Redline Racing added three more podium finishes to their impressive tally in the 2020 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB as Archie Hamilton and Nigel Rice took home silverware from Donington Park this past weekend (19/20 September). The fourth round of the inaugural Sprint Challenge GB season saw the championship return for a second visit of the year to Donington Park, with Hamilton and Rice returning full of confidence after both taking double class podiums first time around. It was team-mate Ethan Hawkey who led the challenge for the Teeside squad in qualifying though, with a stunning lap in his Porsche 917 Cayman GT4 Clubsport earning him and the team a maiden overall pole position in the championship. Unfortunately Hawkey, who recorded a maiden podium finish last time out at Brands Hatch, was unable to replicate that feat in race one as he slipped back to fifth. The teenage talent then picked up a spot in race two to finish fourth, making it seven class top six finishes from eight races so far. Hamilton meanwhile bounced back in style from a tough visit to Brands Hatch. Qualifying third, he made early progress in race one to ultimately secure a seasons’ best second position. He followed up his fifth podium of 2020 with a hard-fought fifth place finish. Rice meanwhile continued to be a leading contender in the Am class. From fourth on the grid after qualifying, he made immediate progress in race one to settle in second place. Staying there throughout, he then finished third in race two to make it six class podiums for the season. The team’s entry for the weekend was completed by Chris Car, who made his second appearance of the season. After qualifying fifth in the Am class, he emerged from two rollercoaster races with a couple of sixth place finishes. Simon Leonard – Team Boss: “Overall it was a really positive weekend at Donington Park, with three of our drivers enjoying standout moments. While it didn’t quite go his way in the races, it was a fantastic performance from Ethan to record his first pole position. “After missing out on the day’s racing at Brands Hatch last time out, Archie came back strongly and deserved his podium finish. Nigel did a great job in the Am class once again and will hopefully get a first win soon, while it was good to have Chris back and he made strong progress across the weekend.” Next up, the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB joins the British Touring Car Championship support package for the first time at Redline Racing’s home circuit, Croft (10/11 October).
Image from Porsche GB.