problem in that race was the other two guys at the front!" joked Hogarth. "I locked up at the second chicane and was onto the grass - I just should have been more patient."

O'Reilly headed home the Irish Class Five runners, seventh overall behind Brian Robinson. "I think we livened the race up!" exclaimed O'Reilly after the race. "It was a terrific race, I had a couple of good battles, but drove the whole race without an alternator and with temperatures of 150^OC. This is an awesome circuit though - so there was no way I was going to stop."

Johnson took ninth overall and once more Class Three, battling machinery from the more powerful classes. "I enjoyed that but it all got a bit tight at the start," said Johnson. "I tried to go between Mark Stephenson and the pit wall, but it got a bit tight and then I found I had nowhere to slot in behind him. After that I just got my head down and got stuck in. It was an enjoyable race - this circuit has everything."

Parnell took Class Four ahead just of Winterhalder. "I missed the start totally," said Parnell, "and had to battle back past them, I really enjoyed that."

"It's good to get a result after destroying my racecar six weeks ago," said Winterhalder. "I was hoping to get him right on the line - but it's good to be back on the pace and the guys have done a great job building this car."

Irish championship leaders Paul Gray and Ciaran Molumby clashed after Gray had a brake problem at Knickerbrook, leaving the pair with a race against time to prepare for the final round of their championship in Ireland nest weekend.

Sprint Race - 15 Minutes (8 Laps):

1 Peter Morris (GT3 Cup) 14m31.211s (88.99mph); 2 Colin Broster (996 GT3 Cup) +0.229s; 3 Paul Hogarth (997); 4 Malcolm Spendlove (GT3 Cup); 5 Mark Stephenson (996 GT3 Cup); 6 Brian Robinson (993 RS); 7 Jim O'Reilly (930 Turbo); 8 Martin Harvey (911 Turbo); 9 Mike Johnson (911 SC); 10 Paul Livesey (944 Turbo). Class Winners: Broster; Morris; Johnson, Dave Parnell (944). Fastest Lap: Hogarth 1m46.312s (91.15mph).

Next round: Croft, North Yorkshire, September 24^th

Morris Takes Trophy at Silverstone

Race 9, Silverstone, Northants

9^th September 2006

Peter Morris won the PMC Trophy Race at Silverstone - fittingly as it was his own company sponsoring the race. A slow starting Paul McLean recovered to tear back through the field and just miss out on catching Morris before the line, while Malcolm Spendlove took his best Open finish with third overall.

Mike Jackson and Peter Garrod took the Class Three and Four victories in Saturday's 30-minute race. With both Porsche Open and Porsche Club Championship fields on the track at the same time but running in separate races, 47-cars took the start in an event that was enjoyed by all on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

Qualifying

Friday afternoon's 30-minute qualifying session saw all 52-cars entered out on the circuit, Andy Purdie quickest of all in Porsche Carrera Cup 997 GT3, but destined not to race due to his reserve status. Morris was second quickest and thus took pole on the Open Grid in his Class Two GT3.

John Allen was third overall in the session but gearbox problems saw his 035 sidelined, so it was Colin Wilmott who lined up alongside Morris having outpaced the rest of the regular runners and headed Class One. Mike Johnson continued to be the Class Three pace-setter in 15^th overall, while Peter Garrod lined up at the head of the Class Four runners.

Race

Wilmott made the best start and took the early lead, as behind McLean stalled form third on the grid and was narrowly missed by several other runners before he finally set off.  Best starter of the day was Malcolm Spendlove, who took advantage of the chaos ahead and slotted into second from sixth on the grid.

Morris was third at the end of the first lap, but closed on Spendlove and was second by the end of lap three. Behind, McLean was tearing through the order, up to fifth by lap four, but still with plenty of ground to make up to the leaders.

Morris was right with Wilmott by lap seven, the pair slicing through slower cars. At the end of the Hanger Straight on lap eight Morris was close and Wilmott spun, his car off the circuit and out the race. That gave Morris a clear lead, but McLean was now up to second and closing rapidly.

Going into the final lap of the 30-minute race McLean was three and a half seconds behind Morris, and they crossed the line less than half a second apart, Morris holding on to take the win.

"I made a bad start," said Morris, "and Colin was quick - I think at the end of the straight he just went into the corner a little too hot and spun. There was lots of traffic out there, and you needed to have experience of getting through traffic to keep your pace, it could be a bit of a lottery at times.

