Porsche Cup Donington 31/07/2006

Purdie shines at Donington for Paragon

Although he was destined not to finish either race, Andy Purdie had a very encouraging weekend at Donington Park (29/30 July) as he again moved up the grid in the Paragon Porsche entry in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

In qualifying on Saturday, Andy posted eighth fastest time overall despite a quick spin into the gravel at Coppice Corner. However, by then he had already set an excellent time that was also good enough for second fastest in the pro-am category.  

“I just went into Coppice too quick and it spun into the gravel. But that’s my best qualifying performance so far and I’m closer to Phil Quaife as well,” he added, as he battled to rival the pace of the pro-am leader.  

In the opening race, Andy was edged down a couple of places off the start but was soon in the midst of some tremendous battling in the pro-am category. “My start was bad and I lost four places off the grid,” he admitted.  

From fifth in the early laps, he managed to tiger up his way up to third having overtaken Nigel Rice when he ran wide at Redgate. Just when it looked like he was ready to attack Alex Mortimer for second place, Andy had a tyre fail and he was out of the race. “I would have been so happy with third and I was driving so hard just to make up places after the start,” he reported. “But I really enjoyed the race!”   

Sadly, Andy's second race was over almost before it started when a gearbox problem developed on the warming-up lap. Although he tried to start the race, it was clear that there were major problems and he retired to the pits after one slow lap.