Bentwood: "We'll Find Out Just How Cool Luke Really Is..."

Bentwood has predicted failure by ‘Cool Hand Luke’ to keep up with Vauxhall’s superstar drivers Yvan Muller and James Thompson could result in him losing his place in the squad.

Hines is under pressure to perform at Vauxhall, says Bentwood:Bentwood told tocatour.com: “I think we’re about to find out just how cool Luke really is. He’s got two very big acts to follow and Vauxhall will expect him to be up there fighting for podium places. If he doesn’t achieve that then I don’t think he’ll keep his seat for 2005.

“However, even though I had my run-ins with Luke last year, I still think he’s a very good driver and won’t disappoint. He may even win a couple of races, particularly in the second half of the season.”

Bentwood last year was beaten to the BTCC’s last ever Production class title by Hines. Their rivalry boiled over on occasion, with several clashes – on and off the track. This year they will be in almost identical cars, with Bentwood also in a Vauxhall Astra, for privateer team VX Junior Tech-Speed and their rivalry could turn out to be the sort of classic confrontation for which the BTCC is renowned.

Bentwood in his VX Junior Tec-Speed Astra:Bentwood said: “Luke might enjoy a slight engine advantage being with the official Vauxhall team, but our cars will be much more evenly-matched this year so I’m sure we’ll find ourselves close to each other again.

“Last year we did get rough with each other, but I’d like to think that’s forgotten now. We’re out to beat everyone, not just each other. I’m sure neither of us will give a quarter if we’re together on the track and there’s bound to be a bit of push and shove, but I don’t believe it will reach the stage it did last year when sometimes we ran each other off the track.”

Bentwood will benefit from the experience of Tech-Speed’s team principal Marvin Humphries – a major figure in some of Vauxhall’s recent title-winning successes.

“I certainly think Michael’s man enough to do it,” said Humphries. “I’ve been impressed with his determination and commitment. He stands a blooming good chance of winning races outright.

“I also think the equipment we’ve got is capable of being very competitive. It should be a very good fight between Michael and Luke.

“I’m certainly looking forward to beating the works Vauxhalls just for the look on (team boss) Ian Harrison’s face. We’re good pals so I’m sure he’ll be the first to congratulate me...”

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