Mat Jackson and his Airwaves Racing team head to Oulton Park confident that they can score another win at the picturesque circuit. Jackson took his first win ath the circuit back in 2007 and with the team having worked on the car over the 5 week break since Thruxton he is expecting to keep his strong early season momentum going.
“Oulton Park is one of my favourite circuits on the BTCC calendar and where I took my first win in the BTCC back in 2007,” said Jackson, who turns 30 next week. “Let’s hope we can make it win number 14 on Sunday!”
However Jackson expressed his concern about the rule changes implemented by TOCA ahead of the weekend’s races that give an added benefit to some of his rivals.
“Since our last race at Thruxton we have used the long break to reflect on our performance in the first three rounds and try to extract a little more from the car,” he added. “I think [it] is essential going into Oulton Park since the latest TOCA rule change will see the normally aspirated car of Plato 62kg lighter than us, which around Oulton Park will really hurt us due to the rollercoaster nature of the circuit.”
Team manager Olly Collins echoed Jackson’s confidence. With the team currently 5th in the HiQ Team’s championship there is a lot to play for at the weekend – especially as there are only 8 points between the saecond placed team and Airwaves Racing.
“The Airwaves Racing team has been working very hard during this break to try to move the Focus on some more and we all feel confident going into Oulton Park,” said Collins.”Both Mat and Liam tested well there in pre-season testing and I think the cars are slightly more suited to the Oulton Park layout than they were for Thruxton. It will be hard on brakes, especially with the Turbo cars which we will have to keep an eye on.
“TOCA have brought in some regulation changes which will help our normally aspirated rivals and should see them gain some more speed. This seems a little strange as a normally aspirated Chevy with Plato has won more races than anyone else including the last race. It will be interesting to see just how much it helps them, we will find out soon enough!”
Collins also praised Liam Griffin for his progress so far this season.
“Liam is improving all the time and I think Oulton Park could be the circuit where he can show everyone just how quick he can be.”
Griffin himself admitted that there has been a lot to learn at the start of his first season in touring cars. He has also been one of the few drivers to have voiced his support for TOCA’s equalisation measures – despite receiving no benefit himself.
“After a hectic start to the season this has been quite a nice break to regroup and get things in perspective,” said Griffin. “Oulton Park is one of my favourite circuits and when combined with a growing confidence in the car and three rounds worth of BTCC experience I am hopeful that I can have a good weekend.
“I think the TOCA approach so far to equalisation is a sensible one as long as it does not become a case of he who shouts loudest gets his own way!”