As the 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup GB series fires back into action, there will be another new name on the grid for the next round at Snetterton this week, Dan Kirby.

Those familiar with the TOCA support package at the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race weekends may recognise the name after competing in Ginetta GT4 Supercup last season where he finished sixth place in the Am class.

Kirby will make his Carrera Cup GB début this weekend with the GT Marques team, racing in the Am class, last year he secured two podium finishes in the Ginetta’s.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for the Carrera Cup, the cars just look fantastic and I think it’s fair to say the championship is certainly up there with the best in the world. Raced in the same format across the globe is what really appeals to me.” Kirby told The Checkered Flag.

“I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how I fair this coming weekend at Snetterton. If I can commit to a full seasons racing in 2019 I’d love to be in the Porsche paddock. I haven’t closed the door on a return to Ginetta Supercup, it really does depend on a few factors between now and the end of the year.”

Kirby has already had a taster of the car and will be out again in it today (25 July) at the official Carrera Cup GB test session at Snetterton.

“It’s quick! It certainly goes as well as it looks, there is a lot of mechanical grip, more than I had expected. Understanding what the car can and can’t do I think is the key to getting the very best out of it.

While seat time before his first race has been limited, he feels he is already getting an idea of how to drive the car.

“I’ve learnt a huge amount, it’s different to the Ginetta in terms of technique. These 911 GT3 Cup’s are all about the brakes, that is where the time comes from and that is where I’ll continue to learn throughout the coming days. We’ve got an official Porsche test today, so I’m looking forward to getting a gauge of where I’ll be in terms of pace against the competition.”

It has been a very close grid throughout the first half of the Carrera Cup GB season, this is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Kirby.

“Indeed it is a hugely competitive grid. All I can hope is that I’ll be able to hold my own within my class. I had some class podiums last year in the Ginetta Supercup so will be pushing hard to replicate that in the Porsche Carrera Cup.

“I’m under no illusions it’s going to be tough, being halfway through the season and no previous Porsche experience I’ll be at a disadvantage, however I’ve always been one for a challenge!”