Turkington: “I had to be brave and not panic”

Colin Turkington secured his first ever British Touring Car Championship title at Brands Hatch. But the final race was not easy for the Team RAC driver.
“In the final race, I was in the worst position with [Vauxhall’s] Matt Neal and Fabrizio Giovanardi in front and behind but I had to be brave and not panic,” said Turkington.

Turkington did not panic and was able to get past Neal and cross the finish line as second in the final race of the year, right behind Jason Plato.

“The third race was probably the greatest I have driven in my life. After the second race I felt so emotional, so it was a case of pulling my shoulders back and getting on with it having come so far,” said Turkington.

It took Turkington seven years to get his title after debuting in the BTCC in 2002 for MG. The title is something Turkington has urged for all of his life.

“The team has done a magnificent job this season and I am so, so delighted with this trophy. It’s the one I have waited for all my life,” said Turkington.

Team boss Dick Bennetts was more than proud over his driver.

“Colin has really lifted his game this year and fully deserves the BTCC title. He has been a model of consistency this season and doesn’t panic when things don’t necessarily go his way. Make no mistake, this is a tough series to win,” said Bennetts.