Blanckley ready for the big one

Simon Blanckley says he’s ready for the biggest race meeting of his career at Croft this Sunday when he will line up on the grid for the first time as a Dunlop British Touring Car driver in front of his home crowd.

The 39-year-old from Durham is hopeful of a points finish in one of the three races having already achieved a top ten finish in his maiden BTCC season. Cheering him on will be scores of family, friends and guests of local sponsors, plus work colleagues from his chief backer and employer AWD Chase de Vere.

Blanckley, who races a Honda Integra for his own sibsport team, said: “In terms of race aims, another point like the one we scored in round six at Rockingham, or more, would be good.

“I know the car a lot better now; it’s very reliable and simple compared to most cars to set up. We’ve also got strong wet weather data so should the heavens open, we’ll be ready.”

He added: “We’ve performed in the first few races and personally I’m getting used to the atmosphere and the demands of being in a championship as big as the BTCC. It’s been tough, sure, especially being on a much lower budget than most teams, but I am competing in the same races as some of the best racing drivers in the world, so its not meant to be easy!”

Blanckley is hoping his knowledge of the Croft circuit will help him challenge the established hierarchy and he will be looking for plenty of cheering and support from the locals packed high on the spectator banks.

He continued: “I know the track really well; I’ve been there countless times. This should give me an advantage so you never know what we could achieve. I’m really looking forward to it and I’ll be putting my all into getting the best result we can in all three races on Sunday.

“Croft is a great track as it’s so technical and every corner is a different challenge. The Jim Clark Esses out at the back of the circuit are fantastic for getting your adrenaline pumping, but I also like the final series of slower turns at the complex, which I know aren’t universally popular amongst other drivers.

“It’s going to be an interesting weekend because the first few corners are quite tight and twisty so I wouldn’t be surprised if there are fewer cars on track by the end of the first lap than started it.”