Jack Clarke who races one of the Ford Focus Touring Cars prepared by Wrotham based Motorbase Performance is looking forward to the return of the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton this weekend.

Clarke scored his first BTCC point in the final race of the day at an exciting, action packed Donington Park meeting and now looks to continue his tin-top education at the high-speed Thruxton aerodrome circuit.

The Hampshire track is a real favourite amongst drivers, with technically demanding complexes, flat-out corners and long fast straights. The Crabbie’s Racing Ford Focus ST, prepared by Motorbase Performance, and is expecting to hit over 130 miles per hour around the fearsome ribbon of tarmac.

Jack has recently made the switch from a strong single-seater career, and having been used to driving rear-wheel-drive machines now finds himself developing a completely new driving style as he acclimatises himself with a front-wheel-drive saloon in the ultra-competitive world of British Touring Car racing.

The 26-year-old is enjoying every moment, however, as he dices with some of the world’s finest touring car drivers in a 31-car strong BTCC grid.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Jack said: “It was a tale of two parts at Donington. We struggled on Saturday and along with the grid penalty Sunday was set to be challenging, but it was great to get my head down, pick people off each race and get stuck in. There was a lot of drama going on around me, but I felt I drove maturely and stayed out of trouble. The BTCC is fiercely competitive but it is great fun!” enthused Jack.

“Despite the mixed weather it was great to see so many people lining the banks of the circuit but also in the pit-lane walkabout. It is great how close the fans can get to the drivers and the sport, lots of people were saying… no matter the weather you can always spot the Focus with its striking Crabbie’s colours.”

“I enjoyed my only trip to Thruxton in 2006 in a Formula BMW and look forward to going back, especially driving Church which has to be one of the most exciting corners on the BTCC calendar!”

“I want to hit the ground running, work closely with my team and continue to learn off my experienced team-mates who have ten victories between them at Thruxton. I feel I’m developing as a touring car driver and want to continue the momentum into Thruxton. Starting in a good position and staying out of trouble will be key, but I’ll pounce on any opportunity or open door that becomes available!”

Pictures supplied by Jakob Ebrey.