Lexus transformed says Stockton

Chris Stockton believes major technical modifications to his BTC Racing team’s pair of Lexus will transform the performance of both cars in time for the start of the new Dunlop MSA British Touring Championship season.

Stockton says engine tuner Piper has squeezed extra power from the Japanese make’s IS200 model to the levels of most rivals’ motors. A redesign of the car’s suspension should also enable it to hold its own around corners.

Furthermore, the Bert Taylor-managed team has taken on two more engineers as it seeks to make an impact in its first full BTCC season.

“Last year people simply drove up to and around us down the straights and the suspension was like something off a medieval ox cart,” Stockton told BTCC.net. “Piper has found us another 10bhp from the engine and the dampers are 200 per cent different this year. It should be a transformation…”

Stockton has been joined in the team by Nick Leason who has confirmed additional sponsorship from Rockingham circuit. Both drivers are scheduled to test there later this week, pending the arrival of final engine parts from America.

“Everything has been done on the drawing board,” added Stockton. “Only when we try it all at Rockingham will we know, but I’ll be shocked if there isn’t quite a sizeable improvement.

“I think we’ll be capable of qualifying inside the top ten on occasion, although it’s in qualifying that we actually might struggle. Our pace over a full race distance should be a lot more competitive as the drop-off in performance will be quite consistent – there won’t be any major dramas. But I think we’ll have to be prepared to play a game of patience…”