MISFORTUNE DENIES RORY COLLINGBOURNE FIRST PRO-AM VICTORY AT DONINGTON PARK
• Porsche Carrera Cup GB newcomer adds third podium of the season to his tally at the East Midlands circuit.
• Contact in Race 2 denies Veloce Sports-managed racer a first Pro-Am class victory at only his second event.
• Rookie championship fight heads next to the high-speed Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy over the weekend of 11-13 May.
The Newport-based racer, who widely impressed with a brace of podiums on his return to domestic competition at Brands Hatch three weeks’ prior, was also the victim of contact in the final race, denying him a first class victory in the category. Qualifying didn’t go to plan for the Welch Motorsport driver, with a puncture on his first run hampering his progress before a red flag during the second stint prevented any
improvement. Regardless, the Dreams & Wishes ambassador made another lightning getaway in the Porsche 911 GT3, coming through from the back of the Pro-Am field to claim the final spot on the podium. Collingbourne’s early-season form has certainly made quite the impression, with the 20-year old carrying over his impressive showings from a campaign spent in the Lamborghini Super
Trofeo in Asia.
The weekend could have been crowned with a first victory in the class for the Veloce Sports – managed driver, with another strong start allowing Collingbourne to demonstrate overtaking prowess as he clawed his way forward to the front of the field. Heading side-by- side with Dan Vaughn into the final chicane at half-distance, contact to the rear of Collingbourne’s car pitched the latter into the gravel trap, prematurely ending what could have been a stand-out result in only his second weekend in the championship. Regardless, the Welsh racer now looks forward with renewed optimism to the highly-competitive single make series’ third meeting, at the world-famous Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy over the weekend of 11-13 May.
Rory Collingbourne said, “There are plenty of positives for us to take forward after this weekend. Whilst ultimately it would have been great to take a first Pro-Am victory at only my second meeting in the car, it wasn’t to be.
“Coming through from the back of the field to take a third consecutive podium in the opening race highlighted the pace we have and how strong the car is, so there’s no doubt in mind we’ll be able to come back out at Monza and fight at the front end of the field once again.”
“A massive thank you to everyone at Welch Motorsport and my sponsors for their support throughout the weekend; we’ll come back stronger, and that first win isn’t far away at all.”
Pro-Am Championship Standings (After Rounds 3&4):
3rd, Rory Collingbourne, 20 points
Rookie Championship Standings (After Rounds 3&4):
3rd, Rory Collingbourne, 22 points
Follow Rory Collingbourne on social media:
Official Website: www.rorycollingbourne.co.uk
Facebook: Rory Collingbourne Racing
Twitter: @Collingbourne13
Instagram: @rorycollingbourne
