Opportunity can Knock for Matty
MATTY Graham’s Porsche Carrera Cup GB season reaches its halfway point next weekend with the Stamfordham-based racer eager for a strong showing at the venue where he secured his first series win.
Knockhill circuit in Scotland is the venue for rounds seven and eight of the 16-round championship.
It was where Graham enjoyed one of his strongest weekends in 2020 when he won the rookie champion title and finished third overall.
A challenging circuit cut into the contours of the land, it is an undulating layout where an aggressive style of driving is rewarded and provides thrilling viewing as racers launch their cars over the kerbs to be as fast as possible.
It has established itself as one of the 26-year-old’s favourite circuits, Graham aiming to maintain his championship challenge during next weekend’s races.
He said: “Knockhill was where I had my first ever win in Porsche Carrera Cup and since driving my first few laps there I have just loved it.
“It is quite a small track, so it is not particularly great for passing, although there is a very good opportunity towards the end of the lap.
“In terms of driving, it is like nothing I have driven before.
“Turn one and the chicane towards the back are just crazy, the car is literally in the air. It is just such a fun track.
“I feel like I am in the groove now, we missed a bit of testing at the start of the year so I was playing a bit of catch-up.
“However, I feel like I am starting to get the hang of the car and I am really hyped up for what I hope will be a good weekend.”
Graham is just four points off the lead of the standings heading into the Knockhill meeting, with a pair of wins already in the bank.
He is confident his approach to the season will continue to pay dividends and keep the points flowing in.
He added: “The season has been going well although I am not quite where I wanted to be.
“I wanted to be in the lead of the championship with a bit of a gap but I am by no means far away and hopefully after Knockhill that will have changed.
“I have been driving my heart out and that is the mindset I am keeping going for the rest of the season.
“So by the end of the year I can be satisfied no matter where I finish I have done the best I can.”