BARKER ON COURSE
FOR CARRERA CUP GB
DRIVER NEWS 24
JANUARY 2012: Ex-Formula Ford racer Ben Barker will return to
race his native Britain this season, after inking a deal to rejoin
Parr Motorsport for the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.
The 20-year-old has
successfully plied his trade in Australia since graduating from
Formula Ford at the end of 2009, claiming the CAMS Gold Star as
Australian F3 champion the following season and making his Porsche
debut last year. Immediately on the pace against respected
opposition such as multiple Porsche champion Craig Baird and V8
Supercar veteran Steven Richards, Barker claimed fastest lap at
his debut meeting in Melbourne, and rounded out the season with
two victories on the streets of Homebush, in the suburbs of his
adopted home, Sydney.
While remaining
'down under' was among his plans for 2012, however, Barker jumped
at the chance to renew his association with Parr Motorsport, which
fielded him for two rounds of the Carrera Cup GB in 2011. Two
podium visits and a lap record on debut at Snetterton showed that
the rookie could mix it with the series' established stars, and
both parties hope that their 2011 campaign can lead to bigger
things.
"The chance to
drive for Parr came about through the two rounds we did last
season, where I think I demonstrated my pace and podium
potential," Barker commented, "Now we have worked
something out for 2012, with a view to hopefully progressing to
the Porsche Supercup in 2013."
Voted as last
season's inaugural Porsche Michelin Sportsperson of the Year,
Barker has already had his place as a BRDC Rising Star reconfirmed
for 2012, and expects to start work with Parr on his return from
Australia.
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