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Local Aces Set For BTCC Showdown At Croft |
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Sunday, 09 July 2006 |
Defending Champion Matt Neal is looking forward to renewing his bid for a second straight Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title when the battle resumes at Croft Circuit near Darlington this forthcoming weekend (15/16th July).
But the Team Halfords Honda driver can expect a two-pronged local SEAT challenge in the shape of Newcastle upon Tyne-born Jason Plato and York-based James Thompson who will have loads of support at Croft, especially as both have been former champions.
Neal says the North Yorkshire track presents several hair-raising challenges for drivers in Britain's top car racing series and its lay-out encourages ultra close racing among the cars.
"I really like Croft as it's got a mixture of everything - slow and fast corners with a few good overtaking places. You can rattle your rivals into making mistakes. The Jim Clark Esses and Barcroft are very fast corners and you've got have balls to hang on round there. I like a bit of that. Then there are the fans up there, they're passionate and really know their stuff. They always make it a great atmosphere. Croft's always one of my favourite circuits" said Neal.
Last year Neal, who has always performed strongly at Croft but only won once there since the BTCC first arrived in 1997, was involved in several scrapes with Plato as the title race reached its mid-way point.
Neal went on to win the title and after the opening 12 rounds he's leading the 2006 title chase as well, having won four times already in his Team Halfords Honda. But the current BTCC grid is one of the most competitive for years with Plato and Thompson in the mix as well as Ulsterman Colin Turkington, in Team RAC's MG, among potentially a dozen drivers trying to hunt him down.
Spectators at Croft will be able to meet the BTCC drivers during an open Pit Lane Walkabout session and as well as the three races from the British Touring Car Championship, the action on track will include the Porsche Carrera Cup, Formula Renault UK Championship, Renault Clio Cup, SEAT Supra Championship & Formula BMW UK Championship
Saturday’s action gets underway at 09.30 with the first of three races scheduled to start at 16.10 and on Sunday, following the Pit Lane Walkabout and Driver’s Parade, the first of ten races gets underway at 12.00 noon.
Admission costs £12.00 per adult on Saturday and £25.00 on Sunday with accompanied children aged 16 and under admitted FREE on both days.
For Championship standings, pictures, timetable and other information, please visit www.btcc.net
Further information at www.croftcircuit.co.uk or from Claire Jones on 01325 721815.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 January 2007 )
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