The 2.13 mile technical challenge of Croft in North Yorkshire beckons for Jake Hill and his MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square squad, for rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, where the 26 year-old BRDC ‘Superstar’ aims to build on his strong form of late.
Hill lies fifth in the Goodyear ‘Wingfoot’ award, for the fastest qualifier, having qualified in the top-ten for all six BTCC events so far, and scored points in 11 of the previous 12 races, moving him up to 10th overall and 6th in the Independent Drivers series.
“Croft is a real challenge – it has a bit of everything, fast, tight, technical, different grip levels – and it’s a track I really love. I won my first ever race here in Ginetta Juniors back in 2009, and have always gone well. It’s always been known as a track that favours the rear-wheel drive cars, but the our Honda Civic Type-R should go well – especially if it rains!
“We are now coming into what is always a crucial part of the season – the last few races. With three events, nine races, there’s still plenty of points on offer, but of course we’ve never raced in the BTCC going into late October and mid-November as we will this year. Normally Croft is in June, so any data we have is likely to only be a guide as the track temperature will be so much lower. We had major problems back in August when the season started with our engines, partly due to the high temperatures. That’s one thing we won’t have to worry about now!
Hill and team-mate Sam Osborne – who is a Yorkshireman so is relishing the local challenge – will be on track this Saturday 10th October for two 40 minute practice sessions at 9.30am and 12.05pm, with the 30 minute qualifying session – shown live on line at itv.com/btcc slightly earlier than usual at 2.55pm.
Sunday 11th is of course where the three 15 lap races will be shown LIVE – back on the BTCC’s usual channel – ITV4HD, with Race One at 12pm, Race Two at 2.25pm and the final race of the day scheduled for 5pm.
“It’s a long old drive from Kent to Croft – but always worth the visit – I really feel very confident, whatever the weather brings!
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