Stephen Jelley has confirmed he will return to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB after signing a late deal with Team Parker Racing. The Leicester-based racer was looking to step up to the Le Mans Series with the team, but when those plans fell through; he decided to return to the Carrera Cup.
Jelley made his debut in the series in 2010 after two seasons in the British Touring Car Championship, in which he won two races. Improving throughout the year, Jelley ended his maiden season with a superb double win at the season finale at Brands Hatch. He will shakedown the car at the circuit on Tuesday ahead of the opening rounds of the series at the Kent track at the weekend.
Jelley commented: “The LMS is still an option for later in the season as the dates don't clash. But the best thing for my career is to be racing and the Carrera Cup is a great championship. I feel part of Team Parker Racing and it is good to racing with them. I fully expect to be fighting at the head of the championship.”
Despite a lack of pre-season testing, Jelley is still confident ahead of the season opener: “I had a mega result at Brands at the end of last season so I'm confident of a good result. It was important to run the car this week as I've not driven a race car since the end of last season. I just want to get the car run in and knock the dust off.”
Team Parker Racing boss Stuart Parker added: “We were aiming at the LMS with Stephen but due to unforeseen circumstances that hasn't happened. So the logical thing was to do another year of Carrera Cup and Stephen's really up for it. He was one of the strongest contender s at the end of last season and its unfinished business for him.”
