Adam labels Neal move “disgusting”

Jonathan Adam has described Matt Neal’s move on him during the opening lap of race three as “disgusting”. “I really enjoyed today’s racing up until that last race” said Adam, “I think it was disgusting what Matt Neal did, he just lined me up, didn’t brake and took me out.” As a result of the incident at Surtees the Airwaves BMW driver could only finish eighth, after fighting his way back up the order.

“I probably made my best start of the season and both Rob and I were right up there, so that it was hard to have that taken away like that.

“Still, I managed to get going again and I knew that if I could score some points I could gain some places in the championship standings. I just got my head down and kept picking them off, and to get back up to eighth wasn’t too bad after what had happened.”

Adam and teammate Rob Collard had made lightening starts in the final race of the day at Brands Hatch to slot into second and third behind Neal, but as a result of the Vauxhall driver backing up the field, both were first lap casualties.

Collard hit the barriers on the Cooper Straight after contact with Tom Chilton, leaving him in a similar frame of mind to his teammate.

“We got a great start and the car felt fantastic and Jonny and I had been on a good pace all day”, said Collard, “So I’m sure we could’ve gone on to challenge for the win. To end up with both cars being taken out is hard to take. I just feel so, so sorry for the team for what happened. All the boys in the garage worked hard to give us a car that was capable of winning and for it to finish in that way was bitterly disappointing for everyone.

“I actually feel there have been a number of incidents this year that have cost us, through no fault of our own, otherwise we could’ve been three or four places higher in the championship.

“Overall it has been a pretty good year though. The Airwaves BMW team has been great to work with and the car has been superb all season long, so hopefully we can continue building together and come back even stronger next season.”

For Team Principal Dave Bartrum the opening lap carnage was especially annoying, coming as it does at Motorbases’ home track, but he could look on the bright side.

“First of all I’d like to congratulate Colin Turkington and WSR on their title win, they deserved it and it was a good day for BMW. Rob and Jonny drove really well today and it’s a shame other people spoiled their good work.”

Having made their debut just three year’s ago at Brands Hatch have come a long way, taking their first and second BTCC wins during 2009, but Bartrum is promising more next year.

“Everyone in the team has worked their socks off this season and we’ve shown we can be a major player in this championship throughout the year. We will now go away and test, raise a good budget and come back to the championship next year knowing what we have to do to be successful.

“I’d also like to say thank you to all our sponsors and supporters for everything they have done this year, we’ve received some tremendous backing and we’re very grateful for that. Hopefully everyone will sit up and take notice of the things we’ve been doing both on and off the track and follow us next year as we look to kick up another gear and improve once again.”

Reflecting on the culmination of his first season of BTCC racing, former Clio Cup and Seat Cupra champion Adam said, “It’s certainly been an eventful first year in the BTCC for me, and I’ve learned a massive amount.

“I had targeted finishing in the top ten of the championship, so to get eighth overall against a field of this quality is pleasing. I have to say a massive thank you to David Bartrum and the team for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do. I couldn’t have been with a better bunch of people in my first season in the BTCC and it’s been a privilege to race for them.”