Well-known British privateers John Lloyd and Andrew Barnes are the two latest names to sign up for the 2011 Tuthill Porsche Challenge.
This brand new competition, an innovation in the previously traditional world of historic rallying, will put 10 impeccably-prepared historic 911s head-to-head on five prestigious rallies from April to October in 2011.
Two of the cars will now be driven by John Lloyd and Andrew Barnes: both well-known competitors in the world of rallying.
London-based John Lloyd has rallied everything from a Ford Focus WRC to a Group N Subaru Impreza, as well as a number of historic cars, including the Mk2 Ford Escort that he took to a well-deserved fourth place overall on the Rallye International du Maroc last October. He also finished third on the 2004 Safari Rally, fourth on the 2005 Safari with Tuthill Porsche, and third overall in the 2001 FIA Asia Pacific Championship.
While it’s fair to say that John is something of an Africa specialist, he has also competed with success both on the World Rally Championship and in Britain, placing ninth on the BTRDA Rally Series last year in a Ford Focus WRC.
Andrew Barnes, John’s business partner, has also competed on the BTRDA championship in a Ford Focus, finishing 12th on the national series last year, with a best result of second overall on the 2009 Tempest Rally.
Andrew is no stranger to international competition either, finishing fourth overall on the 2003 Safari: his first long-distance event.
Driving a 3.0-litre classic Porsche 911, John and Andrew will face a quite different – but equally enjoyable challenge – as they tackle five rallies on both asphalt and gravel this year. The Tuthill Porsche Challenge starts with the Bulldog Rally in Wales, followed by the Pirelli Rally, the Severn Valley Historic Challenge and the Ulster Rally before concluding with the McRae Stages in Scotland.
Tuthill Porsche director Richard Tuthill commented: “I’m absolutely delighted that John and Andrew will be joining us on the Tuthill Porsche Challenge this year. They’re both great drivers and great sportsmen, who will make fantastic ambassadors for the series. We’ve got some exciting plans in place for this all-new series, including a very special guest who should be joining us for the Bulldog Rally, and we can’t wait to get started. The build for all the cars is already well underway and we welcome any enquiries from people who would be interested in joining us this year.”
– Credit: Tuthill Porsche.