AMERSHAM’S James Birch dominated rounds three and four of the Porsche GT Challenge Series at Rockingham to move five points clear of rival Sam Liquorish in the Championship.

Birch was in imperious form all weekend, drawing upon all his teenage experience of single-seat racing on a rain-soaked track to secure two pole positions, two fastest lap times and, most importantly, two wins.

And he was delighted to bounce back after a disappointing opening weekend in the racing calendar at Snetterton last month, where he vowed to do everything possible to win at Rockingham.

He said, “I didn’t think I’d come out of Rockingham leading the championship because not finishing the first race at Snetterton could have hampered me for longer. It’s fantastic to make it two wins out of two and to come out with full points. I’m very happy.

“I came here to win both races and we’ve managed to achieve the dream.”

Racing conditions would have been more ideal last weekend for the Porsche driver as Britain finally enjoyed some glorious sunshine. Fortunately for Birch, he thrives when he’s battling against our crazy climate.

He said, “I enjoy driving the car in the wet to be honest.”

In Saturday’s race, Birch cruised home from first on the grid in some style to win by 19 seconds.

Sunday’s race was more difficult for the Amersham driver, who once again led from the front until the safety car was deployed to tend to Tom Hallissey’s accident. However, Birch was comfortably the quickest driver around and once again built a four second margin over John Ferguson. From this point onwards, no one could get near him.

When the chequered flag brought the curtain down on his fine weekend, Birch’s performance on the track wasn’t the only message he sent out to his rivals.

He said, “I think other drivers will be feeling more pressure now because they have to catch me.

“I was quite dominant in the opening weekend but I was feeling the pressure because I wanted to prove a point. The win took a lot of pressure off my shoulders for Rockingham and I was more level-headed this time round.

“I had to be, because if I hadn’t finished again my championship challenge could be over.”

The next weekend of racing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series takes place at Thruxton on June 17.

Follow Birch on twitter: @JBirchracing