"I could see Paul's headlights behind me getting closer, and coming onto the pit straight I was just hoping the chequer flag was going to come out! It's a good win and the trophy will go straight to the team!"

"I was struggling for grip on the green flag lap before the race," explained McLean, first Class One car home, "then at the start got so much wheelspin that at first I went nowhere. I lifted off the throttle, then suddenly the car gripped and stalled and loads of people went past me. Once I could see Pete ahead I could really reel him in - I just needed another 100 yards and I would have won!"

Spendlove held onto third, his first podium in the Porsche Open. "I really enjoyed that race, " he said immedialty afterwards, " I was second off the line the Pete Morris went past, I lost some places, but was able to move back up again. The backmarkers were a bit of a problem, but they are trying to race as well. I never expected to be standing on the podium after a race on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit!"

Tony Brown took fourth overall, ahead of Gerry Harrison and Steve Russell. Mike Johnson was first Class Three car home eighth overall. "I Thoroughly enjoyed that race," said Johnson. "I managed to miss Paul McLean at the start, and it was nice to be able to run with the Class Two cars."

Peter Garrod headed home the Class Four runners, with series debutante Lali Atwal taking second in class.

PMC Midlands Trophy race - 30 Minutes (15 Laps):

1 Peter Morris (GT3 Cup) 31m16.724s (91.99mph); 2 Paul McLean (993 GT2) +0.415s; 3 Malcolm Spendlove (GT3 Cup); 4 Tony Brown (964 RSR); 5 Gerry Harrison (911 GT3 RSR); 6 Steve Russell (GT3 Cup); 7 John Taylor (GT3 Cup); 8 Mike Johnson (911 SC); 9 Martin Harvey (911 Turbo); 10 Paul Hogan (996 Turbo). Class Winners: McLean; Morris; Johnson, Peter Garrod (944). Fastest Lap: McLean 2m00.654s (95.30mph).

Next round: Oulton Park, Cheshire, September 16^th

Purdie and Sumpter take Bill Taylor Memorial Race Victory

Andy Purdie and Mark Sumpter claimed victory in the annual Bill Taylor Memorial race at Brands Hatch on Saturday, the 28-car Porsche Open field for the 2006 race keeping up the high-standards expected for the event. Peter Chambers fought race long with Peter Morris to take second, the latter third and first in Class Two. Class Three was one by John Allam and Graham Hellier, while Frank Cortes won Class Four in the hour long race.

As is traditional, there was a handicap result in addition to the overall winner, Chambers winning the coveted trophy with Cortes second and Adrian Dixon from Class Four third.

Open Qualifying

Purdie and Sumpter showed their pace with pole for Saturday afternoon's race, lining up ahead of the GT3 Cup of Jean-Marc Rotsaert and John Gaw and the similar car of Peter Morris. Gerry Harrison and John Bussell - winner of the one-hour race at Silverstone in May - were fourth quickest, but suffering teething troubles with Harrison's new 911 GT3 RS, which was 'acting as if the pit lane limiter keeps cutting in' according to the car's owner.

"It was very busy out there," said Purdie, racing the 997 GT3 he usually campaigns in the Porsche Carrera Cup,  "there is a big difference in speeds but they are all good drivers and it was nice to be so quick."

Mike Johnson was quickest in Class Three once more, while the 944s of Class Four were headed by Charles Winterhalder - who was destined not to start the race. Winterhalder got into a slide during the session, and before he could straighten his car up he was collected by the rapid 996 GT2-R of Rupert Lewin at speed. The drivers were unhurt, but both cars were severely damaged, Lewin's on its return to racing after engine failure in the opening meeting of the season.

"I'm a bit sore," said Winterhalder, who has dominated Class Four "I got into a slide at the top of Paddock, and was trying to gather it up when I was hit hard in the driver's door. The car will need a new shell at least, and it is a shame as we have won six of the seven races so far - but we will be out at Silverstone."

"I crested the hill and saw a car sideways across the track," said Lewin. "I decided to go to the right as there was more room there, just as I saw his tyres grip and he moved that way. I think that has put us out for the season, but these things happen in racing."

Race

Purdie led off the line at the start as the sun blazed down, Morris initially second before the fast starting GT2 R of Paul McLean moved into that position. Purdie continued to extend his advantage lap by lap, Morris losing third to Peter Chambers in traffic on lap seven, these two closely matched all race.

