An action-packed opener to the 2014 Homecoming Scotland 2014 – Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship DPS Group Raceday saw racing action galore today – packed full of thrills, spills and incident.
Sam Tordoff led off from pole position for most of the race, ahead of Rob Austin who was hunting another Knockhill podium. Whilst Tordoff remained focused out front and in relative safety, all sorts of action ensued behind. Which led Tordoff’s teammate, Jason Plato to reflect post-race:
“That was definitely a race you had to look backwards in, rather than forwards.”
The race was only 7 laps old when the action began. Dan Welch ran the kerb at Butcher’s and that catapulted his Proton off all four wheels and into the side of Rob Holland’s Audi – the pair subsequently retired as soon after. Then, Gordon Shedden had a double spin after touching the grass at the bottom of Duffus. Shedden collected Andrew Jordan in the process, effectively ending the defending Champion’s race. As both Shedden and Jordan veered off track, Matt Neal nipped past to challenge for the lead.
As Matt Neal set off to hunt down Tordoff and Austin out front, an enthralling battle between Turkington, Jackson and Plato unfolded. Turkington squeezed past Jackson, but just couldn’t get past Jason Plato, who was defending well. It took Turkington three attempts to finally get the better of Plato, heading into Duffus Dip. However, the trio clashed at following Scotsman corner, with Turkington coming off worst – ending beached in the gravel on the outside of the corner.
Out front, Austin took to the grass going through Hislop’s as Neal nipped passed into 2nd. The safety car was then deployed to remove Turkington’s car form the track – giving everyone a few laps to catch their breath and review their strategy for the remainder of the race. Torforff, who had been showing good pace all weekend, pulled up behind the safety car; passing the race lead to Neal. The Honda Yuasa racer closed out the race for welcome win ahead of Rob Austin and Neal’s teammate, Gordon Shedden.
“You tend to forget how good winning a race actually feels – when you wait that long for a race win,” said Neal.
Second placed man Rob Austin was happy enough with his podium, but is looking for more in race two, set to go at 2.17pm this afternoon. He said:
“I’m after a win. It’s brilliant to get 2nd and get the podium out of the way, we should however, be stronger in race two.”
Home hero, Gordon Shedden managed to get his title assault back on track thanks to his 3rd place podium, alongside Turkington’s misfortune, that now brings the title gap down to just 9 points.
“That was a bit of a random podium. I was lucky to get to the end of that race, nevermind, get a podium; there was a lot going on in that race. It’s a good result for us, especially with Colin not finishing, and obviously a fantastic win for Matt in the Civic Tourer,” concluded Shedden.
Race two for the BTCC series, kicks off in under 45mins time – with everyone anticipating another spectacular affair.
Tickets for the remainder of the day can be purchased at the gate.