The countdown is on for the new season and I can't wait for the action to start.
by Rory Butcher
The countdown is on for the new season and I can't wait for the action to start.
We are once again competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB this season and we are going all out for the title. So no stone has been left unturned to make sure we give it our best shot.
The 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup GB will burst in to life at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend (29-31 March).
I believe the 2013 Porsche Carrera Cup GB is set for a highly competitive, action packed season – it boasts a very strong grid with the likes of Daniel Lloyd, Jonas Gelzinas and 2012 champion Michael Meadows returning for a crack at the 2013 title. Not to mention a few well-known motorsport names who are joining the Pro category. Celtic Speed is rightfully considered a force at this level. Now we have to go out and show everyone why.
Celtic Speed are very fortunate to continue their long serving partnership with George Brewster. George will race his Shepherds backed Porsche in the Pro Am1 category.
We have just completed a tightly packed pre-season testing programme, starting at Oulton Park, followed by Silverstone, Snetterton and ending at Croft. It has been difficult because the weather has been…well, British. We have had rain, freezing temperatures and flurries of snow, which makes it hard for us to prepare the car as we would want. We had a dry day at Oulton Park which really allowed me to clear my head and find a base set up for the car. From then on it was really tricky conditions – not wet enough for wets but not dry enough for slicks. However, you never know when you may face these conditions in a race situation so it was all great experience. We head to Brands Hatch in a confident mood and are determined to hit the ground running.
We want to start the season the way we are going to continue it – on the podium with the champagne flying. The countdown is well and truly on.
Weekend Timetable
Friday
Free Practice – 11.30- 12.15 and 16.10 – 16.55
Saturday
Qualifying – 11.20 – 11.50
Race 1 – 17.05 (34 laps)
Sunday
Race 2 – 13.25 (34 laps)
Race 2 will be broadcast live on ITV 4 at 13.25 and all results and lap times over the whole weekend can be viewed at TSL Timing. Click the link below and select Brands Hatch for reslults;
http://www.tsl-timing.com/?loc=major&season=2013&series=BTCC&event=races
It has been great to catch up with all my sponsors over the winter months and to hear how everyone is getting on with their own projects. I am delighted to see everyone continue to back me once again and I’m certainly looking forward to working with each sponsor over the next 20 races. We are lucky enough to have Houseman Drylining and Angelwax on board this year as well. Welcome along for the ride. It will be tough, but it will be fun!!
I have worked hard on my fitness over the winter months and I’m running 10-15km regularly. I am also working with my personal trainer Keith Battle who runs the Mind and Body Studio in Kirkcaldy. We have been turning the heating right up to the max in the studio, so it simulates the high temperatures I face in the race car. Keith has also developed exercises which isolate the muscles used when driving at high speed. It has been really enjoyable and we are certainly seeing the results.
Before I go I’d like to say a big thank you to Celtic Speed and the following companies for their continued and loyal support;
- Advantec Aberdeen Ltd
- Agrii
- Angel Wax
- Caledonia Print
- Dalkeith Transport
- Harley Hepburn Accountants
- 21 Hospitality Group
- Houseman Drylining
- Intrafusion Website Design and Development
- John Young Signs
- J Gilmour Painter and Decorators Kirkcaldy
- Knockhill Racing Circuit
- McDonald Engineers
- Mind And Body Studio
- Production Glassfibre
- Scotcars
- Short Term Finance
- William Waugh Ltd
- William Johnston and Company
© Celtic Speed 2026
