The start of October represents the busiest part of the season for competitors in the Michelin Porsche Open Series. A single race at Castle Combe on Saturday, October 2, is followed by a double header race at Spa-Francorchamps over the weekend of October 9/10.
The mighty 935 of Richard Chamberlain continues to be the dominant force with eight wins from the 12 races to date. The sight of the 935 blasting around Castle Combe and then Spa-Francorchamps will be amongst the highlights of the 13th, 14th and 15th Open races of the season. As ever, the big challenge will come from Rupert Lewin in his stunning 996GT2R.
"This car belongs at Spa," says Lewin of his 996, which was originally developed in Belgium. The high-speed corners and long straights of the fabulous Belgian track should perfectly suit the car and Spa will give Lewin one his best shots yet at giving Chamberlain a big fight. However, also at Spa will be Peter Cook in his very rapid 911GT2, so Chamberlain has plenty of opposition.
The class two entry includes a gaggle of 911GT3 Cup cars and Craig Rapp consistently sets the pace, with eight wins from ten starts so far this season.
Henry Firman leads the chase of Rapp in his 911GT3, while the hard-charging Tony Brown is working hard to get his 964RSR onto the pace of the GT3s and is something of a Castle Combe expert. Aiming to race at Spa is Carrera Cup regular Jason Young in his Red Line Racing-entered 911 GT3 Cup.
Class three is proving one of the most open classes with a variety of drivers taking the spoils. Porsche Club title contender Chris Egginton (968CS) has enjoyed several successful forays into the Open, while Gordon Matthew (944 Turbo) and Paul Howell (993) are also multiple class winners. Joining the class for Spa will be Porsche veteran Mike Burtt in his 993RS.
Class four for 944s has delivered some great racing even though Alex Eacock has won the majority of the class spoils. Tim Bevan is his big rival, and has won three times in the last four races. Having missed the most recent double-header at Brands, Eacock will be eager to re-assert himself.
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