Triple Eight Racing celebrated its 500th Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race start in Sunday's season opener at Donington Park, scoring solid points in its defence of the Manufacturer/Constructor championship.
On top of the battle to affirm a strong foothold in the championship, round four importantly marked a huge milestone for the team.
Founded in the winter of 1996, Triple Eight was formed by Derek Warwick, Roland Dane and Ian Harrison. The trio created one of the most formidable teams to ever enter a touring car paddock and have successfully expanded into V8 Supercars, Rallying and more recently GT racing. However, it is touring cars and the endeavors in the BTCC that have for many years been the fundamental discipline for the team.
Since joining the BTCC in 1997, Triple Eight has racked up an impressive 393 podiums, 130 wins and 113 fastest laps, meaning that a Triple Eight Racing prepared car has featured on the podium in 79 per cent of every race it has entered. Amassing 23 championship victories in the series as well, both Jordan and Goff have nothing but respect for what Team Principal Ian Harrison has achieved, and are looking to mark the special occasion in style.
“I have a huge amount of respect for H and what he has achieved in the sport, and I am very proud to be part of his team and to represent 888 in its 500th race,” explained Jordan. “I would love to get a win for him in race one, even if I did I can’t imagine him being too emotional; he doesn’t strike me as the soppy type!”
Goff added: “It’s important to keep the boss happy, Andy may have the best chance of a podium in race one, I will be pushing hard no matter what.”
Co-founder of the Triple Eight team and the current Managing Director, Ian Harrison comments, “As everyone has noted, the MG was quick at Donington last year. We have to learn from Brands Hatch, get on top of the set up quickly, and ensure that we are on the money this weekend with both cars.
"While our 500th race is a landmark achievement, the focus this weekend is most certainly on building our momentum for the current season. You don’t win races by looking backwards. That said, we might have a bit of cake to mark the occasion, or a pasty from Greggs!”
