Porsche podium for Butcherposted in POR23 | 09 | 2012
FIFER RORY BUTCHER maintained his bid to finish second in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB when he slithered his Celtic Speed car to a podium finish in the latest double-header at Rockingham.
In monsoon-like conditions, the 25-year-old from Kirkcaldy followed up his fifth place in the day's opening dry race to deliver a masterclass of wet weather racing.
"The conditions were absolutely terrible," Butcher, team leader in the St Cyrus-based Celtic Speed operation, explained after finishing second. "I think it's as close to a monsoon as you're ever going to get in the UK.
"I made a great start from third on the grid, but right away it was almost impossible to see where I was going because of the spray produced by the cars in front.
"In an effort to see, I pulled up high on to the right-hand side of the banking of the oval track before we dipped down into the tight left-hander which took us on to the twisty infield section.
"I was then able to squeeze my way ahead of championship leader Michael Meadows, and set about chasing race leader Ben Barker.
See more official photos of Rory in action at Rockingham
"The big problem was, as soon as I got to within 100-metres of the back of his car, he disappeared behind a wall of spray and I had to back-off so I could see where I was going."
But Butcher, whose podium finish moved him to within 21 points of second-place in the championship with just four races remaining, was delighted with the performance of his Celtic Speed Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
"We probably didn't get the set-up right for the opening race, as I struggled for grip as the race went on, but we got everything right for the second race," he continued.
"I've got to say a big thank you to team boss Tommy Dreelan, and especially all the guys in the team who worked in terrible conditions to get the car ready for the second race.
"The championship's very tight at the top, and I'm only 21 points off second place with two double-headers to come at Silverstone and Brands Hatch.
"Traditionally I go well at Silverstone, and I can't wait to race on the grand prix circuit at Brands: it's awesome. I've won twice already this season, and I feel we're overdue another victory.
"I know if we can maintain this level of performance through the final four races, we have every chance of sneaking second in the championship, which would be brilliant."
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Jim McGill