Jan ”Flash” Nilsson confirms STCC comeback

Jan ”Flash” Nilsson has confirmed his return to the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, racing the two final races of the year at Solvalla and Mantorp Park.
”I said that I was going to do nothing for two years, and that is exactly what I have done,” said ”Flash” to TT.

”Then I drove a Legends race and it was a bit more fun than I thought and I won it. Then David von Schinkel (Team Tidö team owner) called and asked if I wanted to drive two races and what I wanted for it. I said what I wanted and now I am here.”

The 53-year-old is going to drive a Saab 9-3 for Team Tidö in the two final races of the 2014 STCC season, joining regular drivers Richard Göransson and Roger Samuelsson.

”Flash” has not taken part in a high profile race since 2012 and is facing stiff opposition in the STCC with rivals like reigning champion Thed Björk, championship leader Fredrik Larsson and four-time STCC champion Göransson.

”I think they are going to say: ”Damn it, is he back? We’ve had things quiet around here and traded some victories among us and he is going to destroy it all.” Seriously though, I think they are going to be scared that I am going to beat them,” said ”Flash” with a laugh.

But when asked if he thinks he is going to be able to beat his former main rivals, ”Flash” is modest.

”No. I understand that I shouldn’t win after being away for so long,” said ”Flash”.

Rumours have indicated that the STCC’s change in leadership is a key part of the reason ”Flash” has now chosen to make his comeback.

”The decision was taken before the change, but it is clear that I didn’t agree with the old organisation that failed to make the people to understand that the product was good. Instead it became a downwards spiral where everyone was looking for errors. Just look at the Swedish Hockey League, it is not close to being the best hockey ever being played there this year, but the interest is still great. How many racing championships has got this many drivers being paid to race like STCC? It is actually really impressive,” said ”Flash”.

When asked about the future and potential drives for next year, ”Flash” is optimistic.

”I have already got six races confirmed in another championship in September and I have got requests from abroad for next season. Drivers like Ekblom and myself have got our foundation before the test limitations were introduced, which means that we have driven a lot of car. That is what the teams want, the young drivers haven’t really understood that. The requests are more or less raining down on me,” said ”Flash”.