Looking ahead to the next round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Scotland’s Gordon Shedden cites Gabriele Tarquini’s crash at Knockhill as the moment he knew he wanted to be a BTCC star.
“My first experience of Touring Cars was at Knockhill when l was only 15. That year, I think it was 1994, Gabriele Tarquini ‘totalled’ his Alfa Romeo and that was it.
“I thought to myself, yeah; l fancy a bit of that! Not the crashing obviously, just the racing,” laughed Shedden.
Gordon then went on to plan his route to Touring Car stardom. He started off in the Scottish Fiesta XR2 Championship before joining the BTCC carnival. He raced Fiestas first before progressing into the SEAT Cupra Championship. His big break came in 2001 when he had a ‘one off’ BTCC drive at Knockhill.
“God, I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since l made my BTCC debut.
“I had no interest in Formula One or single seater racing. I wanted to race Touring Cars and thankfully I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved it,” said Shedden.
Round 7 of the British Touring Car Championship heads to Knockhill – Shedden’s home track – on 3rd & 4th September. The Scot has worked at the circuit for many years and continues to base himself at the Fife venue when he’s not racing.
“I’ve had a number of jobs at Knockhill, but by far the most enjoyable was as an instructor. I learnt so much about car control whilst instructing on the Knockhill Rally Experience.
“Driving is supposed to be fun and rally driving certainly offers that in abundance. Driving a car on the limit and yet being in full control is an awesome feeling. I guess that’s why l love Touring Car racing so much, you’re always on the limit” continued Shedden.
The big question on everyone’s lips is: will Shedden be Scotland’s new BTCC Champion?
“I’d love to win it, that’s my goal. The British Touring Car Championship is a strange one. At the last round we had three different championship leaders. Knockhill should provide the same drama and as long as l can come away with a good points haul, I’ll be happy. As for the title, Lady Luck will play a huge part and, fingers crossed, she’ll be on my side,” concluded Shedden.
The form guide traditionally goes out the window when the BTCC comes to Knockhill. The circuit’s challenging corners and undulations make for close racing which can conjure some unpredictable results… one thing is for sure though, it always provides brilliant entertainment!
Tickets for the latest instalment of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship are on sale now and can be purchased via the Knockhill website. Tickets purchased in advance are subject to pre-booking discounts, tickets will also be available at the event on 3rd and 4th September.