Just seven days after taking a win in the Britsports Winter Series with Juno Racing, Ryan Hooker (Upminster, Essex) was back on the top step of the podium, this time further afield after scoring a class win in the 6 Hours of Vallelunga, Italy in the Trackspeed Porsche GT3.
Competing alongside Piers Masarati and David Ashburn in the Trackspeed Porsche GT3, Ryan was keen to get behind the wheel of one of the most promising British GT3 cars as it travelled overseas to take part in an event which would see an exciting array of prototypes and GT cars from across Europe.
With the race scheduled for Saturday, Ryan was able to take part in three practice sessions on the Thursday as he familiarised himself with the Trackspeed Porsche, which he had not previously driven. From the onset, Ryan was impressed and not only with the car but with the recently refurbished Vallelunga circuit.
"It is a lovely, fast circuit to drive in a sportscar" said Ryan, "and from the word go the car has been excellent, the set up is very good."
And, with two fast team-mates in Piers and David, Ryan was optimistic for a strong result in the race. This optimism was bolstered further in Friday's qualifying when the team qualified 12th overall; with the faster prototypes taking the first nine slots, the Trackspeed team were strongly in contention with their GT rivals.
Saturday was again basking in the sunshine that was blessing the whole event, as Ryan took the wheel to start the race and drive an 80 minute stint.
"It was good stint" said Ryan afterwards, "and I was able to get into second position in terms of the GT entrants. There was a slight problem with the brake which I was able to drive around until coming into the pits for the scheduled handover to David. At that handover a rear brake calliper was changed which did lose us some time but once repaired David was out there and we were back on the pace and running smoothly."
After completing a 70 minute stint, David handed over to Piers, the 2005 British GT3 Champion who as well as performing race duties was in his role as Trackspeed Team Manager at the weekend, a further strong section from him ensuring the team remained at the forefront of the GT entrants battle.
Piers handed over to Ryan who drove a 70 minute stint with no dramas, the team's pace and consistency obviously paying dividends.
"My second stint went very well" said Ryan "though by this time the cockpit was getting very hot so I'll admit to being quite happy to handover at the end of my section!"
David took the final leg, bringing the car home for a well deserved class win and a superb sixth position overall.
"It has been a fantastic weekend" commented Ryan afterwards. "It was great to be able to come and experience the race and Vallelunga, and more so to be able to undertake that experience with the Trackspeed Team who I would like to thank for their unwavering efforts over the three days. This is a well deserved win for the team which I am pleased have been a part of.
"Two trophies in seven days is a great feeling for sure and a very nice way to go into the winter! Hopefully we'll be adding plenty more silverware in 2006!"
With the race scheduled for Saturday, Ryan was able to take part in three practice sessions on the Thursday as he familiarised himself with the Trackspeed Porsche, which he had not previously driven. From the onset, Ryan was impressed and not only with the car but with the recently refurbished Vallelunga circuit.
After completing a 70 minute stint, David handed over to Piers, the 2005 British GT3 Champion who as well as performing race duties was in his role as Trackspeed Team Manager at the weekend, a further strong section from him ensuring the team remained at the forefront of the GT entrants battle.