Photo: PSP Images

Race Preview: BTCC goes to Scotland

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The BTCC returns after a short break, at Knockhill in Scotland this weekend. Giovanardi currently leads while his opponent Plato suffered last time out. The Fife circuit is notorious for close racing and lots of action while the weather is often changeable making results very unpredictable and offering teams that usually struggle, the opportunity to take vital points.

Previously at Knockhill
In 2007 it was SEAT that dominated, however it was not Plato that did well. Fellow team-mate Darren Turner took first place in both races 1 and 2. Gorden Shedden pleased a home crowd battling Turner hard for the win in race 1 until suspension damage ended his race. Shedden then took a win in race 3.

The season so far
Giovanardi extended his lead to 44 points ahead of Jason Plato. Jason Plato suffered gremlins again last time out with engine woes in his SEAT Leon TDI which has been plagued by a mysterious misfire. Jason Plato recently conceded his championship hopes were severely fading. Matt Neal currently sits third in championship standings after switching from his family run team to Vauxhall at the end of last season.

Who’s going?
Knockhill normally produces some absentees from the smaller teams not wishing to make the trip north of the border. This year the only entry not expected to be there is the second BTC SEAT Toledo registered to truck racer Stuart Oliver. Gareth Howell replaced Oliver at the last round at Oulton Park but it will be unlikely he will do the same again at Knockhill.

Weekend Schedule
Saturday 16th August
09.00 – Legends Qualifying
09.30 – HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship Free Practice
10.25 – Ginetta Junior Championship Free Practice
10.55 – Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Qualifying
11.40 – SEAT Cupra Championship Qualifying
12.15 – HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship Free Practice
13.10 – Legends Race 1
13.30 – Lunch
14.30 – Ginetta Junior Championship Qualifying
15.00 – Legends Race 2
15.25 – SEAT Cupra Championship Qualifying
16.00 – HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship Qualifying
16.45 – Legends Race 3

Sunday 17th August
09.15 – Legends Heat 1
09.40 – Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain
10.20 – SEAT Cupra Championship
11.00 – BTCC Pit Lane Opens
11.10 – HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship
11.50 – Ginetta Junior Championship
12.10 – BTCC Paddock Autograph Session
12.10 – Lunch Break
13.10 – Legends Heat 2
13.40 – BTCC Pit Lane Opens
13.50 – HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship
14.30 – Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain
15.10 – SEAT Cupra Championship
15.50 – Ginetta Junior Championship
16.20 – BTCC Pit Lane Opens
16.30 – HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship
17.10 – Legends Final