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Tuthill Porsche is best known for rally cars, but we do much more than that. Porsche servicing and Tour Auto/circuit racing car builds are also part of our repertoire.
The point was driven home at Oulton Park this weekend, during the opening round of the 2012 Top Hat Masters series. Tuthill customer Mark Bates took to the track in his immaculate Porsche 911 RSR, prepared here at Wardington, and put on an impressive show.
In the Masters ’70s Celebration Race, Mark started from a pole position won in tricky damp conditions that morning, a full eight seconds faster than his nearest rival. In the race, he built a 16-second lead before handing the car over to brother James for his first race drive. James went on to bring the 911 home in fifth place overall and 1st in class: an excellent result!
Running again in the World Sportscar Masters race later that St Patrick’s Day, Mark kept in touch with the Lola T70s of David Coplowe and Leo Voyazides for the distance. While the Lola pair eventually finished at the front, separated by just over four seconds, Mark brought the 911 home in a creditable third position.
The podium finish was a great result for Mark, who has spent much of the off season further improving the 911’s chassis. We have also completely rebuilt his engine, after the series organisers insisted on a scrutineering stripdown at the end of last year. Nothing untoward was found: the rest of the field just needs to try harder!
We’re currently building another 911 for Mark’s brother, James. If the competition can’t live with Mark’s pace, maybe his brother can! Starting with a race car built in Wardington is a good first step.
Pic for this post comes courtesy of Luke Woodward on Flickr. Thanks Luke!
