STOCK Green driver Brian Thorp made an impressive debut in the Super Coupe Cup with victory in the opening round at Brands Hatch, writes David Lawrence.

And the win means the 45-year-old company director is now unbeaten on the racetrack for more than a year after clinching the Le Mans AutoItalia Championship in an Alfa Romeo 33 last year.

Thorp, at the wheel of his Continental China/Aeroplas-backed Vauxhall Vectra for the first time, took pole position and led from start to finish on a rain-drenched Brands Hatch circuit, setting the fastest lap in the process.

"I am highly delighted," the championship rookie said. "There were far more experienced drivers than me out there and yet I led right from the start.

"I only managed one test session in the car before Brands - and we had to cut that short. As a result, I think there is better still to come."

Next race in 12-round Super Coupe Cup is at Oulton Park on Saturday March 31.