Andrew Rackstraw will return to the scene of his first motor race in the UK when he contests Rounds 9 and 10 of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Knockhill Circuit in his Rosland Gold by Century Motorsport team Porsche Carrera 911 GT3.
The South African driver travelled to Scotland as reigning Investchem Formula 1600 champion in 2022 to make his debut in the UK National Formula Ford Championship. Having been taken off in race one, Andrew came from P20 on the grid to finish sixth in race two – lapping just four-tenths of a second off the fastest lap time.
Ironically, it was a similar situation when the 23-year old Capetonian driver made his Porsche Carrera Cup GB debut at Knockhill last year. Andrew was fastest in both free practice sessions, before qualifying fourth. Unfortunately, he was taken out on the first corner of race one and then fought back from P16 on the grid to finish eighth in race two.
The nature of the Knockhill Circuit can make racing incidents difficult to avoid, and the gravel traps have captured many innocent victims over the years. The track – located in the Scottish hills near Fife, just north of Edinburgh – is one of the shortest circuits on the Porsche Carrera Cup GB calendar at just 1.27 miles long, and is one of the most spectacular. Narrow and undulating, it’s like a rollercoaster with its famous downhill Duffus Dip turn one, the two-wheel clipping kerbs of Butcher’s Chicane and the heavy braking Taylor’s Hairpin; the exit of which is crucial for the long drag up and over the main start/finish straight. And the rapidly changeable weather can play its part, even in the height of summer.
Andrew arrives at Knockhill leading the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Pro category by one point, as he targets a return to his pole-setting and race-winning ways after a tricky last race meeting at Croft Circuit.
“After a difficult weekend at Croft, I’m really excited to hit the floor running at one of my favourite tracks in the UK,” says Andrew.
“Knockhill was my first ever taste of UK racing a few years ago in a Formula Ford. Ever since then I have fallen in love with it. From the massive kerbs to the amazing Scottish fans. There’s something quite special about Knockhill!
“I feel confident that I’m in the right headspace and mindset to make the most of next weekend.
“I’ll see you all there!”
Published by: Paul Evans
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