Matt Simpson “living the dream” with first BTCC point

Matt Simpson was on cloud nine after scoring the first point of his BTCC career at his debut event, taking 15th in the final race at Brands Hatch.

The Speedworks Motorsport struggled in qualifying, only managing 24th on the grid, but progressed through the weekend, finish 17th and 18th in the first two races, before taking 15th, and his first point, in race three.

“I can’t describe it,” an elated Simpson told TouringCarTimes. “Any race win I’ve had, any championship I’ve won in previous formulas just comes nowhere near scoring that point for me and the team, family and all the friends that come to support me this weekend.”

The weekend as a whole was a realisation of a dream for Simpson, who admitted that he was pinching himself at the start of Free Practice One as he took to the track alongside some of the biggest names in British motorsport.

“To go out on track with the likes of Jason, Gordon and Matt, I had to squeeze myself to check if this was really real,” said Simpson. “I’ve always looked up to them and other top drivers as well. I’m living the dream and just can’t believe I’m actually doing it. This weekend has been fantastic with all the support from the fans, I’m just hooked already, I can’t wait for the next one.”

Heading on to Donington Park for rounds four, five and six, the two-time Intermarque champion has good memories of the Leicestershire circuit, and is hoping his previous successes could spur on more points results for his new Honda Civic Type-R.

“I absolutely love Donington Park,” he said. “In the rear-wheel-drive car I’m unbeaten if you like, but obviously that could well change. I’m really looking forward to it, I’ll just be trying to move on and just keep improving.”