YOUNG Scots endurance aces Finlay Hutchison and Lewis Proctor enjoyed a podium finish in the GT World Challenge Europe last weekend.
Together with Mexican Diego Menchaca, they powered their Team WRT Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II to third in the Silver Cup class in the six-hour race at France’s Circuit Paul Ricard.
Fantastic stints from all three drivers ensured they were able to take the chequered flag at midnight local time in third place in their category in what was round two of the series’ Endurance Cup.
Hutchison said: “It really is fantastic to be back on the GT World Challenge podium. Diego and Lewis did a good job and the guys at WRT gave us a good, competitive car. Hopefully this will energise us for Spa, carry on the momentum and keep on it to move further up the championship.
“My first aim at Spa is to actually finish the 24-hour race for the first time in my life. After that, the big aim is to battle for the podium again.”
Fellow Scot Sandy Mitchell, aided by team-mates Rob Collard and Alex MacDowall, also delivered a strong showing in their Barwell Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan Evo GT3.
Despite some challenges beyond the team’s control, Mitchell propelled the car as high as second in the ultra-competitive Gold Cup class.
In the end, though, they finished sixth in their category and Mitchell said: “It was a good fun race with a lot of overtaking, and we bagged a good haul of championship points.”
Round three of the GTWCE Endurance Cup – the 24 Hours of Spa – will take place over the weekend of July 30-31 at the famous circuit in Belgium.
Also overseas, rising endurance star Stevan McAleer, from Glasgow, and Mike Skeen had to work hard in their Team Korthoff Mercedes-AMG at Belle Isle in Detroit – but still extended their lead in the GTD class standings.
The duo qualified eighth and fought their way through to fifth on the tight street course. The result means they are 34 points ahead of their nearest rivals.
McAleer added: “I am pretty happy with that result and, with our closest rivals finishing behind us, we gain some points as the championship leaders.
“What an amazing experience to drive on the Belle Isle street circuit, which will be the last time on that specific location.”
Lockerbie’s Gordie Mutch and Jimmy Broadbent bounced back from a disappointing opening Praga Cup run at Silverstone by winning race two by 18 seconds.
Technical problems with the car in the first encounter meant they missed out on a podium finish, although Mutch broke the outright lap record for the Silverstone National circuit with an astonishing time of 52.884 seconds.
Broadbent started the second race third on the grid and held on to that position before handing over to Mutch. The Scot soon made it to the front and took the win in dominating fashion. The pair now lead the championship.
North of the Border, there was a packed weekend of racing at Knockhill circuit in Fife. Super Lap Scotland competitor Andy Forrest stole the show, setting a championship record in his Westfield of 45.689 seconds to complete one run of the track.
That’s almost five seconds faster than the British Touring Car Championship lap record at the famous venue.
Fans were also treated to some intense and entertaining battles in the visiting VW Cup and Caterham Graduate series, as well as the Legends and ModSports contests.
And the action continues at the circuit this Sunday with the unusual anti-clockwise round of the Scottish Motor Racing Club’s championships.
Enthusiasts at the SMRC Armed Forces/NHS Appreciation Day can look forward to spectacular Classics, Fiesta ST, Junior, MINI and Citroen C1 races. A major highlight will be a 90-minute race for the Scottish C1 Cup drivers.
All serving military and NHS personnel – as well as Armed Forces veterans – get free entry, while accompanying family members get a concession price.
Just along the road tomorrow, nearly 60 crews will be battling it out in the Crail Summer Stages, which is round four of the Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship.
The BTCC, meanwhile, heads to Oulton Park, Cheshire, with Scots Gordon Shedden, Rory Butcher, Aiden Moffat and Dexter Patterson all seeking valuable points.
Overseas, Midlothian’s Colin Noble will compete with Nielsen Racing LMP3 team-mate in the Le Mans Cup contest, which forms part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend.
