Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Matt Neal could make his own mark in the history books yet again at the BTCC Brands Hatch finale this weekend, with the prospect of taking a fourth title in one of the most exciting conclusions in recent times.
With 13 points’ difference between himself and Team JCT600 with GardX’s Sam Tordoff, with teammate Gordon Shedden two points ahead, he admits that at this point of the year that “you simply can’t afford to have a bad weekend.”
Even though he explained that Halfords Yuasa have had their fair share of trials and tribulations over the 2016 campaign, the strength of the team will stand them in good stead at the Kent-based circuit.
“Both of us go to Brands well in the hunt and prepared to throw caution to the wind and as a team, I don’t think anybody in the paddock works together better than ‘Flash’ and I do,” said the 49-year-old, who could become the only driver to take a record four drivers’ titles when the action concludes on Sunday.
“It would have been crazy to think back at the start of the year that eight drivers would be going to Brands Hatch still in with a shout of the title. That proves how ultra-competitive and incredibly close the BTCC is at the moment.”
Neal also pointed out that the Honda Civics have run well around the 2.433-mile circuit, and feels that it is still one of the proper “old-school” tracks that still populate the United Kingdom, even with the latest advances concerning health and safety.
“The GP layout should suit the Civic Type R with its excellent high-speed corner stability – it’s old-school, unspoilt by health and safety warriors and calls for a lot of commitment – but then equally, it will probably suit the other cars too, so it’ll definitely be game on.”
He also said that despite Tordoff looking behind him at the other seven challengers that he faces at Brands Hatch this weekend, the highest amount of pressure will be on everyone concerned.
“Both of us go to Brands well in the hunt and prepared to throw caution to the wind and as a team, I don’t think anybody in the paddock works together better than ‘Flash’ and I do.
“May the best man win!”