Double delight for Duckhams Yuasa Racing with victory and Carrera Cup title at Silverstone
Duckhams Yuasa Racing with Team Parker celebrated a superb weekend in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Silverstone with Harry Foster scoring his first victory of the season as Adam Smalley secured the 2023 championship title.
Coming into the event with a comfortable lead on top of the standings, Adam simply had to continue his impressive, consistent form to come away with the crown. He did just that, qualifying second on Saturday and claiming his 12th podium in 13 races in the opening contest, meaning he would need just a handful of points later that afternoon to win the title.
It wasn’t an easy ride however, as in the opening race he started on slick tyres with the track damp and drizzle in the air, falling back to 14th overall in the early laps as those on wets made the advantage. Once he worked some temperature into his rubber, he started to rapidly move through the order, quickly regaining second position. From there, he was thwarted by some spirited defending by Gus Burton but crossed the line ahead of his only championship rival – James Kellett.
In race two he took no risks and with Kellett being handed a time penalty for abusing track limits, drove a sensible and mature race, taking yet another podium – his 13th of the year – which was more than enough to win the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup GB with an entire round still to run.
That contest was a happy one for the team as Harry lined up on pole position and would not relinquish that place to the flag, never under serious pressure despite Josh Malin running on his tail throughout, deservedly taking his maiden series victory after consistent improvements during the season.
Harry’s performance there – coupled with a sixth place in race one – means he now enjoys a 21-point advantage in the Rookie standings heading to the final races of the season, while the team is now just one point off the lead in the Entrants’ championship as well.
The deciding weekend of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB season takes place on the legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit over the weekend of October 7/8, with live coverage of both races available on ITV4.
Adam Smalley, #21, Pro
G1 – 2, R1 – 2
G2 – 5, R2 – 3
Championship: 1 (124 points)
“It's just a massive relief. I have to say a huge thank you to everyone at Team Parker, all my sponsors and those who have supported this programme, my friends, family, everybody. What season. To have 13 podiums in 14 races and winning the title a round early is something I could not have dreamed of. Coming into the season as the Porsche Junior has some pressure, as every other Junior has won it, so it's a dream come true to have achieved this result.
“There's so much that goes into this – the easier bit for us was going racing. It sounds silly, but it was about all the hard work behind the scenes to make it happen and actually get on track in the first place. We've got so many sponsors that have played a huge part in this. I also have to mention Joe, my mechanic, as he has been my personal everything this year! He's dealt with my best and worst times, and I've spoken to him every single day of the year on the phone. He's helped me with everything, so I can't thank him enough.”
Harry Foster, #16, Pro
G1 – 8, R1 – 6
G2 – 1, R2 – 1
Championship: 8 (38 points)
Rookie Championship: 1 (108 points)
“I'm really happy. It was a tough race – really, really tough – as Josh [Malin] was right behind me the entire time so I knew I couldn't make a single mistake. I was having to drive slightly under the limit because I knew if I was hitting my apexes and braking spots, and driving at a reasonable pace that with the dirty air he wouldn't be within reach to really go for a move. I don't think I defended once. The car was really good, especially in race one – it was so hooked up, so thanks to the team for that.
“It's all coming together. While it's great to come away with a first win, the main aim over the weekend was the Rookie Championship and we're now leading that with a good advantage, so we'll make sure we keep focusing on it at Brands Hatch.”
