Michael Epps is confident of resuming his consistent challenge for points scoring finishes as the British Touring Car Championship heads north to Croft.
The 2.13 mile circuit is set to host another triple-header and will be Epps’ first visit to the Yorkshire venue since a Formula Renault outing some five seasons ago in 2012.
The RCIB Insurance Racing pilot has made an impressive start to his BTCC career, claiming a total of four points finishes in twelve starts. This included his first top ten finish among a hat-trick of points finishes at Thruxton, arguably the most challenging weekend on the ten-meeting calendar.
The overall result leaves Epps placed 23rd in the Drivers standings with a total of 16 points, just 3 adrift of seasoned campaigner Daniel Welch ahead and a comfortable 9 markers clear of fellow rookie Matt Simpson behind.
The 24 year-old made his GT racing debut prior to this weekends BTCC outing as he took part in the European GT4 Series meeting at Silverstone, claiming an impressive 17 places from a qualifying position of 41st before handing over to team-mate Hendrik Still at the end of his stint. Still would then clash with a GT3 runner on his opening lap, curtailing the teams race.
Looking ahead to the resumption of his BTCC duties, Epps admits Croft will be a slight step into the unknown but is confident he can pick up his circuit knowledge from where he left it in 2012.
“I’ve no idea how the Croft weekend is going to pan out to be honest. I haven’t visited the circuit since racing there in Formula Renault in 2012, but I’m confident I’ll be straight back on it.”
He also believes that a raft of changes to the setup of the Toyota Avensis are set to stand him in good stead amid the ultra-competitive 32 car field, and believes that with some luck that strong points finishes are on the cards.
“I believe the changes we made to the car over the Oulton weekend will work there and in the future, so hopefully we can start the weekend a little further up the order. If that’s the case, we’ll be set to challenge for higher points finishes should luck play on our side.”