Knockhill is the destination for Motorbase Performance this weekend as the Kent-based team makes it annual pilgrimage across the border to Fife’s picturesque circuit for rounds 19, 20 & 21 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (August 13/14).
The Independent Championship leaders are straight back into action after celebrating a victorious landmark BTCC weekend on the Snetterton 300 circuit two weeks ago. Taking its fourth win of the season, two independent race wins and a further third placed podium at the Norfolk track, the Motorbase squad also reached two major milestones during the two day event. Commemorating its 300th race in the BTCC during Sunday’s opening race, the in-house constructed NGTC Ford Focus ST also moved past the 1,000 points mark; a remarkable record since turning a wheel for the first time on the very same circuit back in 2012.
“After a strong showing at Snetterton we're keen to keep the momentum going at Knockhill;” commented Team Manager Oly Collins. “Both cars showed strong pace last time out with a brace of trophies and a win but also a chunk of bad luck which prevented both cars being on the podium. Hopefully that’s behind us now and we can get both cars on the podium together this weekend.
With an impressive 74 point lead at the top of the Independent Teams Standings, all focus is now on closing the gap to the overall championship leaders and a strong qualifying performance will be pivotal to squad’s success this weekend. With space a premium on the short and twisty circuit, Knockhill is a notoriously difficult track to overtake on and Motorbase duo Mat Jackson and Andrew Jordan have a tough task ahead of them with a packed grid to contend with.
“Knockhill always throws up some unique challenges as a circuit so we expect another close and frantic weekend with strong competition;” added Collins. “The BTCC has so far delivered another nail biting season for us all and the Championship is still wide open. We’re in a really strong position heading to Scotland but we also know a lot can happen over the course of a race weekend!”
Rounds 19, 20 & 21 of the 2016 BTCC season take place at Knockhill circuit on August 13/14. Live coverage of Sunday's events will be shown on ITV4, itv.com and also in HD from 11:00 – 1815; with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturday's qualifying session between 15:40 – 16:10.
Driver Quotes:
#7 Driver Mat Jackson: “We’re in a good place heading into this weekend at Knockhill. We enjoyed some good results there last year and on the back of a strong performance at Snetterton we’ve shown that the car is in the window. It’s great to have such a gap leading the Teams Independents Championship but our eyes are still on the main prize!”
#77 Driver Andrew Jordan:“We’ve shed some weight off the car heading into this weekend which should help us in qualifying. I really like Knockhill. I’ve always gone well there, it’s a maximum attack circuit and the Focus has performed well there in the past so I think we should be strong. Wins and podiums are on the agenda and I’m looking forward to bouncing back from a tough weekend at Snetterton.”