By the time the pit stop window opened after 20-minutes Purdie had lapped every other car up to fourth place, and he finally pitted to hand over to Sumpter on lap 37. They rejoined in the lead despite being the only car in the field to change all four tyres during their stop, and had moved a lap clear of the field when the Safety Car came out on lap 59 with a car stranded in the Paddock Hill Bend gravel trap.

After two laps the field was set racing again, but two more cars visited the Paddock gravel and the red flags came out to stop the race with four minutes of the hour remaining, Purdie and Sumpter taking the win.

"That was an enjoyable race," said Purdie, "I just had to keep out of trouble and keep my lap times right up there."

"Andy was fantastic," said Sumpter, "we were worried about how he would start, but he got it just right. The car was lovely to drive, I seemed to have traffic on every lap though."

McLean pitted to hand over to Peter Fairbairn on lap 35, while the battling Chambers and Morris stayed out longer, Morris pitting at the last possible moment as the window closed at the 40-minute mark.  Once everyone had stopped and order became clear Morris was ahead of Chambers and in second, with Fairbairn fourth after losing time in the pit lane. Chambers took second from Morris just two laps before the race was stopped, to take second overall and win the handicap element of the race.

"That was a good race," said Chambers, "it seemed a good idea beforehand to do the whole race myself  - but I think I'm getting too old for this!"

"I had a hard race with Peter," said an equally hot looking Morris, the Class Two winner "but he got me in the end - he must be fitter than me!"

A man on the move was Gaw, who had taken over from Rotsaert and had the GT3 running at the pace of the runaway leader. Into fifth, he closed right in on Fairbairn only to go wide at Paddock and be one of the cars that ultimately brought out the red flag.

"I got wide and on the marbles," explained Gaw, " and that was that. It was a shame - there was a place on the podium there for us."

John Allam and Graham Hellier won Class Three, after usual class pace setter Mike Johnson was forced to pit early in the race after contact off the start line. "I hit Ian White after Gerry Harrison stalled on the line," said Johnson. "That wrinkled my bonnet, which came off taking the electrical kill switch with it! I managed to get into the pits and we had to fit another." Despite that Johnson took second in class.

"I didn't make a good start," said Allam, in just his second race, "but the car was good and we made a good handover."

"I was expecting to have to work my way though," joked Hellier, " but John had done all the hard work for me!"

Frank Cortes took his second Class Four win of the season, having held off Peter Garrod and Adrian Dixon during the race.

"I'm really pleased to win - it's just a shame that Charles Winterhalder wasn't able to race," said Cortes. "It was an enjoyable race - and it's the first time my son had ever seen me win."

Results Bill Taylor Memorial Race - One Hour (64 Laps):

1 Andy Purdie / Mark Sumpter (997 GT3 Cup) 56m14.133s (83.75mph); 2 Peter Chambers (GT3 Cup) +1 Lap; 3 Peter Morris (GT3 Cup); 4 Peter Fairbairn / Paul McLean (GT2 R); 5 Henry Firmin (GT3 Cup); 6 Steve Russell / Peter Lavender (GT3 Cup); 7 Malcolm Spendlove (GT3 Cup); 8 John Taylor / Steve Leighton (996 GT3 Cup); 9 Mark Stephenson (GT3 Cup); 10 Ian White / Tony Brown (993 RSR). Class Winners: Purdie / Sumpter; Morris; Graham Hellier / John Allam (993); Frank Cortes (944). Fastest Lap: Purdie 49.581s (89.03mph).

Next round: Silverstone, September 8 / 9

Harrison Hat-Trick at Cadwell Park

Gerry Harrison's 996 was the class of the Porsche Open runners at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire, this weekend, taking a double victory with a win on each day - and making it three in a row after winning the one-hour race at Silverstone in May. Mike Johnson and Peter Bamford both made sure he didn't have it all his own way though, the top three battling hard in both races.

Qualifying

Due to a shortage of marshals, qualifying and Saturday's race was on the rarely used Club Circuit.  Peter Bamford secured pole in RPM's 997 that started the year with Mark Cole in the Porsche Carrera Cup. Only 0.368 secs adrift was Harrison, winner last time out at Silverstone, with Mike Johnson's Class Three 911SC third quickest. Dave Roberts had the edge over David Parnell and Charles Winterhalder in their 944's, leaving 944's of Andy Brown an David Yap to complete the line up.

