|
Cleland Says Vauxhall Is Still His Team |
|
|
|
|
Saturday, 02 September 2006 |
Scottish racing hero, John Cleland, says he will be backing his former team, VX Racing, for this weekend’s eighth round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill.
Cleland, from Wishaw, drove for Vauxhall over 11 seasons in which time he took 17 victories and two championship titles for the Luton-based manufacturer.
“I still watch as many of the races as I can,” said the 54-year-old.
“I’m a staunch Vauxhall supporter. I can’t think of another team that I
would support as much as Vauxhall which is why it’s so frustrating to
watch them having to fight so hard at every round.”
Cleland ranks VX Racing’s drivers amongst the true professionals on the
grid and remembers thinking the same when he raced against Fabrizio
Giovanardi in the 1993 Touring Car World Cup. “I was lying fourth
before Nicola Larini removed me,” said the touring car legend.
“Fabrizio drove a Peugeot and was very, very fast. You knew he’d be at
the top of the time sheets - I’ve always had a huge regard for him.”
Giovanardi has had a baptism of fire in his first year of the BTCC,
which he has described as ‘more robust’ than other championships he has
raced in. “It isn’t as brutal as it used to be,” joked Cleland, “but
it’s still brutal enough that you don’t give anyone any space!
“There are ways of racing that keep the excitement for the fans without
putting yourself and others in the gravel though. I get very angry when
I see poor driving skills … I end up throwing things at the TV! I do
have a lot of sympathy with Fabrizio.”
It has been seven years since Cleland left the BTCC and he admits
missing the lifestyle. “I spent 11 years of my life in that paddock,”
he said. “It had a great buzz and everybody in the world wanted to
watch British Touring Cars and be part of it. It’s been through a slump
since then but I’m glad to see that it’s back on the up.”
Cleland fans may not have too long to wait before they see the next
instalment in the star’s racing dynasty. “I’ve got two sons,” he said.
“My eldest wants to rally and Jamie, who’s 19, only ever wants to race.
“We’re looking at getting one of the new Clios for him so I might be
back in the TOCA paddock next year in the Renault Clio Championship.
Who knows, if we find the budget we might be knocking on Vauxhall’s
door. I think it would be great to see the next generation of Clelands
in the Touring Car Championship.”
Qualifying for the eighth round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car
Championship will begin at 15.40 this afternoon, with the first of
three races scheduled for 11.10 tomorrow (Sunday).
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 05 January 2007 )
|
