Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher makes its annual trip across the border this week, as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) visits Scotland’s national motorsport centre, Knockhill Racing Circuit, for rounds 22, 23 and 24 (14/15 September).
The Beavis Morgan sponsored Motorbase-run outfit arrives at the Fife circuit determined to get its championship campaign back on track. A taxing weekend at Thruxton last month upset the squad’s hope of closing the gap to the championship leaders, with both Tom Chilton and Ollie Jackson vowing to fight back in Scotland with a determination to a return to winning ways.
Tom returns to Knockhill with happy memories of his maiden race win of the season here last year. A commanding win in the final race of the weekend saw the Reigate-racer claim the first-ever victory for the Focus Focus RS and the 34-year-old is eager for a repeat performance this weekend.
Ollie’s return to the Motorbase line-up has already delivered his BTCC-career-best qualifying and points-scoring result this year, and the Beavis Morgan and Alcon brakes-backed driver is eager to push on and add to his Independent race win and points tally as the championship enters its final stages.
Team Manager Oly Collins commented; “Knockhill is always full of entertainment. We’ve had a bit of a break over the last four weeks and everyone is raring to go again.
“You couldn’t get more of a contrast in characteristics with our last outing. It’s tight and twisty with undulations compared with the high-speed Thruxton. Knockhill is like a rollercoaster for the drivers.
“The tyre side of things will be interesting again. It’s the first time the grid will have been on the soft tyre for the majority of the weekend. We know that the soft tyre likes Knockhill so we’ll see how people play it. The Motorbase Focus has historically enjoyed the soft tyre, and gone well at Knockhill so we’re aiming for good results this weekend.”
Tom says: “I’m praying for rain and more wins like last year. I love Knockhill race track and the support we receive from the fans there is fantastic. It’s always one of the closest races of the year as it’s such a short lap. I love the racing and can’t wait to get out in free practice and balance on two wheels again.”
Ollie adds: “I’m looking forward to Knockhill. I love the challenge of the undulating circuit and traditionally it’s been a track where the Focus has performed well. Combined with the fact that we have the softs as the prime tyre and we’ve been strong on them all year I’m expecting us to return to the sharp end this weekend.
“It’s a long journey to Scotland but it’s always worth it, the atmosphere is one of the best of the year and it’s always a weekend of hard-fought battles and exciting motorsport. Let’s hope we can make the long journey back with some silverware to keep us company!”
Rounds 22, 23 and 24 of the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship takes place at Knockhill Race Circuit on September 14/15. Live coverage of Sunday’s (15 September) events will be shown on ITV4, ITV4HD and via the ITVhub from 11:00 – 18:00; with itv.com/btcc featuring live timing and streaming of Saturday’s (14 September) qualifying session from 15.00.