Triple Eight down to one car for Rockingham

James Nash is set to be the only driver for Triple Eight Race Engineering next weekend at Rockingham after no driver with the required budget has stepped forward to helm the Swindon-engined Vauxhall Vectra.

Team Principal Ian Harrison has there’s still time for the car to race if a driver with the right budget comes forward, but at present, the position is unfilled.

The team’s former driver Tony Gilham departed the team after Snetterton, with the 32-year-old struggling to find the funds to continue with the former works Vauxhall squad, and has instead made the switch to the smaller Geoff Steel Racing team from Rockingham, which has been absent from the grid since Donington Park back in April.

At the last round of the championship at Knockhill, Renault Clio Cup UK driver Aron Smith made his BTCC debut with the team, scoring a top ten finish in his first ever race, but will returning to the Clio Cup for Rockingham as the series rejoins the BTCC’s support package.

“I guess it is another sign of the times when a good car is likely to remain idle on a race weekend,” said Team Principal Ian Harrison.

“We’ve not been short of enquiries for the seat but unfortunately finding somebody with suitable budget has so far proved to be elusive. It isn’t too late though and interested parties’ should contact me or Les Jones without delay.”

Triple Eight’s lead driver James Nash currently sits second in the independent drivers’ standings, five points behind Mat Jackson, whilst Triple Eight are also second in the independent teams’ standings, just one point behind Motorbase Performance.