PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA RACING SERIES 2003

PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA RACING SERIES 2003

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PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA RACING SERIES
Update on Rounds 4 & 5 – Johor Circuit, Pasir Gudang, Johor (29th June 2003)

The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia completed Rounds 4 & 5 over the weekend with intense racing throughout the field. Round 4 was raced under wet conditions, which saw some exciting racing amongst front runners. Round 5 was just as exciting which saw an ‘invited’ driver mounting the top of the rostrum.

Qualifying – 28th June 2003

The drivers had a chance to practice on the Johor Circuit for three 30 minute sessions prior to qualifying. For many it was their first time on the track. Qualifying was held under perfect conditions and there were a total of 17 participants. Similar to previous qualifying sessions, the fastest times were set early in the qualifying session and it came as no surprise that Charles Kwan topped the time sheets at 1’37.8s. Porsche’s invited driver, Marchy Lee, posted the surprise of the day, with a time of 1’38.7s, for second position on the grid. Not known to many, Marchy Lee is one of Asia’s up and coming single seater drivers and has Formula 3 racing experience in Europe. Nattavude (current joint championship leader) and Tobe Venter also posted times of 1’38s placing them at 3rd and 4th respectively. The current joint championship leader, Nigel Alborn could only post the 5th fastest time at 1’39s. Tommy Lee of Jaseri Racing set the 8th fastest time at 1’40s, behind UK driver Matthew Marsh and Thai driver, Vutthikorn, on 6th and 7th place respectively.

Round 4 – 29th June 2003

About 30 minutes prior to the start of the race, there was a heavy downpour. Race 4 was declared a wet race and all drivers went out on wet tyres. Once the lights turned green and as the cars blasted down the pit straight, there was a huge wall of white spray. From the pit lane, we could only see the front car and it’s a wonder how all the cars went through Turn 1 without any incident. It was Charles Kwan who was in the lead and he was closely followed by Nattavude, Nigel Alborn and Marchy Lee, much like a freight train. Tommy Lee of Jaseri Racing rounded Turn 1 in ninth position and worked his way during the 12 lap race to secure 8th overall under difficult racing conditions.

At the front there were several lead changes and at the last lap, Nattavude made a move on Charles Kwan to take the lead. At our end, we could not see the over-taking manouver but Charles fell back to 4th position, implying that the 2 cars may have touched or Charles Kwan may have been forced wide. Nattavude won the race with Nigel Alborn and Marchy Lee in second and third place respectively. With this race win, Nattavude now leads the championships standings with Nigel Alborn close behind.

Round 5 – 29th June 2003

The finishing position in Round 2 determined the starting grid for Round 3. Nattavude therefore started from pole. Tommy Lee started from 8th position.

The race started at 3.15 pm under perfect conditions. Nattavude appeared slow off the line as the lights turned green which left the door open for Nigel Alborn. He was closely followed by Marchy Lee, Charles Kwan and Nattavude. Tommy rounded Turn 1 in 8th position and during the course of the race worked his way to 7th position overall.

The race was again at the front of the pack. In lap 3, Marchy Lee made a move on Nigel Alborn to take the lead, a position which he held on for the remainder of the race. In the ensuing laps, Nigel and Charles were battling it out and the latter emerged second.

The next race will be held in Bira, Thailand in the mid July. Watch out for more exciting and closer racing.

Damian Dielenberg
I.Z Motorsports Sdn Bhd
9th June 2003

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