Airwaves Racing is aiming to end the season on a high note as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) arrives at the squad’s home circuit; Brands Hatch for the 2013 season finale this weekend.
The Wrotham-based squad’s recent stunning results at Silverstone and Rockingham have resulted in a large collection of silverware for the Airwaves Racing team, and the Mountune-powered Ford Focus NGTC’s are now looking likely to be one of the packages to beat as the BTCC heads into the season climax.
One of the most popular venues on the TOCA package with drivers and spectators alike; the Brands Hatch GP loop circuit has a unique combination of dips, cambers, fearsome corners and hills coupled with some of the best known and loved spectator views and the Motorbase-run outfit has celebrated many successes at its home circuit over the years.
Aron Smith celebrated his maiden BTCC race win here last year and Airwaves Racing team-mates Mat Jackson and Tom Onslow-Cole have both taken wins at the iconic circuit in recent times.
Onslow-Cole said of the the weekend ahead: “We tested on the Brands Indy circuit last week and had one of the most productive tests I’ve ever had in a touring car. We went from a car that was quite nervous and difficult to drive but fairly quick to a car that was really quick and very raceable (sic) so I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
“Brands GP is a fantastic circuit; it’s really quick with some technical sections as well and I think the Focus is going to be well suited to the circuit. It’s one of my favourites to race on and I’ve already had a few races on the track this year so hopefully I’ve already got a heads up on what’s to come!”
Meanwhile, Mat Jackson is looking forward to racing at one of his favourite circuits:
“Driving the Brands Hatch GP circuit is always an amazing experience and one that I look forward to every year.
“I’m going there looking for the win; we have a car that is in the window and should suit the fast layout of the GP. With the championship yet to be settled it’s going to be very close but I just need to stay out of trouble and focus on a big points haul.”
As for Aron Smith, he believes he has the right package to challenge at Brands Hatch this weekend:
“The GP track is one of the tracks on the calendar that I count down the days to; it’s a place I’ve always loved and especially after claiming my maiden victory around there last year.
“Coming off the back of my most successful weekend ever in the BTCC at Silverstone; I expect our Airwaves Racing Focus to be able to challenge at the front once again so hopefully I’ll be able to put on a good show in-front of the home crowd.”
Following a successful test session at the track last week; the squad is confident that Onslow-Cole’s troublesome initiation into the team is now behind them and a solid three car assault by the Airwaves Racing trio during the season’s final three races looks set to be on the cards.
The Addison Lee Motorbase squad is also back with a point to prove after being blighted by mechanic issues during the last two rounds. With the Jack Sears Trophy title having already been awarded to Lea Wood; Liam Griffin will be looking to lay claim to the final three trophies to end his season on a positive note:
“After a nightmare couple of rounds at Rockingham and Silverstone; I’m hoping that all our troubles are now firmly behind us and I can get back to some solid racing again. I love the Brands Hatch GP loop, it’s such a great circuit to race on and the best setting for the season finale.
“Lea may have won the Jack Sears Trophy title, but there’s still another three trophies up for the grabs and I fully intend to give him a run for his money! Hopefully a bit of the home track advantage will rub off on us this weekend, and we can come away with some more silverware under our belts to end the season on a positive note.”
Whatever the outcome from the weekend, one thing is for sure; both Motorbase-run teams will be going all out for home track glory with high hopes of Airwaves Racing claiming its first outright race win of the 2013 season.
Airwaves Racing Team Manager Oly Collins said:
“After recent performances we’re looking to go out on a high at Brands Hatch. Airwaves Racing has a fantastic line up which I’m confident at our home circuit will bring us more silverware.
“We’ve had a really good end to the season with lots of podiums since the summer break. We can now build on that this weekend and then look towards 2013 after that.”
The final round of the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship takes place on the Brands Hatch GP Circuit on October 12/13. Live coverage of Sunday’s events will be shown on ITV4, itv.comand also in HD from 10.45 – 6.30pm; with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturday’s qualifying session between 3.45 and 4.15pm.