With only three meetings left of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship Team RAC heads to Scotland looking to consolidate its lead in the independent teams and drivers championships.
With only three meetings left of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship Team RAC heads to Scotland looking to consolidate its lead in the independent teams and drivers championships.
Colin Turkington heads to Knockhill this weekend (16-17 August) - where he claimed two podium finishes last season - still harbouring ambitions of claiming his maiden drivers' championship title following yet another race victory in the last meeting at Oulton Park.
The Northern Irishman remains the man in form in the BTCC, securing six podium finishes in the last 12 rounds - a run which has seen him move up to third place overall, just four points behind Jason Plato.
Stephen Jelley's debut season in the BTCC continues apace after another encouraging round at Oulton Park last month. Crucial points secured at the Cheshire circuit maintained the 26-year-old's surge in the independent drivers' standings, which currently sees him sitting seventh.
Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, commented: "The Team RAC BMWs have been very competitive and reliable this year and we are looking forward to our next challenge at Knockhill this coming weekend."
Colin Turkington said: "Both Team RAC and myself are in a fantastic run of form at the moment. It's crucial for me to keep the pressure on [overall driver championship leader] Giovanardi as things can change so quickly over a weekend of racing!
"I cannot explain why I have had good results at Knockhill in the recent past. But there is no reason why we cannot go there and perform well as a team yet again. Success breeds confidence, and the whole team are now expecting to do well at these meetings. It is an upbeat camp at the moment."
Stephen Jelley added: "I can't wait to compete for the first time in a Touring Car at Knockhill. Team RAC are definitely heading in the right direction and I feel a really good points placing is not too far away.
RAC will continue its season long promotion to win a BMW. Fans can go online at teamrac.co.uk for a chance to win a car and a host of other top prizes.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Nina Cresswell / Steve Stammers
Lexis Sport
0207 908 6488
Notes to editors:
About BTCC
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) was formed in 1958 and is the UK's most popular motor racing spectacle. Its race season comprises ten events at top circuits across the UK. It is contested by professional racing drivers in competition versions of every day road cars, giving it tremendous public appeal. Around 300,000 watch the BTCC trackside each year. www.btcc.net
About RAC
RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations and a provider for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs.
About HiQ
HiQ (part of Goodyear Dunlop) has become the BTCC's new title sponsor in 2008 in a new three-year agreement. It provides a fast-fit car care service at its 150 centres across the UK. In the next two years, that number will rise to 250 as HiQ embarks on revolutionising the fast-fit industry. It has already taken the lead by offering a unique online service www.hiqonline.co.uk for motorists to buy tyres and arrange a fitting appointment.