Porsche Cup Knockhill 03/09/2008

Purdie takes two podiums in Scotland

Andy Purdie scored two podium finishes and collected the 'driver of the weekend' award as he made his racing debut at the Knockhill track (2/3 September), racing the Paragon Porsche entry in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Testing on Friday was Andy’s first experience of the challenging Scottish track. “I love it,” he said after the first test session. “It’s a really ballsy circuit and the chicane is amazing,” he said of the section of track where the car’s can get airborne over a tricky brow.  

In qualifying on Saturday on a wet and slippery track, Andy had a fine run to finish the session at the top of the pro-am times, but with rivals Sam Edwards and Phil Quaife lapping within a tenth of a second, there was sure to be a real battle in the opening race.  “We had a pretty good set-up for the rain,” said Purdie after qualifying. “I just stayed out for lap after lap looking for grip. I’m really pleased to out-qualify Colin McRae in the VIP car! I just love the wet and I really enjoyed the qualifying session. 

I was just trying to drive the car as smoothly as possible.”  Heading into the opening 32-lap race on Saturday afternoon, drivers were again faced with tough conditions as the track was wet, but no more rain was falling. The changing conditions left teams guessing how the race would turn out and Purdie’s car was set for wet weather. However, the track became increasingly dry as the race progressed and Purdie was unable to fend off pro-am rival Sam Edwards.  

“As it dried out I was trying to find the puddles to try and keep the tyres cool,” he explained. Meanwhile, he was able to hold off guest racer McRae on his way to a fine eighth place and second in pro-am. “Holding off Colin McRae was my favourite part of the race!”  His excellent weekend continued in the second race on Sunday, with another second place in the pro-am category. Just before the race, a heavy rainstorm swept across the track and Andy wisely opted for treaded tyres while others gambled that the track would dry out and went for slick racing tyres.  

But wets were the right choice, and Purdie battled for pro-am spoils with Phil Quaife and Edwards. The three cars raced close together for many laps and when Edwards slid off, Purdie made certain of second place and another trip to the podium. "I've had a really, really good weekend," he said. 

"Roger Heavens and the guys in the team have given me a really great set-up on the car!"  The Carrera Cup will continue at Andy's local track of Brands Hatch over the weekend of 23/24 September.