First 997s for Full Porsche Open Season
Entries are growing for Porsche Club Great Britain's two race championships, with the Porsche Open in particular looking to have a bumper grid in 2007. A highlight for the Open are the first 997 versions of the classic 911 GT3 Cup model to enter for a full season in the series - with more expected before April's season-opening race.
The first 997 to race in the Open was a one-off entry at last September's Oulton Park round, and the model showed that in the right hands it was an instant front runner, setting fastest lap. For 2007 Scots racers Jim Geddie and Tommy Dreelan have signed up the full season in a pair of 997s, and at least one 2006 season-regular is expected out in one of the rapid race cars.
Newcomer Andrew Tate will be sharing a 997 across the season with Formula Woman racer Natalie Butler, while Mike Donovan will also be competing in one of the potent new machines run by IN2 Racing.
Notable names from last season's Open who have already committed for the coming year include Mike Johnson, who dominated Class 3 in his 911SC, and was awarded the 'Driver of the Season' accolade at the November awards dinner. Rupert Lewin returns with his ferociously powerful 996 GT2 R, hoping for better luck than his 2006 season that was terminated by a monster shunt at Brands Hatch.
Race winner Gerry Harrison returns with his 911 GT3 RSR to challenge Lewin in Class One, while Peter Fairbairn and Paul McLean are again bringing out their 911 GT2 that proved a force in the one-hour races last season.
In the Porsche Club Championship - unlike the Open a full championship with points structure over the season - numbers are also rapidly growing. James Neal returns in Class One, with a host of new names looking to challenge him for class and outright honours.
The Porsche season starts at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on April 14th, and the ten meeting season features classic British circuits such as Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington in their full Grand Prix layouts, and also takes in the renowned Spa-Francorchamps track in Belgium.
