Mikey Doble was left beaming with pride at Knockhill this past weekend (16/17 August) as Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing completed a remarkable turnaround in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
One week prior to the series’ annual trip to Scotland, it had looked as though neither Doble nor the team would be in attendance after a devastating fire destroyed the Power Maxed Racing facility, including both of its Vauxhall Astras.
Not to be defeated, the Worcestershire squad rallied in sensational fashion and with the help of the wider motorsport community, they headed north of the border with two Cupra cars - where Doble repaid everyone’s hard work by tallying a trio of race finishes.
The 26-year-old kicked off the weekend, spending much of Friday getting comfortable in his new surroundings before he and team-mate Nick Halstead, permitted by TOCA, were then allowed to complete a handful of shakedown laps later that afternoon.
Come Saturday morning, Doble joined the rest of the BTCC field for two pivotal practice sessions, where the Jack Sears Trophy holder further fine-tuned his front-wheel-drive machine. In qualifying, the Surrey-based racer managed to secure a starting spot in the midfield for race one.
Greeted with scorching temperatures and a bumper trackside crowd on Sunday, Doble had to dig deep on race day as he valiantly got to grips with the Cupra - finishing just outside the points in races one and two.
Throwing even more changes at the car for the weekend’s third and final contest, the Snetterton race winner showcased his overtaking prowess as he battled his way forward - and he was ultimately rewarded with a points finish.
Leaving Knockhill, Doble remains firmly in the hunt for the coveted BTCC Independent Drivers’ Championship with just nine races now left to run.
Mikey Doble said: “I think it’s fair to say it’s not just been a rollercoaster weekend, but a rollercoaster week. Just over seven days ago it was unclear whether we’d race again this season so to have now completed all three races at Knockhill is quite an achievement.
“I’ve got to say a massive thank you to every single member of the Power Maxed Racing team because what has been achieved over these last few days is nothing short of incredible. They moved heaven and earth to be here and put in some long hours to ensure we were competitive.
“Obviously being in Scotland was a win in itself but I would be lying if I didn’t say I hoped to come away with a little more from the weekend. That being said there were no real expectations as this was the first-ever time driving the Cupra.
“Every session was a step into the unknown but we learnt a huge amount about the car. We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve got an idea of what direction we want to take the Cupra heading into the next round - so hopefully we will see more progress at Donington Park.”
Next up for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is a return to Donington Park - albeit this time on the Grand Prix layout - for Rounds 22, 23 & 24 of the 2025 season on August 30-31.
