Double podium in atrocious conditions
Rory Butcher celebrates on the podium at Thruxton. Pic: Malcolm Griffiths
KIRKCALDY’s Rory Butcher has been hailed as one of Britain’s top motor racing prospects after scoring two podium finishes in the latest round of the Porsche Carrera Cup.
The 25-year-old Celtic Speed ace defied atrocious conditions to deliver two mature drives in his Porsche 911 GT3 at Thruxton over the weekend.
In a near monsoon downpour, which swept across the Hampshire circuit — acknowledged as being the fastest circuit in the UK — Butcher was in sensational form.
Simply keeping the 450bhp Porsche — with no traction control or anti-lock brakes — on the track was an achievement in itself.
Battled
But Butcher battled through both 21-lap races on the 2.3 mile circuit, hitting speeds in excess of 150 mph, to score Celtic Speed’s first podiums of the year.
And it left team principal Tommy Dreelan singing the Fifer’s praises.
“Rory’s performance right through the weekend was fantastic,” said the Aberdeen-based Celtic Speed boss.
“He proved again that he is not only Scotland’s most talented young sportscar racer, but he’s also one of the best in Britain.”
A delighted Butcher added: “Despite the weather, it’s been a fantastic weekend.
“Conditions were atrocious, especially in the second race.
“We started on slick tyres, because the track was drying, but then the heavens opened and it was a case of just keeping it on the road.”
Butcher powered through from sixth on the grid in the opening race to finish third, then started the second race from the number two position.
Leading into the first corner, the Scot managed to hold off the fast-charging Daniel Lloyd until the penultimate corner of the penultimate lap.
“I just locked the brakes a bit and spun the car,” Butcher continued, “and that let two guys pass me.
“But this is my first season amongst the pros in what is the fastest and most competitive championship in the UK, so I’m really chuffed to get two podiums for team.
“I know they were delighted with what we achieved this weekend, and it certainly confirms to everyone that we have the pace to mix it with the championship contenders.
“I’ve also learned that I can race right at the front of the field, and feel comfortable.
“I’ll take a huge number of positives from Thruxton and develop them further at Oulton Park.”
Butcher, and his Celtic Speed team, return to action for the next double-header in the Porsche Carrera Cup at Oulton Park on June 9 and 10.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
