Michael Crees heads into the latest round of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton this weekend, retaining his usual positive and upbeat approach – despite the 2022 campaign having been more perplexing than expected.
Just over a week ago at Knockhill in Scotland, the most northerly event on the BTCC calendar and one of Creesy’s absolute favourite tracks, the Power Maxed Racing driver was ultimately left very disappointed with a lack of power from his No.777 Vauxhall Astra hampering hopes of progress.
In terms of the race action, the popular driver from Broadstairs in Kent battled as well as ever and produced some impressive overtaking as he fought incredibly hard to try and claw his way up the order in all three Scottish contests.
Emerging with a best finish of sixth in the Independents Trophy class, Creesy wants much more than that when he arrives at Snetterton a few days from now and especially after running very strongly during the mid-season Goodyear tyre test at the Norfolk track last month.
Producing time-sheet topping pace at the two-day test on the second morning in the Independents class, seventh overall, the performance gave a big lift to the team but it couldn’t be replicated at Knockhill. So, the question now is if things will be as they were the weekend before last, or more like they were at the tyre test.
Pace in qualifying is one of the absolute keys to unlocking Creesy’s clear potential, and the Glencar Construction, Geberit, DDS Group, PCS, Fire Control Services, CTD, Blue Rock Systems, Aquadart and BITA supported sportsman knows it will be particularly important at Snetterton. As always, he will be giving it the maximum in every session…with his trademark smile in place throughout!
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Crees said: “I’m staying positive as we head to Snetterton, we always like to keep that frame of mind and keep our heads high. I won’t lie, Knockhill was a big disappointment and especially after we’d gone there off the back of a strong showing at the tyre test. We struggled all weekend with the power, which has been something we’ve had difficulties with most of the season to be honest – it’s been tough.
“We just need to be able to have a fair chance of fighting on an even keel, but that’s obviously easier said than done. The guys at the team are working hard to try and solve the problems we’ve been battling, if we can get the car there or thereabouts I’m confident in my own ability I’ll be able to race well at Snett and hopefully challenge for some decent finishes.”
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