Race One

Harrison grabbed the advantage from the start, with Johnson in his wheeltracks and Bamford about a length back in third. But out of the Club Hairpin Harrison ran very wide onto the loose stones and struggled to get back on. "I was just trying too hard and got over excited!" he reckoned.

Johnson was the new leader with Bamford on his tail, while Harrison charged back into contention within a lap. He was second on lap three, but Johnson wasn't going to lie down easily. Exiting the Hairpin wide on lap five almost saw Harrison seize his chance, though the inevitable soon followed. "I got a good run into Park from the straight and managed to get back in front," said Harrison.

Johnson's efforts to stay in touch sent him wide exiting the Hairpin again, and left the way clear for Bamford to slip through to second. "I kept locking up as I couldn't be sure the car was braking or not. I was just trying to keep up," said Johnson. All three had begun to spread out when red flags brought the race to an end after Roberts had crashed out at Park. Roberts had been holding off Winterhalder, Parnell and Brown in the Class Four battle for most of the race until then.

With Roberts gone, Winterhalder was a comfortable class winner, while Brown eased away from Parnell to take fifth.

Qualifying

There was another qualifying session as the programme reverted to the full circuit for Sunday's races. Bamford secured pole again, 0.885secs clear of David Botterill's 944. Johnson had the edge over Harrison, while Tim Bryan lined his 928 GTS up in fifth. Botterill failed to join the line up for the afternoon's race.

Parnell was the top Class Four qualifier over Winterhalder, followed by Brown and Yap. After some rapid repairwork Roberts was able to race though he missed qualifying.

Race Two

As well as losing out to Harrison and Johnson at the start, Bamford also picked up a 10 sec penalty for not lining up in the correct place for the start.Harrison pushed hard from the start and had a huge lock-up at Mansfield on lap two, but still managed to retain his lead. Bryan eased himself into a secure fourth, while Winterhalder was tracked by class rivals Parnell, Roberts and Brown.

Bamford started to close on Johnson in the early laps as Harrison consolidated his lead. The gaps opened and closed among the leaders, without real threat of place changes. The lead pair were still close at the flag, but, despite struggling with his gears, Harrison retained the advantage.

Bryan retained a solitary fourth and Winterhalder eventually saw off his rivals to claim another class win, over Parnell, Brown, Roberts and Yap.

Results:

Race One: 1 Gerry Harrison (Porsche 996 GT3RS) 10 laps in 11m45.245s (74.32mph); 2 Peter Bamford (Porsche 997) +3.222s; 3 Mike Johnson (Porsche 911 SC); 4 Charles Winterhalder (Porsche 944); 5 Andy Brown (Porsche 944;  6 David Parnell (Porsche 944; 7 David Yap (Porsche 944). Class Winners: Johnson; Winterhalder. Pole Position: Bamford 1m09.792s (76.14mph). Fastest Lap: Harrison 1m08.699s (66.87mph).

Race Two: 1 Harrison 15 laps in 25m48.673s (75.76mph); 2 Johnson +0.183s; 3 Bamford; 4 Tim Bryan (Porsche 928 GTS); 5 Winterhalder; 6 Parnell; 7 Brown; 8 Dave Roberts; 9 Yap. Class Winners: Johnson; Winterhalder. Pole Position: Bamford 1m39.745s (78.42mph). Fastest Lap: Bamford 1m41.335s (77.19mph).Hollins 1m41.217s (77.28mph).

Next rounds: Brands Hatch, Kent, July 22 / 23

Harrison and Bussell Win First Open Enduro

Races 5, Silverstone, Northants.

13^th May 2006

The first one-hour race of 2006 for the Porsche Open Series runners saw a cracking race on Silverstone's National Circuit, Gerry Harrison and John Bussell making canny use of a Safety Car period to come out on top - though the Class Two GT3 of Mark Stephenson and Aaron Scott was closing in at the end. Class Three went to Mike Johnson, while Charles Winterhalder held off Frank Cortes for the Class Four win.

Qualification

The qualifying session was in two halves to give track time to the two driver entries. The pole time was set right at the end as John Gaw, sharing Jean-Marc Rotsaert's GT3 Cup car, ducked under a minute for a lap of National circuit, just pipping the Gerry Harrison and John Bussell 911 GT3 RS, the only other pairing under the 60-second mark. 

"It was a case of getting a clear lap," said Gaw, "Jean-Marc's car is brilliant to drive and I've still got lots to learn.""Our car is really nicely balanced," explained Harrison, who headed up Class One. "It's a nice long race and I'm really hoping for rain as that will suit us." 

