Mixed emotions on dramatic day for new series leader Rob Collard
New series leader Rob Collard ran the full gamut of emotions at Snetterton, turning a bad qualifying and race one into spectacular races two and three to leave Norfolk three points clear of team-mate Sam Tordoff.
It’s the first time West Surrey Racing’s Collard has led the championship this late in the season, and he now heads into one of his favourite circuits at Knockhill in fine spirits.
Despite only managing 16th in the opening encounter, Collard staged a spectacular charge to fourth in race two and was only denied victory on the final lap of the last race, after a dramatic battle with Team Dynamics’ Gordon Shedden.
In one of the most open championships for years, Collard leads Tordoff by three points, Team Dynamics’ Matt Neal by four points and his team-mate Gordon Shedden by 25 points.
Assessing his weekend, Collard said: “It’s mixed emotions. I’m devastated to lose that win to Gordon – he drove well, there was nothing wrong with what he did. My front tyres were going off and I couldn’t brake and get the car stopped as well.
“But looking at it from the other side of the coin – unfortunately Sam [Tordoff] had a mechanical so he wasn’t in the race, so I’d already done the maths and knew I could be leading the championship.
“This is why the BTCC is so popular, because it swings backwards and forwards. I was 18th in qualifying, 16th in the first race and had to have a serious talk to myself in the back of the truck because I was ready to go home.
“Then a few changes to the suspension, new tyres and a bit of weight out and the car was transformed. It just goes to show the car is so fickle – you’re either in the window or out of it. There’s nowhere inbetween.
“To come away leading the championship at a bogey circuit for me with good points is unbelievable. I never had it in my wildest dreams that I would come away from Snetterton leading the championship. To be leading it is fabulous.
“I’ve never led it this late in the championship. In the second half of last year my championship just went Pete Tong, but this year we’re getting some of the luck we’ve lost in the past.”
Looking ahead to the championship’s annual visit to Scotland, Collard was in a confident mood heading to a track where he has taken four wins in the past.
“I think I’ve been the most successful touring car driver at Knockhill for years now, but you can’t predict anything in this championship because things turn around so quickly,” said Collard.
“People know when I can unlock the car and get it how I want it, I can really deliver. WSR have put their faith in me and I’m delivering as much as I can this year.
“I actually thought last year would be my last year, and then thought this year would be my last year! But now I can’t wait until Knockhill.”
