Only 1 race now separates Daryl DeLeon Taylor (with car owner Brad Thurston) and the British Endurance Championship’s (BEC) 2023 title after another strong weekend last September. The pair went on to deliver a class podium finish at Snetterton Circuit and maintain their point advantage atop the overall standings.
It has been 2 long months since Daryl and Brad last drove the #28 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car. So, it was only natural for Team HARD. Racing to arrive at the 3.219 km Snetterton 200 early on Thursday to give themselves enough time to get used to the track and make a few setup changes before race day. With their homework done, Brad strapped in for Qualifying on Saturday and did an amazing job to set the 3rd fastest time of the session. This gave them a good shot at the 2 hour endurance with a 2nd row start and keep their title hopes alive.
Round 5 of the championship got the green light at exactly 2:50 PM with Brad first behind the wheel. He put in a solid 1-hour stint and kept the #28 black-and-green 911 GT3 within striking distance of the leaders before handing the car over to Daryl. The 18-year-old Filipino-British driver then continued their push towards the front where he later found himself in the class lead.
However, one of the rear tires suddenly delaminated in the closing stages of the race. It was just fortunate that Daryl managed to keep the car in control before limping back to the pits. Although this cost them a lot of time, a Safety Car period allowed them to catch up to the pack and limit the damage. But it was far too little, far too late for Daryl to regain all the places that he had lost and brought the car home 7th overall and 2nd in Class C.
Daryl and Brad still holds onto a 2 point lead in the overall standings as the championship battle goes down to the wire. The 2023 title will be decided at the BEC season finale at Donington Park on October 14.
Daryl DeLeon Taylor: “Overall a good weekend at Snetterton. I’d like to thank Team HARD Racing, my engineer Matt, and the whole crew, Ben Sharp, Alex, and most importantly Brad. He drove really well and showed a massive improvement. We’re now looking really good for the last round in October and fingers crossed that it all goes well. Thank you to TMS, Auntie Anne’s, and Time Attack Manila for all the support as it goes a long way.”
Daryl DeLeon Taylor is supported by Auntie Anne’s and Train Maintenance Services (TMS).
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