Jordan “a dark horse” says Neal

Reigning champion Matt Neal has earmarked Mike Jordan as his ‘dark horse’ for a shock result in the 2007 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Neal reckons Jordan, who took a hugely popular win in his first full season in the BTCC last year, has the right team, car and experience to spring a surprise.

That’s despite the fact Jordan will continue to compete in an older BTC-specification car, a Honda Integra while most of his rivals switch to newer Super 2000-type machinery.

The 49-year-old is also now fully recovered from the accident in last year’s season finale that left him injured in hospital and in pre-season testing was second fastest only to Vauxhall’s Fabrizio Giovanardi

Neal told BTCC.net: “If you want me to pick a dark horse then I’m going for Mike. He’s got a season of racing in the BTCC under his belt, had a win in his first year, he and his team now know how to operate in the championship and how to wring the best from front-wheel-drive cars.

“He could definitely go into the season as the most under-estimated package. I think at Brands Hatch this weekend he could fly – the Honda Integra he’s got is blinding around there and I should know, I’ve driven it for the last two years.”

Jordan, racing under the Team Eurotech with John Guest-Speedfit banner, said: “I can’t wait to get stuck in. We’ve had our learning year and now it’s time to get our sleeves rolled up. The car is sitting there ready to go and I can’t wait to get on with it. It’s been a long winter and now I just want to get out there and get racing!”