Triple podium for team in Porsche Sprint Challenge GB
TEAM Parker Racing enjoyed a trio of podium finishes in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB at Thruxton.
Matt Armstrong recorded his maiden top three in race one and followed up with second in race two, while Tim Harvey took third on his modern racing one-off return for the Desford-based team.
In his first season out of karting, Armstrong showed how much more comfortable he is behind the wheel of his Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 Clubsport.
He was in prime position to capitalise in the opening contest as Jack Bartholomew spun off and had a great re-start after a safety car in race two to sweep into second position.
Behind him, two-time Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Harvey enjoyed his debut in the series in a guest car, run by the team, taking fourth in the Pro class in race one and biding his time well in race two as he snuck into third overall when Charles Clark and Alex Malykhin came together at the chicane. But in the Am class, it was a forgettable return to the series for Kurt Leimer, who was forced to retire from both contests.
His car spun while challenging Chambers for position in race one, and he suffered a puncture at the chicane in race two which sent him into the barriers and brought out the safety car, although he was unharmed.
Armstrong said: “It’s my first podium in the car so I’m pretty proud of that and hopefully it’s the start of where I can go on and win some races as it gives me a bit more confidence.”
Harvey said: “It was a fabulous weekend. It was quite emotional to be back in the paddock with all my Porsche friends and racing colleagues.
“Just to get back behind the wheel of a Porsche GT product in a competitive race environment has reignited a fire that I realise I miss.” There is now a seven-week wait for the final two races of the 2021 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB season, which are due to take place alongside the British GT Championship at Donington Park over the weekend of October 16/17.