Back to the future would do reigning BTCC champion Gordon Shedden nicely at the UK’s fastest race circuit this weekend.
The countdown to the third round of the 2016 title chase at Thruxton is underway and with Fifer Shedden tucked in just a handful of points behind Halfords Yuasa Racing teammate Matt Neal at the top of the drivers’ table, the 37-year-old Knockhill business development manager would happily settle for a 2015 re-run.
Last year Shedden led Neal to the chequered flag in close formation, and after a commanding one-two finish for the Honda Civic Type R in the most recent BTCC outing at Donington Park the squad is optimistic it can build on the early season success that has also seen it head the Manufacturers’ battle.
Thruxton’s sweeping layout will see the touring cars hit almost 160 miles per hour on a lap averaging 115mph and Shedden heads to Hampshire buoyed for the fight.
Flash said: “Thruxton is one of those circuits where you need to take a deep breath, tighten the belts a bit more and just hang on.
“It’s somewhere that always generates great racing and entertainment and historically, the Civic has gone very well there, so we’re hoping for more of the same.
“The Type R is really nicely-balanced with an excellent chassis, which is essential at Thruxton.
“The key factor is the speed and flow you can carry round the back of the lap, which is where our car is particularly strong and we need to take advantage of that.”
He added: “With the success ballast on board, we’ll have to work hard again in qualifying but we’ll give it our best shot and ultimately, our objective is simple – to score more points than anybody else.”
