The Porsche Carrera Cup GB can be an intimidating environment for a nascent team. It’s a championship known for its narrow margins, and its single-make format ensures that anyone who underperforms is quickly revealed.
The inclusion of well-established teams such as Team Parker Racing (a mainstay of the series for over two decades), JTR, and Century Motorsport – all proven winners – guarantees intense competition.
Yet, Eden Race Drive has courageously taken on these successful titans and has certainly made a mark this season. Its lead driver, Will Martin, is currently topping the standings after the opening four events of 2024, while the team holds a prime position at the top of the teams’ championship.
Despite being a new contender, the Eden Race Drive roster includes several familiar faces. The team is led by Dino Zamparelli, who has extensive knowledge of Porsches. He was the Carrera Cup runner-up for three consecutive years starting in 2016, each time with a different team, and has gained insight into how various teams operate. He is supported by engineers and mechanics with significant Porsche expertise as well.
However, Zamparelli did not foresee accumulating so much silverware so swiftly for a team that had only participated in a few Porsche Club GB races before this season.
“At the beginning of the year, our main goal was just to get on the grid,” he reflects. “Once we established that we could compete, we felt confident about performing well. Although we felt somewhat unprepared since we hadn’t tested much, and things came together rather last-minute.”
“We were optimistic about the experience of our engineers and mechanics but were unsure about how long it would take to synchronize everything. Winning at round one with Will was a significant confidence boost.”
Zamparelli is embracing his new position as a team leader after narrowly missing out on the Carrera Cup title as a driver
Photo by: Porsche
Martin’s victory in the opening race at Donington Park was a strong statement, particularly since he had only just finalized his agreement with the team. He finished third in the 2022 standings, then spent last season competing in the equivalent North American Carrera Cup, and has been pleasantly surprised by his new team.
“The way the team operates is impressive; Dino Zamparelli has done an incredible job – everything runs seamlessly,” explains Martin, who credits the team’s thorough preparation and ability to establish a solid baseline setup as crucial factors in their robust performance during the season’s initial half.
“It doesn’t feel like you’re part of a brand-new team; it has the feel of an operation with a decade’s worth of experience. They are incredibly consistent.”
“I don’t feel the need to get in the car myself. It’s still enjoyable – it’s a different kind of enjoyment, but it’s rewarding and brings a sense of satisfaction.”
Dino Zamparelli
The recent Croft round marked the first time Martin did not win either race. Nevertheless, his six podium finishes out of eight races still places him in an excellent position.
In addition to Martin’s success, Harry Foster has also earned podium finishes this year, while Oliver White is a strong contender in Pro-Am, and Will Aspin has reached the class podium as well. Zamparelli remains cautious, stating, “We’re all preparing for some less favorable days, but that’s part of this championship.”
The team’s inception stemmed from a business centered on “corporate days and coaching” but has evolved significantly since. Former GP3 podium finisher Zamparelli is thoroughly enjoying his new responsibilities away from racing.
“The journey has been fascinating, with a lot of behind-the-scenes effort, and the results have been a pleasant surprise,” he adds. “I’d love to be out there winning myself, but I’ve passed that ambition on – I don’t feel the need to be in the car. It’s still enjoyable – albeit a different type of enjoyment, but it’s fulfilling and gives a sense of achievement.”
Martin is leading the charge as the season reaches its midpoint
Photo by: Porsche/JEP
What Zamparelli emphasizes is that he views this as a long-term endeavor and does not intend for the team’s early success to be merely a passing trend. This is reflected in his ambition to operate a larger multi-car setup in their inaugural Carrera Cup season, rather than limiting it to just one or two cars, showcasing his vision for a serious “commercial” operation.
“It’s about laying the groundwork for future seasons,” he continues. “In our first year, if we end up winning the championship, fantastic. We didn’t anticipate being here, so we’ll focus on doing the best job possible and see where it leads us. It’s a step-by-step approach to see how far we can go.”
Regardless of where Eden Race Drive heads in the coming years – and Zamparelli is keen to remain flexible – Martin’s 21-point lead at the midway point of the Carrera Cup season is an impressive start as the team aims to fend off the challenge from more established competitors.
Martin secured a winning debut for Eden Race Drive at the Donington Park season opener; can he clinch the championship?
Photo by: Porsche/JEP
