Tom Chilton hoping history repeats itself

Tom Chilton will hope for a repeat of the results he enjoyed the last time he raced a Ford at Knockhill when the BTCC heads to Scotland this weekend for the eighth round of the year.

Chilton put his Team Aon-run Focus on pole back in 2011 and then went on to win the opening race en-route to fourth spot in the Independents’ points race, with the win being one of two he would enjoy over the course of the year.

Although unable to win so far this season, Chilton has secured multiple podiums after his move to Motorbase over the winter and he said he felt optimistic about fighting for a place on the top step again this time around.

“Last time I raced at Knockhill in a Ford Focus was back in 2011, which saw me qualify in pole position and go on to win the race,” he said. “It would be great if we could repeat history again this weekend.

“I’m gutted I lost a potential win at Rockingham last time out and can’t believe how disappointed I felt with only a third and a tenth. The car has a lot of potential and I need to make sure we maximise the most of what we have this weekend, as I can really feel that win is getting ever so closer.

“I love racing at Knockhill and can’t wait to be back on two wheels having fun again.”

Team-mate James Cole will also hope for a strong weekend, with his season having dropped away after a promising start in recent meetings.

“Knockhill is unlike any other circuit that we race on in the BTCC,” he said. “If you like rollercoasters, you’ll like Knockhill! I think it will suit our car. We’ve been consistent this season, apart from the last couple of rounds where we tried something different.

“We’ve learnt a lot from that though and can adapt that to what we already have and get back to a car that can challenge in the top five and push for podiums.

“We’ve had a mid-season slump, so we’ve got to pull back up and end the year as we started. Knockhill seems like the best place to do that.”