Mike Bushell will be looking to bounce back with a successful weekend at Thruxton in the latest round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Having enjoyed a strong start to the campaign at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend, the West Thurrock-based team was in the wars when the series then headed for Donington Park for round two, failing to score in any of the three races.

As a result of that, Tunbridge Wells racer Mike Bushell makes the trip to Thruxton having slipped from first to fifth in the Jack Sears Trophy; being decided this season amongst the rookie drivers on the grid.

Whilst the end results last time out would prove to be disappointing, Mike could at least console himself in the fact that he was one of the quickest drivers on track in the final race of the weekend prior to being forced to retire with damaged steering.

The reigning Clio Cup champion will now hope to replicate that pace at the quickest circuit on the BTCC calendar, with a strong qualifying performance being particularly important as a result of a five place grid drop imposed at the last meeting.

Giving his thoughts ahead of the weekend, Bushell added: “We showed improved pace at Donington Park last time out, although obviously we didn’t get the results to match it on race day.

“Clearly, I’m hoping we can enjoy a bit more luck at Thruxton, and the team has been working hard to make more improvements to the car ahead of the weekend.

“Thruxton is a circuit I enjoy, and it’s the place where I took the first win of my title winning Clio campaign last season. It’s not ideal that we are taking a grid penalty into the weekend with us, but we just have to focus on qualifying as well as we can and then make sure we push hard in the races.

“After Donington Park, the first aim has to be to score three finishes, and I want to be back in the points scoring positions again. Having seen my Clio rival Josh Cook fighting for a podium last time out in the reverse grid race, there is no reason why we couldn’t do similar if we can get in the right position, and I’m keen to get my season back on track this weekend.”

Team boss Shaun Hollamby agreed that points scoring finishes were the aim for the Ford team this weekend as it seeks to make up lost ground in the championship race.

He said: “Donington was a very frustrating weekend for the whole team as it was clear to see that we had a strong car, but a few small issues ultimately cost us a lot,” he said. “The obvious positive was the pace Mike showed in race three, and while we couldn’t take advantage of it last time out, hopefully we can this time around.

“Thruxton is a very unique circuit and one where you need to have a strong car to get the results. The Focus went well there last year and it’s also a track where Mike has won in the past, so there is no reason why we can’t have a good weekend on track and pick up three strong finishes.”

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