Porsche points add up well for Jackson

Ollie Jackson is delighted to have clinched the Pro-Am 1 category of the Porsche Carrera Cup after leading the division from the beginning of the 20-race series.

'It's been a excellent year,' said the Attleborough racer. 'I have been consistent all year and finished every race in the points'.

Even more remarkable is that in the two years the local racer has contested the Porsche Carrera Cup, he has finished in the points on every occasion.

'It's a record my mates wouldn't have believed was possible,' laughed Jackson, who was known to be a bit wild at times in his formative seasons spent in the Caterham race series.

Jackson was quick to praise his team for his finishing record: 'All credit to Motorbase, Timmy Hull and my mechanic Richard, because you don't get 40 finishes from 40 races without having a solid car, especially with so many wins in there as well.'

The Porsche Carrera Cup is the leading category on the British Touring Car Championship support package, which ensures high media interest with all races receiving television coverage, which has helped to promote Jackson as a promising sports car newcomer.

During the season, Jackson secured 11 category victories from the 20 starts to seal his championship victory.

'It's been tough, particularly with Jonas Gelzinis as my major rival,' said Jackson. 'He has had a bit of bad luck, which has widened the gap more than it would have been. He's never an easy man to beat.'

Over the latter stages of the season, Jackson had to resist the temptation to fight too much against the pro drivers as he concentrated on securing the Pro-Am 1 title.

However, he secured sufficient points in the main championship to finish in a highly respectable sixth place, narrowly ahead of his more experienced Motorbase team-mate, pro racer Charles Bateman.

'I've had to be careful about racing against the pro drivers over the second half of the season, as they can be a bit robust. I needed to ensure I look the points in my division.'

'I've mixed it in the top five and finished fourth in the last race at Brands so know that I can race against the more experienced pro drivers,' added Jackson.

'I have ordered a new 911GT3 Cup car and just need to raise a full budget.'

To complete his season, the Lotus engineer blew the dust off his Caterham and joined his former rivals in a four-car team, which contested the Birkett Relay race at Silverstone.

'It's a great way to finish a fabulous season,' said Jackson, who started the six-hour endurance race.

The team gave chase to their Caterham rivals, Cater Ham and Eggs, and in the final hour passed them to win Class C and finish sixth on handicap, eighth overall.