18.08.2003
BRDC British GT Champions – Cup Class
Matt Griffin and Patrick Pearce in the GruppeM Tech 9 Porsche GT3
Irishman Matt Griffin and his co-driver Patrick Pearce win the BRDC British GT Championship with two rounds left to go
British GT Championship winner Matt Griffin will be heading to the 1000km race at Spa Francorchamps in the GruppeM Tech 9 Porsche 996 GT3 on Friday 22 nd August knowing that he and the GruppeM Tech 9 Team have already won the Championship at Thruxton on Sunday 17 th August.
“It’s been a tough year and we have had some epic battles against the Richard Thorne Morgan Aero 8 with Neil Cunningham on board. It’s been a good fight, but this is the reward for a fantastic team effort and we share this with all the GruppeM Tech 9 team and supporters.”
Griffin, supported by Keystone Computer Group, Garmin Navigation, and Irish backers Kerry Foods and Muller Yoghurt, Motorpoint and Lormac Ltd found the Thruxton circuit challenging – “The car was mega-quick, but in Qualifying on some of the corners like Church the back would just snap away at 130mph! The guys at Dunlop did say that the tyres would come in towards the end of the race and our set-up was perfect as time wore on. The GruppeM Tech 9 team got it absolutely right – when we did the driver change we were 15 seconds behind the Aero 8, and by the end of the race we were 52 seconds ahead!”
Matt, who was recently awarded with Young Race driver of the Month for July by Motorsport Ireland was delighted to wrap up the Championship. “I hope this success will spur other young Irish drivers on to greater things – it was great to receive the award and a real privilege”.
Griffin is now looking forward to the long-distance run at Spa Francorchamps next weekend. The final round will be at Brands Hatch on 27/28 September – no doubt there will be further celebrations then!
For further information contact Sarah Hutchison Global Sports Development Ltd 01189 710635
sarah@motorsportpromotion.com www.motorsportpromotion.com Also go to www.f3-gt.co.uk