Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing will look to ‘pick up where they left off’ when the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns to action this weekend (July 27/28) as Croft Circuit prepares to host Rounds 16, 17 & 18 of the 2024 campaign.
The Vauxhall Astra squad head to the North Yorkshire venue brimming with confidence after Árón Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble capped off a memorable first half of the season by clinching a sensational first-ever double podium for the team at Oulton Park.
That success was the cherry on top of a fine run of results which had not only seen Taylor-Smith and Doble claim a clean sweep of wins in the Independents’ Championship, but also saw them maintain a 100% points-scoring record.
Following the conclusion of the series’ annual summer break - where the team has methodically rebuilt both cars and also starred at the Goodwood Festival of Speed - expectations are high as the battle for supremacy prepares to ramp up.
Heading to Croft in positive spirits is Taylor-Smith who holds the advantage in the Independent Drivers’ Championship as it stands. While tallying more overall podiums will be the target, the Irishman is mindful of maintaining his lofty position in the standings.
After coming oh-so close to a maiden victory at Oulton Park, Doble is equally eager to get back behind the wheel as he looks to further strengthen his lead at the top of the Jack Sears Trophy standings - of which he has largely dominated so far this season.
Qualifying will be broadcast on the ITV Sport YouTube channel on Saturday from 14:50 before all three races are aired LIVE on ITV4 on Sunday. Race one is scheduled to begin at 12:05 ahead of race two at 14:45 and race three at 17:00.
Árón Taylor-Smith said: “It goes without saying that Croft has always been a circuit that I’ve gelled with ever since I first went there. It has a good blend of high risk and technical corners which really suit my driving style.
“We head into the weekend with our heads held high and knowing that we have the capabilities to challenge at the front. The aim is to kick off the second half of the season in the same way we end the first half.
“The car is in the best place it has ever been and I’m driving better than ever too so to say that I’m excited to see what we can achieve is understatement.”
Mikey Doble said: “Croft is one of my favourite circuits on the calendar and with the buzz still ringing around the team from our recent results, we should be in a strong position to challenge for the podium again.
“I’ve got a healthy lead in the Jack Sears Trophy now and I don’t intend on letting my foot off the gas pedal at all. I’ve also got the Independents’ Championship that I’m keeping my eye on as well.
“The improvements that we’ve made to the car this season have been working well and I’m confident that they will be there for all to see at the weekend. I can’t wait to get back in the car and see what we can do.”
Martin Broadhurst, Team Manager, said: “It’s been anything but a break during the BTCC’s summer hiatus, however, we wouldn’t have it any other way really. We’ve had both cars stripped right back and rebuilt - no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of finding that bit more speed too.
“Coming off the back of the double podium at Oulton Park, the whole team has a real spring in their step and we head to Croft this weekend with not only momentum behind us, but also the confidence that we can challenge towards the front once again.”
Adam Weaver, Team Principal, said: “I think that we showed everyone that we are a force to be reckoned with at Oulton Park and now coming off the back of the summer break, we’re fully focused on reinforcing that point at Croft.
“Every single member of the team has been working tirelessly these last few weeks to ensure that both Árón and Mikey have the best opportunity to hit the ground running. I’m excited to see what we can do not only at Croft, but also over the course of the remaining rounds too.”
