The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Butcherrelisheschallengeofhelpingcrackteamregaincrown
FIFE RACER Rory Butcher is ready to stake a claim for 2014 success with a top-ranking British GT Championship outfit.
The 27-year-old has bagged a seat in a Motorbase Performance Aston Martin V12 Vantage as the crack team look to reclaim the crown they won in 2012.
Following two successful seasons with Celtic Speed in the pro class of the Porsche Carrera Cup which reaped five race wins and 19 podiums, Butcher is thrilled to be joining an Avon Tyres British GT series which is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested seasons of recent years.
A string of iconic marques will be involved in the chase for GT3 glory across seven rounds at circuits including Brands Hatch and Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps.
Kirkcaldy-based Butcher is familiar to many as an instructor at Knockhill, where he has recently taken on a new role in the events team, and told The Courier the April 19 Oulton Park opener cannot come quick enough.
Butcher’s team mate will be ex-Le Mans 24 hour runner John Hartshorne and the Fifer is already hugely impressed by the Motorbase setup and the V12 Aston, brimming with technology and boasting some 600 horsepower.
“Everything came together quite late, but I’ve driven the car and it is just unbelievable,” said Rory, Scottish Formula Ford champion in 2009.
“I ’ ve d r ive n the Porsches for the past three years and they felt quick, but this is something else.
“It has huge amounts of power and grip and I think there’s still a bit of pace to be found.
“l’m also very appreciative that l have some very special sponsors.”