Butcher switches to British GTposted in GT25 | 03 | 2014
KIRKCALDY'S RORY BUTCHER will step up from the Porsche Carrera Cup to racing a V12 Aston Martin Vantage in this season's Avon Tyres British GT Championship.
The Fifer has signed a new deal with Motorbase Performance as it bids to reclaim the GT Championship crown it won back in 2012.
After two years with Celtic Speed in the Porsche 911 GT3 — where he won five races and finished on the podium 19 times — Butcher is looking forward to his new challenge.
"I'm delighted to be joining Motorbase Performance, running under the Oman Air Racing banner for 2014," Butcher, who will be partnered by John Hartshorne in the car, said.
"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, a former Le Mans 24hr competitor, that it won’t be long before we're challenging a top quality field for those podium positions.”
Butcher's decision to join the team, and switch to the British GT Championship, was welcomed by Motorbase Performance team boss David Bartrum.
“We’ve worked hard over the winter," he admitted. "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.
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"I’m delighted that we’ve also managed to sign another really strong line up in John Hartshorne and Rory; John’s a man with much experience in GT racing and Rory comes from the Carrera Cup. 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, at Oulton Park on Monday, April 21, where he will compete in two 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," he continued. "Hopefully, we can make a huge splash this year and reward them with some great exposure."
Though committed to the British GT Championship for the season, sponsorship continues to be a challenge for the talented young Scot, so check out his website for sponsorship opportunities.
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Jim McGill