The opening round of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship was very much a learning curve for Kent’s Michael Crees.

Having had no time to test the Hyundai before the opening round at Domingo Park at the weekend free practice effectively became his test sessions.

Creesy got quicker and quicker as the weekend went on. Just missing out on points finishes in races one and two.

He was right in the thick of the action as always and the BTCC fans favourite was definitely popular among the fans in attendance and those watching on the TV at home.

He even surprised himself it seems qualifying in 17th place for Sunday’s opening race. Ultimately he would finish a lap down in 18th place.
Race two was probably his best in terms of progress, finishing less than a second behind Mikey Double and Stephen Jelley in 17th.

A topsy turvey race three would see him come home in 19th place.
Having used the opening weekend as a test session, Crees will now be hoping he can make progress up the grid and into the points at his home round of Brands Hatch in a couple of weeks time.

Speaking after the weekend, Crees said:  “There is still a bit of work to do but I’ve done my test weekend now and I want to try and look forwards. We need to look at the data we’ve collected, and I think I need to work on my own fitness as it was tough in those conditions, but we’ve come away the opening round with no damage on the car and three solid races.

“The pace has been encouraging when you consider the lack of time, I’ve had in the car coming into the weekend and whilst points would have been nice, I’m happy enough with the results.”

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