Never-say-die Rob Collard delighted with win

Rob Collard said his never-say-die attitude and one of his best ever starts helped propel him to a first victory of the season in the final race at Knockhill.

Starting at the back of the 31-car field in race one after his grid penalty from Snetterton, the odds on the West Surrey Racing man taking victory were long.

But a charge through to 12th followed, and then a drive through to fifth in race two set Collard up for a shot at victory in the finale.

The BMW 125i eventually took the flag more than six seconds ahead of AmD Tuning’s Dave Newsham.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Collard said: “We arrived here this weekend not really knowing what to expect. Sitting down there is very lonely back in 31st.

“I just thought I’m going to give it my best shot, and never give in – that’s my attitude in life.

“We exceeded our expectations in race one. We thought we’d get through to about 18th, so to come through to 12th was great.

“Race two we were also looking strong, and thought if we could get through to the top eight for the reverse grid it would be great. And we came through to fifth.”

Collard continued his upward momentum in race three, and said a number of factors were key to his win.

He said: “We’d saved our best tyres for the last race, and I knew I had to be really forceful in the opening laps.

“I put so much energy into the start. I was so pumped for it, and I just blasted past people. It was one of my best ever starts, if I’m honest.

“It was quite important to get past Giovanardi as well. I caught him napping, and he left the door open. I just fired it down the inside and he tried to close the door, but I was well and truly through.

“Every time I come to the Highlands it always seems to shine down on me. I’m very pleased.”