GRAHAM GEARS UP FOR 2023 CARRERA CUP GB CAMPAIGN
Matty will attempt to complete unfinished business in 2023 after agreeing to a deal to return to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship with Stockton-based Redline Racing.
Part of the support race schedule for the British Touring Car Championship at eight meetings across the year, Porsche Carrera Cup GB is the country’s fastest one-make championship where identical cars put driver skill in the spotlight.
It is the fourth consecutive year that Graham will take to the wheel of one of the Teesside team’s vehicles and one which he will be hoping to complete after his 2022 campaign concluded with two meetings still to run.
Taking three wins over the year, including one just two weeks after walking away from a monster start-line shunt, the 26-year-old was one of the fastest and most consistent drivers in the field last term.
With firm plans in place for a complete campaign this time, the Northumbrian is targeting more silverware and a sustained championship challenge in a category where he won the rookie title back in 2020.
2023 marks the 21st season of Porsche Carrera Cup GB which has been the launchpad for several professional sportscars and GT drivers.
The series is one of the most competitive and exciting championships in the UK, utilising identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, with this season the second year of the new-look Porsche “Type 992” 911.
Speaking ahead of the opening rounds of the season at Donington Park on April 22 and 23, where last year he secured a win and a second podium from the meeting’s pair of races, Graham said. “Once again, I’m a fan of the last-minute deal! It’s taken a lot of work behind the scenes but it is great to be back out in Carrera Cup and with Redline Racing.
“Last year was one of ups and downs. There were three great wins and front-running pace but there was also the crash at Knockhill, which pretty much finished the title challenge and the fact that the season petered out early.
“Being back with a team that I know well, I’m hoping that having a good rapport with the mechanics will let us hit the ground running and make up for the lack of pre-season testing that I’ve had this year.
“I’ve got 30 races worth of experience in the championship and I’m not here to make up the numbers so I am determined that we all have something to be smiling about come October and the final meeting at Brands Hatch.”
Redline Racing managing director Simon Leonard said: “We’re delighted to be able to go racing full-time with Matty again this season. He showed us across his previous races with us how much of a talented driver he is.
“He was a leading contender in 2022 and adapted to the new car very quickly and I’m expecting him to use that experience to be at the sharp end of the field again this year.”