With Trackspeed
British F3 race winner and 2002 Formula Renault Champion Danny Watts has signed to drive the new Trackspeed GT3 class Porsche 997 at Donington Park on May 20/21 in Round 3 of the 2006 Avon Tyres British GT Championship.
The 26-year-old driver from Buckingham has been competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup this year and took a podium finish at Mondello Park in Ireland last month. Watts will partner Trackspeed’s joint team owner Rory Fordyce in the Porsche, the first 997 to race in British GT, in the 2-hour race at Donington Park on May 21st. The Watts/Fordyce partnership will line up alongside the Guildford based teams existing trio of Porsche 996’s, which race in the GTC Class.
“I’m looking forward to my debut in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship,” said Danny Watts. “I’ve known Piers (Masarati) a number of years and it’s going to be good to team up with him, Trackspeed and Rory (Fordyce) for that weekend.”
“I’m really looking forward to a new challenge,” Watts continued. “The 997 shouldn’t be too different from the Cup cars I’m used to, but I never raced at Donington in the Porsche and I’m looking forward to getting some track time before the race weekend. I’m going to do the best possible job I can and drive as quick as possible. The race is going to be different from what I’ve been used to but there’s nothing like being thrown in at the deep end. My fitness is very good and ultimately I’m looking forward to the endurance side of the GT racing, which is going to be a new experience for me.”
“Danny is a very quick driver and Trackspeed is pleased to offer him the chance to drive for us at Donington Park,” said Trackspeed’s Piers Masarati. “I’ve known him for many years and we’ve been keeping an eye on Danny for a long time. He has always impressed us with his speed and ability, which was demonstrated by his podium finish in the Carrera Cup race at Mondello. As a team we like to have young, talented drivers and Danny will fit in very well.”
In the opening two races at Oulton Park last month, Trackspeed scored a trio of podium finishes in class GTC, with Ryan Hooker and David Ashburn taking 3rd in both races, with Jonny Lang and Matt Allison going one better in race 2, scoring a 2nd place finish.
Round 3 of the 2006 Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Donington Park on Sunday May 21st will be the first of two 2-hour races to feature in this years championship, the second being at Silverstone on September 24th.
