Jack McCarthy has ended a superb maiden Porsche Carrera Cup GB campaign as a double class vice-champion following a stunning double Pro Am victory during the final rounds of the season around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
Making the short trip down the A20 from his home in Bromley to the Kent track, the SAS International and Shandon Spa & Hotel supported driver headed into the final weekend of the season in contention for both the Pro Am and Rookie class titles.
Returning the scene of his Carrera Cup GB debut back in April, McCarthy kicked off the meeting with free practice on Friday. While changeable weather conditions through the day meant it was unclear where he stood compared to his rivals, he still headed into the weekend in positive spirits.
McCarthy went on to excel during a tricky qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. With regular red flag stoppages leading to limited opportunities to get a clear run on track, the 19 year old impressively put together a strong lap to finish up second quickest in the Pro Am class.
The greasy conditions continued for the first of Sunday’s two races. A great start for McCarthy saw him move into the class lead on the opening lap in his Redline Racing machine, before the field negotiated a couple of safety car periods.
When the action resumed, McCarthy put in a fantastic drive in the closing laps to keep his class rivals at arms’ length on his way to victory. That result ensured the TMJ Interiors and Integra supported driver held the class pole position for the final race of the season.
Racing live on ITV4, McCarthy starred as he held the lead from start-to-finish for a dominant fifth Pro Am victory of the campaign. His eighth and tenth place overall finishes also secured him two Rookie wins too, however he unfortunately just missed out on title success in both classes.
Speaking after the weekend, McCarthy said:“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and this was a fantastic way to end the year. A double win at my home circuit of Brands Hatch to finish as vice-champion in two classes, I couldn’t ask for much more than that.
“The weather made it tricky every time we went out on track, but I adapted well to the conditions. I’m pleased to have got back towards the front in qualifying and then I really enjoyed the two races. I had some good battles out there and came away with the victories.
“I’ve certainly exceeded my expectations for the 2019 season. As every driver does, I look back now at where I lost points and with a bit more luck the titles might have been ours, but it’s still been a great year and thank you to Redline Racing and all my sponsors for their support.”
Images courtesy of www.pspimages.co.uk