Barker does Carrera Cup GB double at Rockingham
Ben Barker completes double win in the rain at RockinghamAhmad Al Harthy claims Pro-Am1 victoryMichael Meadows maintains overall title leadNo matter what the conditions, Ben Barker was on top in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Rockingham (Sunday 23 September) as he won for the second time in the day when the rain arrived at the Northamptonshire track. A very wet track greeted the drivers for round 16 of the season, but Barker maintained his superb form to make it four wins in a row as Rory Butcher led the chase. Ahmad Al Harthy clinched Pro-Am1 victory while Will Goff again took maximum points in Pro-Am2. In championship terms, Michael Meadows left Rockingham with an increased overall advantage after another podium finish.Barker (Parr Motorsport) got the jump at the start and quickly went clear as Butcher (Celtic Speed) slotted into second place on the soaking wet track. Despite an early safety car period after Dan Lloyd and Andy Meyrick spun off at the Deene Hairpin, Barker always had the race under control and held his margin at between two and three seconds.Four wins in a row is fantastic, said Barker. The conditions were really dreadful and it was a case of keeping off the white lines. Butcher, meanwhile, was an equally secure second, finding it tough to see through the spray whenever he edged closer to Barker. It was really tough and Im just glad to be back on the podium, said Butcher.Meadows (Redline Racing) was always third and eased clear of Jonas Gelzinis (Juta Racing) in the early stages. Meanwhile, Sam Tordoff (Team Parker Racing) was the man on the attack and battled past Al Harthy, James Sutton (Redline Racing) and Gelzinis to take fourth and close right in on Meadows. But Meadows had it covered to the flag to complete an important weekend in terms of championship points. This is the only weekend weve not been in contention for race wins, so to come away with two podiums is good, said Meadows. The car was fantastic but with the amount of spray I couldnt see a thing at times, said Tordoff after a great performance.A trip across the grass at the chicane took the front splitter off Gelzinis car and he slipped down the order as Sutton took fifth from Richard Plant (Team Parker Racing).Al Harthy (Redline/Oman Air) had a tremendous run to win Pro-Am1 in some of the toughest conditions he had ever experienced. I had good pace and kept pushing, said Al Harthy. However, he was fortunate to finish after he picked up a front puncture over the final two laps. Victor Jimenez (Redline/Oman Air) and Oly Mortimer (GT Marques) completed the Pro-Am1 podium, with Mortimer earning the driver of the weekend award for his efforts on a very limited budget. GT Marques was confirmed as the team of the weekend.Round 16 results:Pro category: 1 Ben Barker; 2 Rory Butcher; 3 Michael Meadows.Pro-Am1 category: 1 Ahmad Al Harthy; 2 Victor Jimenez; 3 Oly Mortimer.Pro-Am2 category: 1 Will Goff.