Airwaves BMW and the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship returns to Croft for rounds 13,14 and 15. The team, who have remained in 1st position in the HiQ Teams Championship since round 1, will look to reinforce their lead with good performances from seasoned drivers Kane and Jackson.
With podiums at every circuit on the BTCC calendar so far this year, Kane, who stands in third place in the BTCC Drivers Championship and leads the Independent Drivers Championship, is relishing the challenge ahead. After an inspiring second place finish in the day’s final race at Oulton park less than two weeks ago, the Ulsterman is buoyed by his current success and will be ready to get his hands on more vital points for himself and the Airwaves BMW team in his bid to win the Overall and Independent Drivers titles.
Jackson, who secured podiums in a BMW at Croft in 2007 and 2008, won’t be resting on his laurels; with a truly competitive car he’s sure to be a front runner and with his experience should only add to his current points tally of 73. With 9kg success ballast on board, he comes to the North Yorkshire circuit in an optimistic mood. With luck on his side, Croft represents a crucial step for Jackson, the ‘Fans’ Favourite’, and his bid to claim the BTCC’s top honours.
As Croft is the only track on the BTCC calendar located in the North East of England you can expect the venue to be absolutely heaving come race day. Tens of thousands of motorsport fans are expected, and they can be sure of some thrilling mirror-to-mirror action. Croft circuit encourages tightly fought racing – and unpredictable weather always adds to the drama. It’s a difficult circuit that consistently produces quality touring car racing; this weekend will be no different.
Prepare for the inevitable tangles, bumps and bashes; just half way through the 2010 season the title race is already far too close to call. One thing that we can all count on is, when the flag drops on Sunday for the first of the day’s three rounds (13,14,15), Airwaves BMW will be in first place in the HiQ Teams Championship – and they will do everything in their power to stay there.
ITV4’s live coverage from Croft is scheduled between 11.00am-6.00pm on Sunday 17th June. Driver and team details, as well as the season schedule, can be found on www.btcc.net.
Airwaves BMW Team driver Steven Kane said:
“I love Croft and I have some experience there. In 2008 I had an excellent weekend and secured a 4th place finish, but this year the car is so much quicker and I should be able to push it even harder. I’m hopeful that will translate into points and I can continue to lead the BTCC Independent Drivers Championship. I would also like to move up a position or two in the BTCC Drivers Championship and challenge for the title.”
Airwaves BMW Team driver Mat Jackson said:
“Going in with only a 9kg success ballast will help us and this weekend we need to capitalise on our opportunity. I think we’ve had a little bit of bad luck so far – we’ve been taken out in one race and blown a diff in another. We have the pace, and Croft is a mega circuit. If it’s dry I think we can be confident of a solid points haul and podiums too.”
Airwaves BMW Team Manager Oliver Collins said:
“We’re really looking forward to Croft, it’s a great venue, the circuit is fantastic and the locals are extremely passionate about their Motorsport. We’re arriving as leaders of the Teams Championship & we dearly want to leave in the same position, though it will be tough. The Championship is extremely competitive at the moment and its tough to finish in the top ten, let alone on the podium. Everyone has been working hard at Airwaves BMW and we’re ready to Kick up a Gear this weekend.”