Team Aon driver Tom Chilton led from start to finish in today’s opening Dunlop MSA British Championship race. Such was Chilton’s dominance he crossed the line 6.341 seconds ahead of his closest rival, Honda Racing’s Matt Neal. Scottish hope, Gordon Shedden brought his Honda Civic through from 5th on the grid to claim the third podium slot. Frank Wrathall matched his best ever BTCC finish by coming home in fourth, the Dynojet Toyota Avensis driver is having a fabulous weekend and must be feeling confident of a podium this weekend.
Championship leader, Mat Jackson had to settle for 19th place after his Airwaves Ford Focus suffered a puncture midway through the race. Reigning Champion Jason Plato had to settle for 7th place in his Silverline Chevrolet Cruze and will be looking to improve come race 2.
The race for the 2011 BTCC Championship title has swung in the favour of Honda duo Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden. Both now top the standings on the same points. The next race for the MSA British Touring Cars is scheduled to take place at 2.15pm and Scotland’s Gordon Shedden is looking forward to it.
“It’s finely balanced now isn’t it,” he smiled.
“Tom will have maximum ballast now, Matt and me will switch, so l should have a slight advantage going into the next race.”
Make no mistake, Gordon is thrilled to have secured some valuable championship points in race one. He had said all week he needed to rough it out in race one, lose some weight and then go for wins afterwards. He’ll also be well aware that one, this is Knockhill and nothing goes to plan and two, the British Touring Cars tend to conjure up the unexpected.
If you’re still looking for something to do this afternoon, then head along to Knockhill and join the bumper crowd and enjoy one of the UK’s best racing series. The action will continue all day long with action from the Porsche Carrera Cup, Ginetta GT Supercup and of course the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship races (14.15 and 17.05).
Tickets are available at the gate and we’d love to see you here. Adults £30, Concession £15 and kids under 12 go FREE!