Photo: PSP Images

Speedworks Toyota to miss Thruxton

By

There will be only one Toyota on the grid at the third race meeting of the year, as Speedworks Motorsport will skip the round to work on their technical problems.

The new team has been suffering with a persistent power steering issue for Tony Hughes’ Next Generation Touring Car specification Toyota Avensis, as well as other problems will mean the team will skip Thruxton to work on those issues.

Hughes’ Toyota was also damaged in the eventful race three at Donington Park last weekend, collected at the start by Dave Newsham’s Geoff Steel Racing BMW on the start/finish straight.

“It is a great shame,” said Speedworks Team Principal Christian Dick.

“We could have repaired the Avensis in time for Thruxton, but we have decided instead to opt out and spend our time more productively, in sorting the one or two underlying issues we have. Then, when we do return, we can be sure the car is in top form.”

The team’s withdrawal will mean 22 cars are set to take part at Thruxton on May 1st, with uncertainty over the readiness of Rob Austin Racing’s second Audi A4.

Speedworks will be back at Oulton Park in June when Central Group Racing will also rejoin the field with their Honda Integra Type-R for Lea Wood.