Team Redline Racing endured mixed fortunes as the Porsche Carrera Cup GB took centre stage at Knockhill this past weekend (July 30/31).
Returning to action following the one-make series’ summer break, the Teesside-based squad’s short trip north of the border saw podiums for Adam Smalley, Nathan Harrison and Nigel Rice, whilst Matthew Graham thankfully walked away without serious injury from a scary crash.
Having shown front-running pace throughout all practice sessions around the undulating 1.27-mile Fife track, qualifying on Saturday afternoon proved to be a frenetic affair with Graham leading the line.
Featuring towards the top of the times throughout, the 25-year-old had claimed pole position before a track limits penalty dropped him to third. Behind, Smalley made it two cars on the second row whilst Oli White and Micah Stanley rounded out the top ten.
Further down the order, Harrison narrowly missed out on pole in Pro-Am. Rice meanwhile ensured it was a good day all round for the team as he qualified fifth in the Am category.
Sunday’s first race proved to be one of attrition for the multiple champions. A scary start-line incident saw Graham’s car sustain substantial damage, bringing his weekend to a premature end. Thankfully, the double 2022 race winner walked away unhurt.
When racing got back underway there was double podium delight for Harrison and Rice as they didn’t put a wheel wrong to clinch second in the Pro-Am and Am classes respectively.
Despite providing a resolute defence in the opening exchanges, Smalley just missed out on the final step on the overall rostrum as he finished fourth. White and Stanley both made progress to finish eighth and ninth.
Smalley did make it onto the podium in race two after a virtuoso performance. Getting the jump on pole sitter Will Martin, the Porsche GB Junior held the lead throughout the 32-lap bout, however a five-second penalty for track limits late on dropped him to second as he took the chequered flag.
There was more success in the Pro-Am and Am ranks for Harrison and Rice as they each picked up a second successive rostrum finish in their respective classes, whilst White and Stanley once again charged up into the top ten, finishing seventh and ninth.
Leaving Knockhill, Smalley has now moved to within five points of the championship summit after elevating himself to third in the standings.
Simon Leonard – Managing Director: “It’s been an eventful weekend to say the least. First and foremost we’re all glad that Matty was able to walk away without any serious injuries after that horrible start-line crash.
“It was a real shame for him as he was on the pace from the get-go - I’m more than confident that he will bounce though next time out. Adam, as always, drove brilliantly and was unfortunate to be hit with a track limits penalty in race two - he fully deserved that victory but second is still vital points in his championship charge.
“I’m really pleased for both Nathan and Nigel too; they drove brilliantly and were rewarded with some silverware. Both Oli and Micah made some big steps forward this weekend as well and I’m sure that will only continue as we head to Snetterton."
Team Redline Racing are next in Porsche Carrera Cup GB action over the weekend of August 13/14 where two races are scheduled to take place around the Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk.