Beechdean AMR sign off in Portimao
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Outgoing European Le Mans Series (ELMS) GTE Champions Beechdean AMR rounded off their 2017 campaign with a fourth place finish at the Algarve International circuit.
Featuring a different driver line up for the final round at Portimao, consisting of Andrew Howard, Darren Turner and Immanuel Vinke, the #99 qualified sixth and was able to pick up the pieces from the unreliability of the Spirit of Race Ferraris during the 4 hour race to claim fourth and 12 championship points.
Team boss and driver Howard commented, “I enjoyed my stint chasing the Aston ahead. Congratulations to JMW on winning the championship. I am looking forward to returning to racing in 2018.”
“A different story from last year where we clinched the title at the last moment of the championship.” Said 3 time Le Mans 24 hour winner Turner. “We still managed a few podiums along the way and gained huge experience. It was a pleasure to drive again with Andrew this year but also great to work with Ross as he continues to develop into a world class driver.”
New boy Immanuel Vinke, who developed throughout his debut ELMS race weekend said, “The ELMS weekend was incredible! The combination of the new car, new grid and classes as well as the rollercoaster-like track provided a very steep entry into the GTE environment for me. To work together with the engineers and drivers, namely Ross Gunn and Darren Turner gave me the possibility to steadily improve as the weekend progressed.”
This result left Beechdean AMR fifth in the team standings, just 5 points shy of third.
Source material - Beechdean AMR
Photo credits - ELMS