The Peter Morris and Henry Firman GT3 Cup was third quickest, with series debutants Paul McLean and Peter Fairbairn fourth with their GT2 R. Peter Garrod outpaced Mike Johnson to head up Class Three, while the ongoing battle in Class Four between Winterhalder and Frank Cortes saw the pair less than a tenth apart, Winterhalder just quickest. 

Race - One Hour

At the start Rotsaert was slow away from pole, losing places, while a strong start from McLean saw the GT2 R leading at the end of the first lap with Morris giving chase. McLean opened a gap in the early laps, while behind Morris the 996 RS of Brian Robinson rapidly moved up the order to slot into third on lap five, with series visitor Jim Geddie taking fourth a lap later.  

McLean was over seven seconds clear on lap 14 when the Safety Car came out - Rotsaert having been pitched into a gravel trap by driveshaft failure. The Safety Car picked up Morris, the leader joining near the end of the queue. Harrison promptly brought his car in at the start of the Safety Car period for his compulsory stop to hand over to Bussell, others also stopping as the pack were waved past so that when racing was resumed the leader was again at the front. 

The leader pitted almost exactly on the 30-minute mark for what proved a lengthy stop, which put Robinson ahead until he in turn pitted three laps later. Morris and Geddie were then clear at the front with all the other front-runners having made their pit stop, Morris handing over to Firman on lap 30. Geddie then led for five laps, before leaving his stop late - "My crew were signalling for me to come in for 10 laps, but they were on the pit wall right at my braking point and I kept missing them," said Geddie. 

With all the stops complete it was Bussell at the front, Harrison's move to pit at the start of the Safety Car period having proved the best strategy. Into second was the GT3 Cup car that had been started by Mark Stephenson, their stop under the Safety Car seeing the rapid Aaron Scott in sight of the leader. 

A final drama with minutes to go saw Peter Garrod have a mechanical problem that laid oil down on the pit straight. Malcolm Spendlove spun out of fifth place on the oil, and with Scott closing on the now defensive Bussell, the chequer flag came out early. Morris was third with Geddie fourth ahead of Tony Brown's 964 RSR and Mark Russell in the GT3 Cup started by Peter Lavender. 

"It's my first win!" said series regular Harrison. "The car was going really well, I did one lap behind the Safety Car and then pitted for John to take over."

"The Safety Car really helped us," said Bussell, "Gerry brought the car in at just the right time and that is what won it for us. I was having to get defensive at the end - I've never been more pleased to see a chequered flag!"

"I hadn't realised he was in a more powerful car," said Steele about his chase of the leader, "I thought we were down on power! It was good race though, I'm hoping I can be back for more." 

"That was my first two-driver race" said Stephenson, who took his first Class Two win, "the car was great and Aaron was quick - a good race for us." 

"I'm sure we would have won if it wasn't for the timing of the Safety Car," said third-placed Morris, "but that is the luck of the draw."  

Early leaders McLean and Fairbairn came home eighth after losing time in the pits.Mike Johnson took Class Three, and 13^th overall after having moved ahead of Garrod in the early laps. "I had to beat him after he took pole," said Johnson. "That was a good race though, with a good mix of cars out there. I'm pleased to be still unbeaten so far this season." 

Once again the Class Four battle saw Winterhalder and Cortes running close together race-long, their pace so evenly matched that Cortes was never able to close up that last second and make a challenge. "We weren't sure if the car would last an hour," said Winterhalder, "but it seems to have done it ok I'm just not so sure about the driver! It was another good battle with Frank, though we had to watch out for the fast guys all the time."

 "I was just waiting for him to make a mistake," said Cortes, "but I never got close enough to pass, though it was good fun there."

Result, 47 Laps: 1 Gerry Harrison / John Bussell (911 GT3 RS) 54m07.145s (85.45mph); 2 Mark Stephenson / Aaron Scott (GT3 Cup) +1.481s; 3 Peter Morris / Henry Firman (GT3 Cup); 4 Jim Geddie (911 GT3); 5 Tony Brown (964 RSR); 6 Steve Russell /     (GT3 Cup); 7 Paul Livesey / Brian Robinson (996 RS); 8 Paul McLean / Peter Fairbairn (GT2 R); 9 John Griffiths / Shephard (935); 10 Tommy Dreelan (993). Class Winners: Harrison / Bussell; Stephenson / Scott; Mike Johnson (911 SC); Charles Winterhalder (944). Fastest lap: Livesey / Robinson 1m00.556s (97.43mph).

