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Luke Hines: “I’ve got the BTCC bug back”

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Luke Hines had nothing but positive words to say about his touring car return at Silverstone, and says he’s “got the bug back” for racing in the BTCC.

Hines was brought in to replace Glynn Geddie at United Autosports for the final two rounds of the 2014 season, and turned in a solid performance which culminated in his best race of the day in the finale.

The former BTCC Production class champion said he was confident of finishing inside the top 15 before an exploding tyre sent him straight off into the gravel at Copse on lap 11.

This followed a pair of 20th places, and 26th in qualifying, around 0.6 slower than regular driver James Cole.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Hines said: “The first race I was really nervous, and my first start was awful! I need a bit of practice.

“We had two 20ths, and then in the last one I had a bad start again and dropped quite a few places. I was down in 22nd and got through to 17th, and straight away I dropped the times down to low 59s.

“Straight away, I found eight tenths in myself, and every lap I was going quicker and quicker. I could see 15th, 14th, 13th and 12th and I could see myself catching them really quickly.

“I knew we had it there, but then in turn one, I turned in and the tyre blew up. I felt there was a top 15 there for the team – they worked really hard all weekend.”

Hines was clearly enthused about his prospects of improving further at the season finale, and also reflected on how much he has changed since he last raced in the BTCC in 2005.

He said: “I know the areas now where we have to improve and really work on until Brands Hatch, and I think we can move up a level there. I have to say thanks to United Autosports for giving me this chance.

“I’ve got the bug back. When I was last here I was young, and probably immature. I was a different kid.

“Now, lots of things have gone on in my life, and it’s nice to come back in a more mature approach. I really think this time around, I could be a better driver. I just need to get my head around it.”