Adam Morgan will arrive at his home round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Tarporley’s Oulton Park next weekend (6/7 June) on the crest of a wave, having taken victory in the most recent round of Britain’s biggest car racing championship.
The BTCC attracts a huge crowd to the Cheshire venue and Adam is aiming to impress his local fans as he sets his targets on championship leader Gordon Shedden, who is just 16 points ahead. There are 20 points available for a race win, and the 26-year-old has three chances to take the chequered flag next weekend.
“It is a great feeling to be so close to the top of the championship," said Adam, who drives a Mercedes A-Class for family team WIX Racing. “I think there is always a little extra pressure when you are at your local track. It’s where most drivers gained their race licence, where they took part in their first race and where they’ve driven the most laps. As the local boy there is that expectation from others that you will go well, and of course that adds to the pressure. You always want to do well at your local track.”
Adam’s win at the recent Thruxton round was his second in the championship, but since the first came after another driver was disqualified, it’s the first time he got to celebrate on the podium. “Standing on the top step was a fantastic feeling,” he said. “Seeing everyone in the team and all the spectators and fans was great. We also managed to get the whole team and sponsors on the podium as well for a photo, it’s something I will never forget.
“We have been knocking on the door of a 'proper' win for a long time, and to finally cross the line and take the flag first on the road was great. The team work incredibly hard, from the hospitality side to the mechanical side and for everyone it was a great moment and a great reward for everyone’s efforts.”
Adam will be on the track for two practice sessions next Saturday (6 June), before a crucial qualifying session to determine the grid for the opening race on Sunday. “You can’t hold anything back on this circuit, qualifying is key,” he continued. “You have to qualify at the front to give yourself the best chance of a good result. It is one of the best tracks to drive and when you get it right it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Adam faces tough competition in next weekend’s three BTCC races from a grid of 29 cars, including reigning champion Colin Turkington from Northern Ireland, former champions Jason Plato (both VW), Matt Neal and Shedden (Honda), Andrew Jordan (MG), and triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx (BMW). The event also includes support races from the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Renault UK Clio Cup, Ginetta Juniors, Ginetta GT Supercup and MSA Formula. Spectators can follow all of the action on giant TV screens and there’s a free pitwalk on Sunday morning where they can meet the drivers, including Adam.
Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park on 6/7 June are available from £26, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.oultonpark.co.uk
