Read: Interview – Harry King: “The success wasn’t totally unexpected”

Amongst the thrilling BTCC races enjoyed so far in 2020, a young talent has shone in the supporting Porsche Carrera Cup series.

19-year-old Harry King has won six of eight races so far this year, having been crowned Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion just a year ago, too. In addition to this, King holds the title of being Porsche’s Carrera Cup GB Junior for 2020/21 – an honour that earns the marque’s backing through an extensive and demanding scouting process.

His 2019 success made King a familiar name in the paddock and after his immaculate title win, in front of former-BTCC and British GT star Will Burns, few would have doubted his natural ability as he made the switch to Porsche. Yet, with his stock raising in every round we visit, Motorsport Radio writer William Holmes caught up with the Berkshire young star about his entry to racing, switching vehicles and that weekend at Knockhill…

You’re showing great ability behind the wheel of a race car at a very young age. How did you first get into motorsport?

I got involved in motorsport unexpectedly. I always had a passion for cars, and would sit down and watch the F1 with my father and older brother when I was younger. My father bought a go-kart for my older brother, but he didn’t really take much of a fancy to it. Myself, on the other hand, jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back since!

You’ve caught the eyes of many BTCC/TOCA fans with your performances in the Porsche this year. Are you surprised by how well you’re doing, or do you always back your ability to perform?

It has been a very strong start to the season, I can’t deny that, with six wins out of eight races so far. I wouldn’t say the success was totally unexpected, as I knew we were competitive from pre-season testing and on the media day, but to be winning on my debut weekend – that wasn’t in the plan to say the least!

Yourself and teammate Josh Webster have enjoyed many great battles upfront this season. How does it affect you when one of your teammates is as strong as Josh?

It’s a very strong lineup with Josh and myself in Team Parker Racing. We work very well together in the team, and always push each other that extra step, which is nice I suppose. Of course Josh is a champion in Carrera Cup too, so he’s got plenty of experience which I can only learn from.

Perhaps your best race this year came recently at Knockhill, when you started 10th and still won at a track where it is notoriously hard to overtake. Where does this race win rank in your collection?

The race at Knockhill is certainly up there in my catalogue of wins. I think the situation in Race 1 [getting a DNF] made the win that little bit sweeter, and from 10th on the grid, too. It was pure elation and emotion when crossing the line.

The Porsche 911 GT3s are the fastest cars in the TOCA package, with 485bhp on offer – what is the Cup car like to drive?

It’s a very unique car, with the engine over the rear axle, therefore making the driving style very different to anything I’ve driven before. I think it’s a car that suits my driving style well, as I was pretty much on the pace within the first few outings in the car, and I thoroughly enjoy driving it.

You are also reigning champion of the Ginetta GT4 Supercup, with 11 wins to your name in 2019. What are the main differences between the Porsche’s and the Ginetta’s?

They’re the complete opposite really – the Porsche is a lot more technical to drive and it requires a very particular way of driving, whereas the GT4 Supercup was pure attack all the time.

How did you feel when you were crowned champion last year?

It was my first major championship win in motorsport, so that made it much sweeter. With it being such a challenging season with technical faults, it was just a huge sense of relief and happiness.

Finally, which circuit is your favourite to race at in the TOCA package?

I’d have to say either Brands Hatch GP or Knockhill – I can’t decide!

Many thanks to Harry for the great interview, and Motorsport.Radio wishes him the best of luck for the remainder of the season.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB returns at Thruxton on 19-20 September.