Team RAC cross the border next week as round eight of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship takes place at Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre, Knockhill.
- Round 8 - Knockhill - Preview
Team RAC cross the border next week as round eight of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship takes place at Scotland’s National Motorsport Centre, Knockhill.
One of the shorter circuits on the BTCC calendar at just 1.3 miles in length, Knockhill is a firm favourite of Team RAC’s Colin Turkington. Currently the holder of Knockhill’s fastest qualifying and race lap record, its narrow short track makes overtaking tricky, but that won’t deter any of the drivers trying! Another factor to add into the equation is the unpredictable weather, which always makes for exciting racing on circuit.
Currently lying second overall in the Drivers’ Championship with a 27-point deficit to diminish, Colin will be looking to put all of his prior knowledge of the circuit to good use. Colin said: "I’m quite excited about going to Knockhill as I think we have a really strong car. We have a good amount of data now and I really don’t think the extra weight (36kgs) should have too much of an effect. I regard Scotland as my second home having studied for my degree at Stirling University and I have a lot of support at the circuit, so I’m really looking forward to going back there."
Fellow Team RAC driver Rob Collard also acknowledges Knockhill as one of his favourites having scored his first BTCC win at the circuit for the WSR outfit last year. After an improved performance last time out at Snetterton where the Hampshire man showed great pace, Rob is confident that the configuration of the Scottish track is ideal for the Team RAC car. He said: "Knockhill is very special to me having achieved my first BTCC win there. It’s a great circuit with its undulating corners, which really suited my car last year. You have to take risks if you want to be fast and pull off some overtaking manoeuvres. It was the turning point in the season for me last year and I hope to be back to winning ways."
Team RAC Principal Dick Bennetts added: "Knockhill is a great circuit which has awarded us favourably in the past. It’s suits the set-up of our car and with the extra engine performance we have this year, I’m confident of some good results. Rob will be in a buoyant mood following his win here last year and Colin is still in the title chase for this years championship, so it’s all to play for."
Prior to the on-track racing at Knockhill, Team RAC will be taking an active part in the BTCC Live event being hosted in Edinburgh’s city centre. The event takes place on Thursday 31 August with activities commencing at 18:00hrs where Colin Turkington and Rob Collard will be lining up for a drivers autograph session. At 19:00hrs the action moves to Johnston Terrace where Colin will demonstrate his Team RAC car to the general public.
Shaun Meadows, Marketing Director, said: "The BTCC Live event in Edinburgh promises to be a great spectacle for all showcasing Team RAC’s motoring expertise. It’s important for RAC to take part in events such as these as it helps to bring the sponsorship alive."
The eighth BTCC round at Knockhill will be transmitted on ITV1 on Sunday 3 September starting at 15:00hrs. The programme will include highlights from race one and two with race three being shown live in its entirety. Satellite viewers can watch all three races live on Motors TV commencing at 10:20hrs. Further information on programme replays can be found at www.teamrac.com.
Copyright free images for editorial purposes are available at www.teamrac.com
-ends-
To arrange an interview with a member of Team RAC, please contact Sarah Owen on 07793 633153.
About RAC
- With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
- Aviva bought RAC last year. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14 per cent.
About Aviva
- Aviva is the world's fifth-largest insurance group and the biggest in the UK. It is one of the leading providers of life and pensions products in Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales of £36 billion and £332 billion of assets under management. The group has 58,000 employees serving 35 million customers worldwide.