PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA GOES TO THE FINAL SHOWDOWN AT SEPANG
2009-11-26 15:57:03 Author: admin Source:
The 2009 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia title will come down to the wire in a thrilling double-header grand finale to what has been one of the most fascinating seasons it is seven-year history. The final meeting of the 13-race calendar, to be held on 6 December at the Sepang International Circuit.
Germany’s Christian Menzel leads the charge into the crucial final showdown. The Team StarChase ace has been on incredible form all year in this his second Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season. However, so closely matched are the front runners, that six wins, four podiums and four point-winning pole positions in 11 races has given him a lead of just six points. In June, a mechanical glitch ended his race in Zhuhai, a setback he quickly put behind him but one which, nonetheless, put the title
he so craves that much further from reach.
Briton Tim Sugden, second on the leaderboard, has remained in contention by proving consistency is everything, with a win and nine podium finishes. Champion in 2007, Sugden will use every ounce of his vast racing experience and skill to claim the title for himself.
The third driver in contention to take Class A and overall honours is reigning Champion Darryl O’Young of Team Jebsen. An unlucky start heralded mixed fortunes for the team this season, but O’Young is certainly no quitter, and is guaranteed to fight hard right up to the last lap.
Other noteworthy drivers include Macau's Rodolfo Avila who has shone in his first Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season, impressing with two wins, in Zhuhai and Indonesia, plus four podiums so far.
The Asia Racing Team driver was a serious championship-contender for most of the year, and has all agree the former single-seater racer has a bright future in Grand Touring car competition.
Another young gun, Dutchman Danny Chu has come on in leaps and bounds during his second season, currently sitting 5th on the leaderboard behind Avila. Ringo Chong, meanwhile, missed out on the Indonesian rounds in July, which set him back in the points so will be gunning for an end-of-season victory.
As the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia prepares to return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit for the first time since February’s Official Test, the stakes could not be higher. For the drivers, the season curtain-closer will be an intense and exhilarating contest. For spectators, it will be sportscar racing at its very best.
