After trading blows all night with Maxim Ramsteijn, Kevin Nielsen claimed victory in a classic Feature Race finish between two drivers that have defined this season. A shorter round with no second Heat Race or Consolation Race, as the PorscheSport Carrera Cup entered the penultimate race of the season at the Suzuka circuit. But it was a round that certainly delivered, with Gunonso Tasdelen qualifying on Pole for the only Heat Race of the night with Ramsteijn alongside the Team Anatolia driver on the front row. Kevin Nielsen lined up in third whilst Brian Lockwood and Cenk Inceoglu made up the Top 5 for the Heat Race at Suzuka.

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From start to finish, an intense battle that would be eagerly watched between Ramsteijn and Nielsen started straight from the beginning of the Heat Race with both drivers going wheel to wheel in the Porsche 911 Cup car throughout. Tasdelen meanwhile failed to keep hold of his Pole position after a bad start which went from bad to worse for the Pole sitter who spun and dropped to 22nd , whilst Lewis Ward and teammate to Tasdelen, Cenk Inceoglu were also both involved in incidents in the opening stages of the Heat Race.

Quentin Vialatte was able to close up on Brian Lockwood in third but lost a position to Lockwood’s teammate Sam Kuitert. Kevin Nielsen, meanwhile, who had been passed by Ramsteijn around the outside of Turns 1 and 2 in a move that could only be seen at Suzuka with 9 minutes to go. Now led going into the final lap, and after a series of audacious moves throughout the Heat Race, claimed victory and Pole position for the Feature Race.

Unknown to Nielsen, the driver who has been competing by himself only needed to finish in second place to claim this season’s PorscheSport Carrera Cup crown. And at lights out for the 30-minute Feature Race, Nielsen found himself in the lead as Ramsteijn and Lockwood went side by side into Turn 1, as they did at the beginning of the Heat Race. Ramsteijn coming out best and on the back of Nielsen again.

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Pascal Costa slipped down the order which did not help the Impulse Racing driver’s chances of finish seventh in the standings. Whilst Dylan Birse in an uncharacteristic move ran wide at the Casio Triangle. The 130R section at Suzuka claimed its first victim with Thomas Guldalian spinning after the rear of his Porsche 911 Cup car went in the AstroTurf. Tasdelen being fortunate to walk away and be in 13th position.

Lockwood, Kamil Grabowski and Alexander Lauritzen’s battle for third began to take shape as with 12 minutes left, Ramsteijn made the first move for the lead on Nielsen in a lead that only lasted for 5 minutes, as Nielsen then returned the favour on Ramsteijn at the 130R section in Suzuka, to retake the lead. The battle behind for third became a hardcore scrap as Grabowski after trying to make a move on Lockwood down the inside at 130R was finally able to make his move on Lockwood and move up to third. Lauritzen also capitalized on Lockwood’s battle with Grabowski to pass Lockwood and move up to fourth.

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But all night, the beauty of Suzuka proved why the circuit is easier to defend on rather than to attack on especially in the Porsche 911 Cup cars that have no traction control and rely on the driver’s skill.

And as Kevin Nielsen and Maxim Ramsteijn attacked each other in their ongoing respectful battle. With only two laps to go and in a straight fight to the chequered flag, Kevin Nielsen held off Maxim Ramstiejn and impressively won the PorscheSport Carrera Cup on his first attempt and with a round to spare! “To win with one round to go is amazing!” Realising that he was now the Champion, a surprised Nielsen spoke after the race and admitted that his “expectation coming into the season was pretty low,” as he hoped for a Top 10 finish in the standings.

Nielsen also commended Ramstiejn on his drive and the “enjoyable” fight he had with him saying that this race in Suzuka had been his best moment of the season. Ramsteijn as well after the race, commended Kevin on his season and becoming the Champion, as the Core SimRacing driver reflected on how he felt he had progressed this season and was “feeling more comfortable in Qualifying,” as he now looks to try to finish in front of Lauritzen and tries to win in Sebring a personal favourite for Ramsteijn.

As all eyes turn to the battle for second place heading into the final race of the season. A massive congratulations to Kevin Nielsen then on becoming this season’s Champion. The PorscheSport Carrera Cup now heads to the final round in Sebring on June 13th .