Jack McCarthy produced a superb drive from the back of the grid to a Pro Am class podium finish to end a mixed weekend on a high in the latest rounds of the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup GB at the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton.
McCarthy, who celebrated his 19th birthday a week prior to the event, showed great natural speed around the Hampshire circuit across the meeting and after a difficult race one, he showcased his impressive race craft once again with his race two charge through the field.
Behind the wheel of his Redline Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, McCarthy enjoyed a strong start on Friday as he finished in the Pro Am top two in both sessions, however unfortunately the lap time didn’t come together for him in qualifying the next day.
Lining up third in class in his Shandon Spa & Hotel and SAS International supported machine for Sunday’s opening race, McCarthy’s challenge for the podium was sadly halted early on when an issue with his brakes forced him to head into the pitlane.
Eventually returning to the action a lap down to the rest of the field, the Bromley based driver brought the car home fourth in class. With that result forming the grid for race two later that afternoon, he would start from the rear of the field.
The TMJ Interiors and Integra supported driver captured the attention of the live ITV4 television cameras as he produced a sterling drive through the order. Straight into the top ten within two laps, he continued to make progress and secured seventh overall on the last lap.
Having picked off a couple of class rivals along the way, McCarthy came home second in class for an eighth Pro Am podium of the season. He now lies third in the class standings, while a Rookie category win has put him joint-top in the points with six races to go.
Speaking after the weekend, McCarthy said:”I’m pleased that after a tricky first race, I could make the best of a bad situation and come through from the back for a podium finish. I got the chance to show the pace we had in the Redline Racing car and it was a nice way to end a tricky weekend.
“I loved this circuit when I’d visited before and it’s a real thrill in the Porsche. I felt comfortable immediately around there and our pace was strong in practice, which sadly made it all the more confusing that the lap time just didn’t come in qualifying.
“The first race was a nightmare to be honest, but race two was much better. I enjoyed some good racing, pulled off a couple of great overtakes and got myself back onto the podium. I’m still in contention for Pro Am and Rookie honours, so will keep pushing for that!”
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