Photo: PSP Images

Mike Bushell aiming for top ten results at Oulton Park

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Mike Bushell has been left overwhelmed by the fan support that has helped him get back on the BTCC grid, albeit slightly sore from his heavy impact at Thruxton.

The AmD Tuning driver returned to the BTCC tarmac after a difficult month since the Thruxton meeting which saw Bushell have to battle with both his own physical fitness and an extensive rebuild of the Ford Focus.

“I’m still a bit sore actually,” Bushell told TouringCarTimes. “The belts put on the pressure point exactly where the damage was done. It’s not too bad when I’m driving because of the adrenaline but now I’m a bit sore.

“There was a massive amount [of damage]. We’ve got a new engine, the gearbox and shell have all had repairs. Subframes were damaged, suspension and bodywork too. I could really have done without it really, it’s really stretched our thin budget, which is even thinner now. Considering we only had the car together 8 o’clock yesterday evening, to be fifteenth I’m really pleased.”

Bushell took the Ford to 15th in FP1, but knows full well that he may not have made it to the grid had it not been for the generosity of the BTCC fan base, a method which also helped Simon Belcher get the Speedworks Toyota Avensis back on track at Oulton following the Thruxton clash.

“It was incredible,” continued Bushell. “I don’t know what to say, I’ve got one [of the fans] with me now and he’s pleased just to have helped me and see me out on track, he feels part of it. It just shows I’ve got a good little fanbase and they’ve helped me get back on the grid.”

Despite the rebuild, Bushell remains confident for the upcoming weekend, aiming for top ten results. He will, however have to start from the back of the grid in race one having reached three strikes, having received a reprimand for his incident with Belcher at Thruxton.

“I’d like to get close to the top ten really,” Bushell told TouringCarTimes. “Just have more of the same in FP2. In qualifying we’ve got a plan because no matter what I do I’m starting from the back. Race one we might have to take a different approach because the lap times sort the grid for race two.”