Beechdean Aston Martin Racing (AMR) 2017 European Le Mans Series Campaign took a turn for the better this weekend at the famous Spa Francorchamps venue. Drivers Andrew Howard, Darren Turner and Ross Gunn made their third trip to the rostrum this season.

After a difficult qualifying session, that saw Beechdean AMR youngster Gunn struggle for pace and qualify an eventual 6th, the #99 Aston Martin GTE V8 Vantage made gradual gains during the first stint. 

Gunn, who was driving the first stint, was challenging for the lead when the safety car took to the track for the first time.

Three times Le Mans 24 hour GT winner Darren Turner jumped in for the second stint. Despite leading the race throughout his stint, he was left frustrated by two safety car periods that left him unable to bridge a gap to the JMW and Spirit of Race Ferrari’s that were in pursuit.

There were no Safety Cars during that next stint but Howard’s run was interrupted by a Full Course Yellow.  He defended his position well and ultimately handed the Aston Martin over to Gunn for the run to the flag in fourth place. Once all competitors had made their final pit stops, Gunn found himself in a comfortable third place as he approached the chequered flag.

“Spa has always been one of my favourite circuits, so to race in glorious sunshine and stand on the podium at the end of the race is a great feeling.” commented Andrew Howard. “As ever ELMS produced an action packed race with action across all classes, a good weekend.”

Aston Martin Racing Factory Driver Darren Turner said: "Great to be back on the podium in ELMS. 

"Both Andrew and Ross had good stints and the team dealt well with the changing scenarios of safety cars and Full course yellows. To start at the back and work through to the podium was a great day at the office."

"I thoroughly enjoyed my stints in the race," said Beechdean AMR's Ross Gunn. "Having started last, I was really pleased with my progress during the first stint. 

"Once I got in the car at the end, Darren and Andrew had done enough work to make it a fairly comfortable run to third place. I am confident we can find some gains as a team for Portimao."