Rory Butcher: ‘Bring on Thruxton’ as the only Toyota to survive Snetterton

Rory Butcher admitted that his Toyota Gazoo Racing UK team “needed that” silverware after a “slow start to the season” after some reliability issues early on. Then came the second place finish at Snetterton that he hopes can ignite the rest of the season.

At the point of speaking Butcher believed he had only taken the third step on the podium. This would later change as Dan Cammish was disqualified for a ride height infringement. Finishing second only emphasised his words after being asked how it felt to be back on a podium.

“It’s really good,” Butcher told TouringCars.Net. “We kind of needed that. It’s been a slow start to the season. So, I think getting a trophy for the team and just getting a bit of, you know, building our morale is just helping us as we develop this engine. So, it was really good.”

The car has been quick so far this season but has not been as reliable as the team would like. Butcher himself retired at Brands after a head gasket issue, along with both of his team-mates Ricky Collard and George Gamble retiring in races one and three respectively at Snetterton. Even with this being the case, Butcher is not concerned about the reliability of the car.

“I think we know what caused the issue. So yes, the team have actually done such a good job between the races to kind of improve that side of things. We’re making progress and we’ll keep that going.”

After another quick turnaround, the next rounds take place at the engine-reliant high-speed Thruxton on the 3-4 June. Following his first podium of the season at Snetterton, Butcher cannot wait to bring the momentum with him for the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK team.

“Two weeks until Thruxton – I’m looking forward to it now, getting that momentum, pushing us forward to the next round.

“Thruxton – bring it on. We’re hoping to bring more podiums and build more points.”