Butcher dominates Carrera Cup GB round 19

Rory Butcher takes commanding victory in tough conditionsJonas Gelzinis keeps title hopes open with secondVictor Jimenez takes Pro-Am1 victoryRory Butcher was the class of the field when he took a resounding victory in round 19 of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Brands Hatch today (Sunday 13 October). On a soaking wet track, Butcher swept clear of the pack to win by over seven seconds. Meanwhile, Jonas Gelzinis beat Michael Meadows for second to keep his title hopes alive going into the final race.Butcher (Celtic Speed) jumped ahead at the first corner and pulled immediately clear as the fast-starting Dean Stoneman (Redline Racing) ran wide and lost ground. Meadows slotted into second as Stoneman stormed back into contention and soon dived past Meadows. However, Stoneman’s bold charged ended on lap six when he slid off and into the barriers at Graham Hill Bend.Now it was Gelzinis (Juta Racing) moving in on Meadows and the championship leader did not defend too hard when Gelzinis pulled level on the run to Hawthorns. Gelzinis then eased clear, but Butcher was long gone and reeled off the remaining laps for a fine win in treacherous conditions.Meadows was content to run home a safe third and now only needs to finish this afternoon’s final race to be champion. Behind, Dan Lloyd (Team Parker Racing) was one of several drivers to spin on the running water at Graham Hill Bend but soon fought back to take fourth and was closing on Meadows at the finish.In Pro-Am1, Victor Jimenez drove a fine race to take the category as Redline Racing team mate Dan De Zille spun at Graham Hill Bend. De Zille then fought back, but slid out of the race at Druids on lap 10. Instead, series newcomer Justin Sherwood (Team Parker Racing) took a great second place and was chasing Jimenez at the finish.Rory Butcher (Celtic Speed) first overall:“Absolutely spot on: I can’t believe I won by that much. It was pretty tough; the car was spinning up and sliding in a straight line. There was a lot of standing water out there and I was just trying to find the grip.”Jonas Gelzinis (Juta Racing) second overall:“It was very difficult. I thought if I gave up in this race it would be boring in the next race. There was a lot of standing water and it was difficult just to finish and there was a lot of risk.”Michael Meadows (Samsung Smart Motorsport) third overall:“There was no chance of me taking any chances out there. I pushed Rory hard for the first three laps and it seemed quite good. But once the race settled down if anyone came behind me I just let them go. All I’ve got to do is finish the last race.”Victor Jimenez (Redline Racing) Pro-Am1 winner:“Today the track was very complicated with three or four rivers across the track. It was very tough with this car, but I enjoy these conditions because it is fun. But the weather is a shame for the fans.”Justin Sherwood (Team Parker Racing) second in Pro-Am1:“I was just pleased to bring it home because the conditions were unbelievable. I was having aquaplaning moments all around the track. At one point I was catching Victor, but I made too many mistakes on one lap and decided to bring it home.”Round 19 result:Pro category: 1 Rory Butcher; 2 Jonas Gelzinis; 3 Michael Meadows.Pro-Am1 category: 1 Victor Jimenez; 2 Justin Sherwood; 3 George Brewster.


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