Redline Racing continued their impressive start to the 2020 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB as Archie Hamilton and Nigel Rice took a pair of class podium finishes each during the second meeting of the season at Donington Park (15/16 August). Following a podium-filled start to the campaign back in July, the Teeside squad headed to Donington Park with more silverware in their sights. Archie Hamilton, Ethan Hawkey and Nigel Rice were back for their second weekends, joined by former British GT racer Chris Car for his debut. The standout performer in Saturday’s qualifying session was Rice. The former Carrera Cup GB Pro Am champion stormed to the Am class pole position by a great margin of four tenths of a second, with Car finishing fourth in class in his Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. Hamilton was third fastest of the Pro contenders meanwhile, with Hawkey in fifth. That put both firmly in contention to battle for podium finishes in race one the following morning, which took place in the early rain and fog in Leicestershire. A brilliant launch from Hamilton in the tricky conditions netted him second place through the opening corner. Embroiled in a close fought battle in the opening laps, he briefly lost the spot before pressuring his adversary into a mistake to regain the position. While he eventually lost out to another driver later on, third place was a brilliant result in his first wet race for four years. Less than a second behind him at the finish was Hawkey, who matched the podium contenders’ pace throughout the race en-route to fourth. Rice was unfortunately unable convert his pole position into a class victory, but a great drive in the tough conditions netted him an Am class podium finish in third. Seventh in class meanwhile was Car after getting a time penalty for being out of position at the start. The track remained damp for the second race later that afternoon and another strong start from Hamilton saw him end the opening lap in third position. A composed performance saw him remain there for the rest of the race to continue his 100% podium start. Matching his record of four podiums in four races was Rice. Leading the Ams in the early stages, he fought wheel to wheel with his class rivals throughout on his way to another third place finish. Car was fifth in class, while Hawkey came sixth in the Pros after an early off. Hamilton and Rice currently sit third in the Professional and Amateur class championship standings respectively, while Redline Racing are second in the Entrant Championship. Simon Leonard – Team Boss: “It’s been another brilliant weekend of competition in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB. It’s clear from the first two rounds that this championship is a great addition to the Porsche pyramid with close, fair and competitive racing. “Considering both hadn’t raced for a few years before this season, Archie [Hamilton] and Nigel [Rice] are doing a fantastic job. Both drivers richly deserve all their podium finishes so far and we’re confident they will be winning races very soon! “Ethan [Hawkey] showed podium pace in race one and was keen to capitalise on that in race two but was unfortunately denied that chance by contact from another driver. Chris [Car] made a strong debut meanwhile and will only progress as he gets more time in the series.” Redline Racing are now halfway through a run of six consecutive race weekends. Next up are back to back Carrera Cup GB outings at Oulton Park (22/23 August) and Knockhill (29/30 August), before the Sprint Challenge GB returns at Brands Hatch (05/06 September).
Image from Dan Bathie/Porsche GB.