The appearance of exciting new cars to the British GT4 grid this year is complemented by some fresh, dynamic driving talent, who have identified the series as a sound move in their career progression.
Dan Cammish had a stellar season in British Formula Ford in 2013 and has been one of the rising stars of the domestic scene, but realistic choices had to be made in taking this success forward. Already setting quick times in a car that is still somewhat finding its mark, Dan is a standout driver making visible progress in a hard contested and increasingly healthy GT category.
We caught up with Dan in the Team Parker Racing motor home after warm-up for the Silverstone 3-hour event.
“This is the start of what I intend to be a long GT career. I came up through karting and found my way into Formula Ford which, though it couldn’t have been more successful, was a bit of a mixed blessing. I won every race (24 consecutive wins), which on the face of it is great, but it brings negative things too: people start to question the cars, the grids, and it can be unfair on the other drivers, some of whom were very talented. Also, you can lose your focus when winning becomes normality. But having ended up in hospital after my first Formula Ford race and been sidelined for a while it got me noticed. Once you get some momentum you know when it’s your year.”
So how did the deal with Team Parker Racing come together?
“I couldn’t get a budget together for Touring Cars, which would have been the next step, but this fell into place quite naturally. I got a call a week before the British GT media day to come along and drive the car – I’d never driven a tin-top before, and that was the first time I’d driven a Porsche. Afterwards everyone was just expecting me to be in the car, so it just kind of happened really.”
Having proven your skills so comfortably in Formula Ford short-format races, what are the challenges and adjustments you’ve had to face in coming over to an endurance team?
“The great thing about British GT is its Pro-Am nature, and I think that’s even more prominent in GT4 as the more affordable class. When I took the drive I knew Barrie (Baxter) would need some development and that’s the deal. Actually Barrie has a long racing history, he’s raced bikes and historics for 20 years so is no newcomer. We’ve done three races and three tests together, which isn’t much, and I’m happy how things are moving along.
“Yes, there will be a difference in our times, but it’s about managing and slowly improving the mix. The main thing is to bring the car home at this stage and show some progress. I think the driver pairings balance in GT4 is tougher than GT3 when you look at some of the combinations. We’ve always qualified strongly and if Barrie can get a couple of good stints in this weekend I am sure we will do well here.”
Has your driving style had to be adapted?
“The car is a good all-rounder. It’s actually a de-tuned 997; an ’09 Porsche Cup car to GT4 spec. It doesn’t have much aero, so it’s all down to mechanical grip, which suits my style nicely – it feels like a big Formula Ford. But in the BOP they’ve raised the ride height and added weight to the car to reflect what they see as a performance advantage. For me that doesn’t reflect the performance of a car over a three hour race, it’s all geared to how fast they think the car will be over a lap. At Rockingham I was constantly on the radio asking them what they wanted; pushing, easing off, saving the tyres…it was always changing. But in the end you get to a point where you decide you’re not going to win so you might as well give it a good thrashing and see what happens. The Porsche is a reliable and quick car for GT4 – it’s proven German engineering so you’re confident with it.”
So, having started well and taken on the role of a team player, what are the goals for Dan going forward?
“The plan is to go to GT3, that’s the only option. I have achieved a lot but I can’t pay to get into a team; I have to impress. I would have loved to have progressed – and I have the ability – to be in GP2, but you need serious backing. To get into Formula 1 these days is just out of reach unless you have the financial support of a small country… single-seater racing is not what it used to be.
“My long term career now is in sports cars. It’s a broader career path where you can progress your talent. My contemporaries are James Calado and Sam Bird, who did really well in GP2, but have now landed in good GT drives.
“It’s a sound move. If you haven’t lined something up by your early twenties the F1 thing is over, and it’s such a narrow focus. With GTs I’m 24 and young again. And I can fit in the car and stretch out, which at 6’3” is a new experience for me too…!
“I have a career again and I want to make the most of this opportunity. Hopefully by the time the guys campaigning in single-seaters realise they have to be doing this too I will have the advantage.”
Martin Little
