James Cole and Robb Holland count cost of crash

Both James Cole and Robb Holland’s teams face a race against time to get their cars ready for the season finale at Brands Hatch, after both suffered hefty damage in the final race at Silverstone on Sunday.

A tap on lap one from Hunter Abbott sent United Autosports’ Cole spinning into the path of Holland’s Audi S3, with the Rotek Racing man unable to avoid the Toyota Avensis.

Both drivers have said a lot of work will be needed to fix the cars, with Cole’s Avensis suffering damage to the shell, and Holland’s Audi damage to the sub-frame.

No action was taken by the stewards in the aftermath, and although Holland angrily confronted Cole at the scene, he has since apologised for his reaction and his comments to the media on Sunday night.

Writing on his Facebook page, Holland said: “My apologies to James Cole for my statements to the media. I spoke in the heat of the moment before I had a chance to see the video. After seeing the video I agree that this was 100 per cent just a racing incident and James had no fault in the matter.

“I am not proud of the way I responded and will do my best to make sure that does not happen again.The reason that I reacted to James the way I did, was something he said to me after the accident (admittedly before he had a chance to view the footage as well).

“That comment will remain between James and I but needless to say it did nothing to mend the bad blood between us. Unfortunately the cameras only captured the last part of our exchange.

“That being said I am relieved that all involved walked away without injury and I hope that United Autosports can get James’ car repaired in time for the final at Brands.”

Speaking to TouringCarTimes about the damage to his car, Holland added: “It’s pretty major damage. Our impact was on the left front, so it’s a damaged sub-frame, oil cooler and a bunch of other stuff. Potentially the transmission as well.

“Depper hit us in the rear too, which has damaged the whole rear end. We’ll send it to Willie Poole, but he’s also got a bunch of other cars to fix.

“We want to be here for every race, and we want to make a big push to make it to the last race.”

Giving his side of the incident to TouringCarTimes, Cole said: “I haven’t seen the footage back yet, but from what I’ve been told, before I’d even turned in I was tapped by Hunter Abbott. Robb’s reaction wasn’t great, but he’s since apologised.

“With any front-wheel drive car, when they are sideways, they do what they want until they settle.

“It’s done damage to the shell, and we’ve only got one-and-a-half weeks to fix it. It’s going to be difficult to fix it for Brands.”

Despite his run of bad luck, Cole was positive about what he feels he could achieve in the BTCC.

He said: “The car is already dialled in pretty well but we don’t feel the boost calculation is correct. It’s hindered us a lot, but I’m happy with how the car feels.

“It makes it hard for us to stay in the battle. I’m not being negative, that’s just the cards I’ve been dealt. The car feels really good, I have a great engineer, and I know from my ability from what I’ve done in the past that I can be in the top six and win races.”

Cole also said he was encouraged that feedback on the car provided by new team-mate, and experienced touring car driver, Luke Hines, was similar to his.

“Luke did a good job and has lots of experience. He’s not been in touring cars for a while, but you don’t forget how to do it,” he said.

IMG_20140928_191217780