Team Shredded Wheat Racing with DUO is hoping for a change in fortunes this coming weekend as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship gets set to tackle Hampshire’s fast and furious Thruxton circuit.
Following two difficult opening rounds at Brands Hatch and Donington Park, the Motorbase-run outfit heads to arguably the most demanding track on the BTCC calendar looking to make up lost ground and get its championship challenge back on track.
Thruxton has been a happy hunting ground for Motorbase over the years. The Kent-based squad took a sensational double win here last season and Mat Jackson holds an impressive strike rate on the punishing track, celebrating race wins and podiums in all but one BTCC meeting since 2009.
After a stalled start to the season, the Team Shredded Wheat Racing with DUO squad has its sights firmly set on a return to winning form this weekend. Oly Collins, Team Manager said; “After a tough weekend at Donington we’re looking ahead to Thruxton with a mind to put things right. We recently completed a successful test there along with some of the competition and we’re heading into the weekend full of vigour.
“The circuit is simply unique and one where you need to have the car nailed in every aspect. It’s as much of a chassis circuit as it is about power, aero and the driver – if you’re lacking in any one of those areas it will show.
“We’re aiming to open our podium account this weekend! We had two wins here last season; hopefully we can replicate that success again.”
Mat Jackson #3: “I love Thruxton as a circuit, it demands big commitment and a lot of balls! It’s exhilarating to drive and really is one of those circuits that gets the blood pumping.
“We’ve had some great results there in the past and I hope this weekend our luck will turn and we can get onto the podium and back into the fight for race wins.”
Martin Depper #30: “I’m looking forward to the weekend, I love the fast corners of Thruxton and we know that the Focus is strong there. Hopefully some warm weather and a little change of luck will see us start our championship challenge in earnest this weekend and get some points in the bag.”
Luke Davenport #300: “Consistency is the aim for me this weekend. Hopefully a strong start, and then we can build from there and get a little closer to the sharp end of the action!
I’ve only driven Thruxton once before, but I really like fast circuits and the way the car moves around at high speeds, so it should suit. Mat and the team have a great record there and Jordan took a win in this car last year so it will be interesting to see how we fare.”
Rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will be broadcast live and in high-definition on ITV4 and via the ITVhub on Sunday 7th May from 11.15 – 18.20. Live timing of Saturday’s (May 6) qualifying session is also available at btcc.net/live between 16.10 – 16.40, along with both free practice sessions.