RSR have teamed up with Carrera cup GB team, Parr motorsport who will run and prep the car for the event. The RSR cup car has had to have specific suspension fitted for the event to allow for the specific nature of the track with its huge elevation changes and jumps.

Pete Smallwood commenting said “This will be the biggest event i have ever been involved in by a very long way. when I started racing last year, events like this were a distant dream – on 25th June, it becomes reality. I want to finish with the car in one piece and a smile on my face – anything else is a bonus!”

Donington will be a challenge with no testing available before the race weekend, meaning that Pete will be out on track for the first time in Qualifying – a scary thought in itself.

The Nurburgring Porsche World Cup is now starting to take shape. First there is a briefing day at Silverstone early May and a session in the simulator, followed by a probable track day early June and then the race 25th June. A huge learning curve on many fronts in the coming weeks!

Friday was a test day, allowing the team to dial the car into a very slippery track very well rubbered in from the previous weeks BTCC event.

Saturday was scheduled for qually and 2 races:

Qually

Smallwood was out first for qually to try and take advantage of the empty track, but struggled to get the car down to the times he wanted. He was sitting 5th when he came in half way through the 15min session, having had a huge spin at Clearways trying to get on the power to early. Back out, and in the last couple of minutes he managed to get a further half second off, going quicker than Friday practice but still staying in 5th. Commenting Smallwood said he was just unable to get the car turned in at Graham Hill bend resulting in washing out wide and losing loads of time. Later, data review showed that early turn in was the problem ie the guy behind the wheel!

Race 1

Smallwood made a reasonable start getting past one car but being passed by a 996 cup from class 2, leaving him in 4th for the first 2 laps. He could see the leading pack getting away and so made a brave move down the inside into Paddock Hill which paid off as he was away and clear and maintaining the gap to the leading trio. However, about 10mins from the end the tyres starting going off badly, resulting in one of the 997 cup cars catching him and passing at Druids. So it was 5th place for the first race for the Rennsport Racing cup car. Most would have felt happy with that but Smallwood was thoroughly dejected.

Race 2

Race 2 was a different story. Starting from 5th on the grid, Smallwood got a flyer going up the pitwall passing two 997 cup cars and therefore exiting paddock hill bend in 3rd position. Pressure soon arrived in the form of Redline Run Yucel Ozbek who was trying everything to get past. In a late braking effort up the hill into Druids, Smallwood could see he was carrying way to much speed and left him room – he flew past up the inside in a cloud of tyre smoke and was beached in the gravel resulting in a safety car period.

Smallwood caught up with 1st and 2nd but, due to an invitation class in the same race, was behind a previously lapped 968. When the green flag dropped to signal racing again Smallwood had to wait what seemed like an age to get past the 968 meaning he was not hooked onto the lead two cars, however he now had Simon Blanckley behind him. Battle raged for several laps, however it did not end well. With Smallwood in a podium position on the first race weekend for the 997 cup car, he was punted into a spin at Druids by, at best, a very optimistic overtaking manoeuvre resulting in bent rear suspension which had been newly fitted the previous Thursday, as well as a puncture, bent wheel rim and broken rear P.U.

A very, very poor end to a good race. Lets hope its not going to be a contact series going forward!

Summary

The positives – the team worked seamlessly and were fantastic, we were running a strong race pace in race 2 and we seem to be getting quicker in the car which was good for only the third time out in the car.

Areas for improvement – race pace for the 2nd half of the race to avoid getting caught up in mid field mishaps.

6 out of 10, could do better

Time was spent on understanding the behaviour of the car, particularly brake bias and suspension settings.

As the day drew to a close, Pete Smallwood pronounced the day a success “Its been a huge learning curve today but we have gradually improved all day and reduced lap times whilst understanding more about the balance of the car. It was a shame we could not get out on slicks but lets hope for a dry day next time.”

Racedatasystems were on hand to look after the data acquisition while Matt looked after the running of the car. We also had Mike Wilds with us today to offer support and advice.

During the course of the show, final details for the Nurburgring Porsche World Cup were confirmed by Porsche GB and Pete Smallwood confirmed his entry into the GT3 cup challenge in 2011, including the ring event.

Picture courtesy of Ben Smallwood

Prior to going off for paint, a list of works were agreed including a gearbox check, engine check, damper rebuild and some basic cosmetics.

The car will be on the PCGB stand at Autosport 2011, decalled for the GT3 Cup Challenge, if anyone want s to have a closer look.

Then it will be back to the workshop for the final baselining before being out on track 2nd week of February.

4 pre season tests are envisaged to ensure Smallwood has enough seat time and that the car is properly shaken down before the first round at Brands . DNF’s are not an option.

Commenting, Smallwood said “We are bang on schedule with the new car, it will be at the Autosport show on the PCGB stand then back to the workshop for the final pre season baselining and we should be then good to go. Its going to be a big change from the 996 but I have some great guys in my corner helping out including Mike Wilds, Racedata Systems and Fearnsport – we should be fine. “

April 9                           Brands Hatch Indy        DH
April 23/24                     Croft                             DH
May 28/29                     Donington Park              DH
June 25/26                    Nurburgring
July 16/17                     Rockingham                  DH
Aug 13                          Oulton Park                   DH
Sept. 30/Oct. 1              Silverstone GP        DH

DH indicates double header

Rennsport Racing will be undertaking the full campaign

“It’s great to accept the Cayman from Porsche GB,” said 45-year-old Smallwood, “and I’m still really pleased with how the season went and to have this prize is just a fantastic topping to the year. I also get to go to the Porsche Night of Champions at Weissach, which I am really looking forward to. ”