Kirkcaldy based, sports car racer, Rory Butcher will make a stunning return to track action this year behind the wheel of a V12 Aston Martin Vantage in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Butcher, joins the series ahead of one of the most hotly-contested seasons in recent years; with nine different iconic models set to battle for GT3 title glory at home and abroad.
Following a productive winter test, Butcher joins the Motorbase Performance stable as they try to reclaim the GT Championship crown they won back in 2012. Butcher’s impressive sports car pedigree, following two seasons in the Porsche Carrera Cup (Pro Class) with Celtic Speed, where he won 5 races and enjoyed 19 podium scores; should stand him in good stead heading into the 2014 season.
A jubilant Butcher commented:
“I am delighted to be joining Motorbase Performance, running under the Oman Air Racing banner for 2014. Their pedigree and track record are superb having won the GT title in 2012. The switch to a two-driver format where tactics and strategy play such an important part is something I am looking forward to. I’m confident that with my sports car experience and that of my team mate (John Hartshorne), a former Le Mans 24hr competitor, that it won’t be long before we are challenging a top quality field for those podium positions.”
Motorbase Performance team boss David Bartrum commented:
“We’ve worked hard over the winter. Making the switch over to Aston Martin was a big thing for us and obviously getting the right driver combinations is very important; so it’s great to have Ahmad [Al Harthy] back this year with Michael [Caine] in the Aston. I’m delighted that we’ve also managed to sign another really strong line up in John [Hartshorne] and Rory [Butcher]; John’s a man with much experience in GT racing and Rory comes from the Carrera Cup and I’m looking forward to working with both pairings in the British GT this year.”
It will be a busy season for the Motorbase team as they embark on a British GT Championship and Blancpain Endurance Series challenge, whilst also running three Ford Focuses in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship under the Airwaves and Crabbie’s Racing banners.
Butcher will get his first competitive taste of the Aston Martin Vantage at the season opener, set to take place at Oulton Park on Monday 21st April where he will compete in 2 one hour endurance races. As always, Butcher is the first to acknowledge the help and support from his loyal sponsors; without whom, this new adventure just wouldn’t be possible.
“Sponsorship is such a big thing these days, and l’m very appreciative that l have a some very special sponsors. Hopefully, we can make a huge splash this year and reward them with some great exposure,” concluded Butcher.
For more information about Rory, sponsorship opportunities and race results; make sure you bookmark his website (www.rorybutcherracing.com) or to get in direct contact with him email (roryb@knockhill.co.uk).
Everyone at Knockhill is hoping he and his new team have a highly-productive year and who knows, we may even have a GT champion working at the Circuit come the end of this season.