BRABHAM HAILS ‘HUGE MOMENT’
Revived sportscar brand’s new BT62 car wins on its competitive debut in Britcar
David Brabham admitted it was a very proud moment for him to follow in his father Jack’s footsteps by racing a car of his own construction as the Brabham BT62 made its competitive debut at Brands Hatch last weekend in the Britcar Endurance Championship.
The 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours winner and former Formula 1 driver teamed up with Will Powell and recorded an historic win in atrocious weather conditions in the one-hour contest on Saturday, despite a misted-up windscreen making visibility difficult. Powell was also leading the early stages of a drier race two on Sunday until the car succumbed to alternator problems. Despite the mixed fortunes, Brabham was buoyant about the potential the BT62 had shown in its debut outing.
“This is a huge moment for Brabham Automotive, the Brabham name and the history,”
Brabham said after taking the win in Saturday’s first race.
“To win first time out is just fantastic and it demonstrates the car’s capabilities.
“We had never tested the car in cold track conditions before and there was a real lack of grip in the wet [on Saturday]. The fogged up windscreen meant I couldn’t see the flags either, but the car has shown it can handle the conditions really well.”
Powell was also full of praise for the new car. “The lack of grip on the wet track meant it was a very busy first stint for me but it’s an amazing car to drive,” he said. “We’ve also had great advice on what tyres to use. It’s an honour to be part of the Brabham name.”
In order to conform to Britcar series regulations, Brabham also confirmed that the car had to be restricted in its performance, with 60% throttle being used throughout the weekend together with the addition of weight ballast. The car is set to compete as a full season entry in the 2020
Britcar series.
“It’s the first time a Brabham has raced a Brabham car here at Brands since dad [Sir Jack] ran out of the fuel on the last lap and was beaten by [Jochen] Rindt in 1970,” Brabham added. “It’s been a learning experience for everyone this weekend but I’m hugely proud of the effort Will and all the team have put in.”
Brabham has previously said it is the aim for the car to compete in the 2022 World Endurance Championship season.