Archie Hamilton claimed another podium finish in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB at the weekend (October 9-11) but was left frustrated as he was taken out while running in third place in race two.

Competing alongside the British Touring Car Championship for the first time this season, Archie battled tricky mixed weather conditions in his Redline Racing Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 Clubsport during Friday’s practice sessions at Croft, in Yorkshire, but was disappointed to qualify sixth on a wet circuit on Saturday afternoon.

Aiming to make amends during the first race, also held on Saturday, he got off the line well and gained two places by the end of the opening lap. He then set about trying to find a way past Sarah Moore in third, getting the move done on lap six of 15, keeping her at bay to the end of the contest for his sixth podium of the season.

In drier conditions for race two on Sunday Archie again started well in his UFI Filters and RhinoFab Equipment by DeMichele Group machine, taking second place from Theo Edgerton who then fought back. However, the race was red flagged for an incident and on the restart, Archie held on to his third place. Driving well and keeping in touch with the leaders, sadly he took contact from another car with two laps to go and was forced into retirement.

Archie will have the chance to redeem himself at Silverstone over November 6-8 when he takes part in the final two races of the season, once again competing in support of the British GT Championship.

Archie Hamilton

“It was a mixed weekend both on track and with the weather! It was difficult on Friday and Saturday with the rain falling at times which meant it wasn’t the easiest to get the car properly set up, though the guys at Redline Racing did a great job as always.

“Race one was really enjoyable after a disappointing qualifying, getting some moves done and getting into the top three which is where we know we should be. Race two I was under pressure but thought I had enough to take third again, but a moment of contact ended that. These things happen, but we’ll bounce back at Silverstone and do our best for everyone at UFI Filters and DeMichele Group as we close the season.”

Dino Zamparelli

“It was a tough weekend, but I thought Archie did a great job to overcome a qualifying performance he wasn’t too happy with and make up three places on a track where it is hard to pass, so he deserved that podium finish.

“He did well at the start of race two and showed he had the pace to be up at the front again and was defending well and looking like he was going to get another third place but a little bit of contact sadly had big consequences and he had to retire. We will aim to finish on a high at Silverstone and give everyone a good show.”