Duckhams-driven victory as Smalley triumphs
Duckhams-sponsored Adam Smalley achieved a thrilling victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain 2023, marking his third British championship win. The young, prodigious driver delivered a spectacular performance throughout this year's competition.
The final two rounds of the 16-round championship took place at Brands Hatch on October 8. However, the real turning point occurred on September 24, 2023, during rounds 13 and 14 at Silverstone. It was here that Adam Smalley secured the championship with remarkable ease. His exceptional performance in round 14, where he achieved his 13th podium finish out of 14 races in the season, solidified his dominance. This remarkable consistency made him the undisputed champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain 2023 with two rounds to spare, and celebrated a significant milestone in his racing career.
The championship started in April with the first two rounds at Donnington Park. Subsequent rounds took place at Brands Hatch, Thruxton, Oulton Park, Knockhill and Silverstone before returning to Donnington Park and Brands Hatch for the grand finale.
Duckhams chose to sponsor Adam Smalley not only because of his racing talent but also because of his commitment to the racing world, which aligns closely with Duckhams' values. Adam's unwavering determination, relentless spirit, and passion for racing make him the ideal driver for Duckhams sponsorship. Additionally, Duckhams, an iconic British lubricant brand since 1899, has a prestigious motorsport heritage, making the partnership with Adam Smalley a natural fit.
Duckhams' successful association with motorsport began in the 1960s with motorcycle racing. In 1971, the company moved into Formula 1, Formula 3 and Formula Ford sponsorship, which proved to be a winning move. Duckhams-sponsored Jackie Ickx won the F1 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in 1974, and in 1975, James Hunt won the Dutch Grand Prix in a Surtees. During the 1980s and 1990s, the original British motor oil supported the Van Diemen Works Formula Ford Team and celebrated victory in 1981 when Ari Vatanen became World Rally Champion. Duckhams' involvement with the Porsche Carrera GB Cup began in 2021 with a first victory by Duckhams driver Dan Cammish, followed by Adam's victory in 2023.
Hailing from Poulton-Le-Fylde, Adam's career began in karting, where he showcased his potential early on. Transitioning to car racing, Adam won the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2018, propelling him into the Ginetta GT5 Challenge in 2019. He moved up to the Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship in 2020 and had a strong debut season.
In 2021, Adam secured the Ginetta GT4 Supercup championship. Following this success, he was selected as the Porsche GB Junior driver for 2022/2023.
In his debut year in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship, Adam's impressive performance earned him second place in the 2022 championship. In 2023, he achieved his goal by winning the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship with an outstanding season, securing 13 podiums in 14 races. This victory adds to his growing list of British Champion titles.
Duckhams Chairman Jabir Sheth said, "Adam's championship win in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB underscores his exceptional talent and showcases the dedication that has fuelled Duckhams since 1899. His victory exemplifies the spirit of winners. Duckhams is proud to support him and looks forward to his promising future in motorsports, with gratitude to all our fans and partners for their crucial support. Congratulations, Adam, here's to more wins together!"
Duckhams are also OR BRIC Superbike 2023 champions in Thailand, solidifying their motorsports legacy. Founded by Alexander Duckham, a natural innovator, successful businessman, and pioneer of modern movement, Duckhams has been making engines move since 1899.