Newcomers Excelr8 aim for trouble-free start

Excelr8 Motorsport pair Rob Smith and Sam Osborne say they are both hoping for a consistent and trouble-free start to life in the BTCC when the team makes its debut this weekend at Brands Hatch.

Excelr8 will run the two MG6 GTs in its first season in touring cars that were run by AmD last year, with the team having spent the winter hard at work on making a number of revisions to the ex-works cars.

As well as undergoing full rebuilds, both MGs have been fitted with revised cooling systems and new exhausts, with the team able to then complete four days of testing ahead of the season opener.

MINI Challenge graduate Smith was quicker of the pair during the Season Launch test at Brands Hatch last week and he admitted that he couldn’t now wait for the season to get underway.

“My BTCC debut has been ten years in the making and it’s a mixture of huge excitement and some nerves too,” he said. “We’re already matching the qualifying pace for this car from last year despite having limited testing over the winter and limited time to get our heads around the cars, but I think we’re in good shape to make an impression.

“We’ve learnt a lot already, but there’s a huge amount more to learn from an actual race weekend, with the tyres and the extra procedures and also the race craft of the BTCC.

“It’s all about corner entry speed with these cars, and using the front weight to get the car tuned in. It’s a big step up from the MINI, but if I can rack up three finishes and have some consistent pace in round one, I’ll be very happy.”

Team-mate Osborne steps up from the Clio Cup and said his focus for the opening was to maximise his time on track to continue learning about the MG.

“Rob’s had a bit more running than me pre-season, so I’m feeling a little behind but I’m getting more comfortable with the car with every lap I do,” he said. “It’s crazy to be racing against some of the legends of the BTCC who are still here. I never dreamt I’d be racing against some of these names, so I’m absolutely buzzing for the season to start at Brands Hatch.

“I think the Clio has prepared me well for this. It would have been a big step without that experience and it gives you a good insight into what happens in the BTCC. But the MG is like a different planet in terms of driving experience.

“The target for the first round is just to finish and to build my experience up. I want to be competitive as soon as possible, and eventually be fighting for the top ten. We do have a learning curve this year, but Excelr8 has definitely got off to a strong start and I’m feeling like I’m in a good place.”