Live life in the fast lane (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Live life in the fast lane

10:58am Wednesday 14th May 2008 in

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TOP-CLASS motorsport heads to north Hampshire this weekend, when Thruxton plays host to the next three rounds of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

It is sure to be fast, exciting and full of thrills and spills to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The top saloon car series in Britain is the headline event in a day full of racing on Sunday, with some excellent support races from the Formula Renault, Seat Cupra and Ginetta Junior championships and Renault Clio and Porsche Carrera cups.

Thruxton is the fastest circuit on the BTCC calendar, with an average speed of 110mph.

Its high-loading corners and two heavy braking zones put a premium on driver bravery, car control and race craft.

This year, BTCC is 50 years old and this season is just as competitive with a whole host of race winners.

Vauxhall's Italian ace Fabrizio Giovanardi and SEAT superstar Jason Plato once again head the title standings, but Hook driver Rob Collard is determined to get among them on his home circuit.

The driver of a Motorbase BMW 320si believes he can follow in the footsteps of recent BMW winners at the circuit - Colin Turkington, in 2006, and Mat Jackson, last season.

Collard said: "Thruxton has been a bit of bogey circuit for me, as I have had some big crashes there but, of course, I want to do well on my home track.

"I think my team can be very competitive and get up among the leaders. The Vauxhall and SEAT drivers are sure to be quick, but this circuit is more of a level playing field for all of us."

The last two meetings have seen changeable conditions, which have not suited Collard's BMW.

The Hook racer said: "We find it hard to get a lot of heat into our tyres when conditions are unpredictable, but I am hoping for a dry race."

The action on Sunday gets under way at 10.55am with the first of three Touring Car Championship races.

Tickets for Sunday, priced at £22 for adults and free for children aged 15 and under, can be purchased in advance and are available from www.barc. net or by calling 01264 882200. Tickets on the day are £25.

Prices include access across the track to the morning Pit Lane Walkabout session from 9.30am to 10.20am, when the public, including families, can meet the star BTCC drivers.