Team Shredded Wheat Racing with DUO has endured a tough start to 2017 but is hoping for a change in fortunes this coming weekend as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship gets set to tackle Hampshire’s flat-out Thruxton Circuit (6-7 May).
Following two difficult events at Brands Hatch and Donington Park, the Motorbase-run outfit heads to one of the most demanding tracks on the BTCC calendar looking to make up ground lost in a championship that is already one fifth of the way through.
Thruxton has been a happy hunting ground for Motorbase over the years. The Kent-based squad took a double win here last season with Mat Jackson and Andrew Jordan notching one victory apiece. The latter holds an impressive strike rate on the punishing track, celebrating race wins and podiums in all but one meeting in Hampshire since 2009.
“I love Thruxton as a circuit, it demands big commitment and a lot of balls! It’s exhilarating to drive and really is one of those circuits that gets the blood pumping," said the Henley-in-Arden racer.
“We’ve had some great results there in the past and I hope this weekend our luck will turn and we can get onto the podium and back into the fight for race wins.”
After a stalled start to the season, the outfit has its sights firmly set on a return to winning ways this weekend.
Team Manager Oly Collins said: “After a tough weekend at Donington we're looking ahead to Thruxton with a mind to put things right. We recently completed a successful test there along with some of the competition and we're heading into the weekend full of vigour.
“The circuit is simply unique and one where you need to have the car nailed in every aspect. It’s as much of a chassis circuit as it is about power, aero and the driver - if you're lacking in any one of those areas it will show.
“We're aiming to open our podium account this weekend! We had two wins here last season; hopefully we can replicate that success again.”
Martin Depper added: “I’m looking forward to the weekend, I love the fast corners of Thruxton and we know that the Focus is strong there. Hopefully some warm weather and a little change of luck will see us start our championship challenge in earnest this weekend and get some points in the bag.”
“Consistency is the aim for me this weekend," said Luke Davenport. "Hopefully a strong start and then we can build from there and get a little closer to the sharp end of the action!
"I’ve only driven Thruxton once before, but I really like fast circuits and the way the car moves around at high speeds, so it should suit. Mat and the team have a great record there and both (Andrew) Jordan and Mat took a win in this car last year so it will be interesting to see how we fare.”
Rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will be broadcast live and in high-definition on ITV4 and via the ITV Hub on Sunday 7th May from 1115 – 1820. Live timing of Saturday’s qualifying session is also available at btcc.net/live between 1610 – 1640, along with both free practice sessions while itv.com/btcc will have the whole of qualifying streamed live from 1600.
