Back to Baku for Trackspeed Racing

British Porsche experts Trackspeed Racing head back to the mean streets of Azerbaijan to face the Baku World Challenge this weekend. They will field a single Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, for Norbert Siedler and returning Trackspeed favourite Richard Westbrook.

The race forms the final round of the Blancpain GT Series, and has attracted a large field that should provide a stiff challenge for the team, who won several races in the British GT Championship in 2014. Trackspeed are part of a stunning 30 car GT3 entry.

The biggest test, however, will be the Baku circuit. This is the second year of the Baku World Challenge, and the third year in succession to see top-level GT3 racing on the streets of Azerbaijan’s capital city. The circuit is tight, uncompromising and narrow, with concrete walls providing the track limits. Any mistake is likely to be thoroughly punished.

Last season, Trackspeed’s entry ran at the front of the pack until unfortunate contact forced retirement from the main race. This year, the ingredients for good results are all in place. The nimble Porsche, excellent on circuits with a stop-go nature, thanks to its good traction, will make the perfect weapon.

Neither driver is a stranger to Porsches. Westbrook and Trackspeed combined for several years in the British GT Championship, while Siedler is a Porsche Supercup and Carrera Cup ace – ending as runner up in the ultra-competitive Supercup in 2011.

David Ashburn, team boss:
“This is a great opportunity for the whole team to measure themselves against some of the best GT teams in Europe, if not the world. We showed pretty well last year but fell victim to bad luck and the tight, close action here, so I hope we can avoid that this year! Richard and Norbert are a good pair, and I think they give us a good chance of showing what Trackspeed Racing are capable of.”

Richard Westbrook:
“I haven’t raced for Trackspeed since Donington Park last year, but I know all the guys there and it seems like a pretty good entry. My recollection of the Porsche on street circuits is that it’s pretty good and should go well at that kind of place.”

Norbert Siedler:
“I am really happy to be racing in Baku for the first time! I did some races with Richard in the VLN this season, and I think we can be competitive together. It’s always nice to race on a street track – if you make one mistake you are in the wall, and that’s really challenging. I hope the Porsche is more competitive than in the last races, but I guess on a street course you need a lot of traction and that’s good for our car! We definitely want to fight for a top five position. I’m excited to race with Trackspeed, and with Richard – I have to thank him for putting us in touch. I think we’re a really good team. I’m looking forward to it!”
Photos: Tom Loomes / www.xynamic.com