Frustration at BTC Racing
After showing so much promise in recent testing, BTC Racing left Brands Hatch totally frustrated with their race performance during the first round of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship.
The team could only manage 3 race laps between their two drivers, Chris Stockton and Stuart Oliver.
Practice and qualifying went well for the team, only to suffer a major problem with their rev limiters as a result of problems stemming from their ECU’s.
BTC Racing has made major steps since last season, taking onboard reigning 2007 Delphi British Truck Racing Champion, Stuart Oliver.
In a move that the team has described as “the best thing that has happened to BTC Racing in its short history”, Oliver has signed to drive alongside current driver Chris Stockton.
Stuart Oliver is 7 times British Truck Racing Champion as well as the 2004 FIA European Truck Racing Champion, and has now decided to make the move into the HIQ MSA British Touring Car Championship in its historic 50th year.
Another positive step was the recent announcement that ex-BTCC race winner Gareth Howell has joined the team as back-up and test driver.
BTC Racing team boss Bert Taylor commented, “We are very excited to have Gareth as part of BTC Racing team. Having a third driver to stand in when one of our drivers isn’t available can only benefit the team. Gareth has a wide experience in BTCC and this experience will help strengthen the team throughout the season. His knowledge will be invaluable in the setting up of the cars and Chris, Stuart and the team are really looking forward to working with him.”
It is understood that Gareth will stand in at three events!
Two major sponsors have put their name to the BTC Racing Team. Leading global hand tools brand GearWrench will be the primary sponsor.
Taylor said: “I am delighted to welcome GearWrench on board the BTC team. I am confident that we will progressively move forward during this season and the sponsorship from GearWrench will help us work towards realising that potential.
And Vantage Toyota who have 6 official Toyota Centres across the North of England have put backing behind the Lexus team.
Mark Robinson, Managing Director of Meridian Motor Group that operates Vantage Toyota, said
“We’re thrilled to be supporting Stuart Oliver and the rest of the BTC Racing Team as part of Stuart’s first season in BTCC. We look forward to seeing the team throughout the season and bringing our guests to experience the excitement of Touring Cars”.
Lets hope BTC have a car at Rockingham that will allow their drivers prove what they are capable of doing.