Next rounds: Cadwell Park, Lincs. July 1 / 2

Lewin and Morris Open Season with Wins

Qualifying

Despite battling with flu and brake problems. Lewin put his mighty 911 GT2R on pole for the opening race, a second and a half clear of Morris. "The ABS is intermittently operating," explained Lewin, "we're getting typical 'first meeting' problems". Harrison and Brian Robinson made the second row a Class One lock out, while Johnson was tenth overall and quickest in Class Three and Winterhalder headed Class Four.

 Race One

Morris took the lead at the start of Sunday's 15-minute race, Lewin making a careful get away after a previous race had left an oil trail on his side of the circuit. He went inside Robinson to take second into the first corner, then powered past Morris as they reached the Revett straight for the first time to take the lead. Never headed, Lewin got quicker as the race went on, picking his way through back-markers on the way to opening his 2006 account with overall and Class One victory. 

"There was cement dust all over the track so I made a careful start," said Lewin. "The brake problem was getting was getting worse as the race went on, but the back-markers were very good and all saw me coming.""It's the first time I have done a standing start in a GT3 Porsche," said Morris, "so I was pleased to lead into the first corner, but Rupert has awesome speed and there was nothing I could do. I'm hoping it rains tomorrow!" 

Robinson ran in third early on, with Harrison's GT3 RS closing in. Harrison found a way past on lap seven but couldn't shake off Robinson's 993 RS and was less than a second clear as they took the chequer flag. Martin Harvey took fifth and second to Morris in Class Two. Johnson worked his way up to tenth and first in Class Three, while Winterhalder just held off John Coyle to take a closely contested Class Four. 

Race Two

In Monday's race Lewin was careful off the line once more but again was swiftly into the lead, deposing Morris as they reached the first corner using the sheer power of his car. Over two seconds clear at the end of the first lap, his victory charge came to a halt as he reached the Esses for the second time, the 911 GT2R pulling off trailing smoke."It seems to be engine failure," explained Lewin. "There was a white smoke so I switched it off and parked up. This is a win that got away."

 Morris happily accepted the lead and was already clear of Harrison and Robinson, and took the win despite a brief light rain shower at half distance. The pair behind once again battled for position almost race long, Harrison making the decisive move on the final lap, just leading his rival over the line.  "I damaged the clutch in yesterday's race and team did a great job to get a new one in for me," said Morris. "When I saw Rupert blow up I knew I had a chance, but this win is really thanks to the work of the team." "That was a good race," said Class One winner Harrison, "I think we both went off at different times but I can race close with Brian know it will be clean." 

Mark Stephenson was a lonely fourth ahead of Steve Russell and Mark Albutt, while Mike Johnson claimed Class Three and seventh overall. Henry Firman made a one-off return to the series and took eighth from the back of the grid, easing off on his charge through the field as the rain fell.  

A drive of note was that of Malcolm Spendlove to ninth, his first ever race finish from only his second ever race. Having started at the back of the grid after a spin damaged a tyre on Sunday, he brought his GT3 Cup through the field. 

Winterhalder and Cortes fought for Class Four victory, the latter coming out ahead.

Results Race One - 11 Laps:

1 Rupert Lewin (911 GT2R 13m39.732s (94.29mph); 2 Peter Morris (996 GT3 Cup) +28.507s; 3 Gerry Harrison (996 GT3 RS); 4 Brian Robinson (993 RS); 5 Mark Stephenson (GT3 Cup); 6 Steve Russell (GT3); 7 Mark Albutt (GT3 Cup); 8 Mike Johnson (911 SC); 9 James Neal (964 Carrera 2); 10 Mark Chilton (928 GTS). Class Winners: Lewin; Morris; Johnson; Charles Winterhalder (944). Fastest Lap: Lewin 1m12.699s (96.66mph).

Results Race Two - 15 Laps:

1 Morris 19m52.153s (88.41mph); Harrison +1.574s; 3 Robinson; 4 Stephenson; 5 Russell; 6 Albutt; 7 Johnson; 8 Henry Firman (911 GT3); 9 Malcolm Spendlove (GT3 Cup); 10 Peter Garrod (944 Turbo). Class Winners: Harrison; Morris; Johnson; Frank Cortes (944). Fastest lap: Morris 1m15.479s (93.10mph).

Next rounds: Castle Combe, Wiltshire, May 1st

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