In a late deal Motorbase Performance have finalised plans to add a second Porsche to their Avon Tyres British GT Championship stable for their return to the championship.
“I'm over the moon to expand the team to two cars this early in the season,” said team principal David Bartrum. “We're looking for someone to partner Steve for the season, but the best thing for Oulton was to find someone who is experienced in the car. Nick was the obvious choice given the short amount of time available.”
Motorbase, who exited the Porsche Carrera Cup GB over the winter, previously confirmed a move into the British GT championship with drivers Michael Caine and Daniele Perfetti. Bartrum's team will now add a second 911 GT3R for Steve Parish, who contested the Carrera Cup for Motorbase in 2011.
A permanent co-driver for Parrish – who drove in the ProAm classes of the Carrera Cup – has yet to be named, but Nick Tandy has been named as the man who will perform driving duties for this weekend's opening race at Oulton Park. Tandy has been a front runner in the F1 supporting Porshe Supercup, running champion Rene Rast close for the 2010 title.
The Briton joined Motorbase for the final rounds of last season Carrera Cup GB, dominating the finale weekend at Silverstone.
Motorbase's announcement brings the total number of Porsches on the 2012 British GT Championship grid, Motorbase's brace of cars joining three cars from the front running Trackspeed team, whose line-up includes another former Motorbase driver in Tim Harvey.
The Avon Tyres British GT Championship begins with two one hour races at Oulton Park on Easter Monday (April 9).