Rory Butcher pleased to regain the winning feeling

Rory Butcher admitted he was delighted at returning to the top step of the BTCC podium after securing his first victory of the season at Oulton Park.

Butcher had scored a single podium thus far in 2021 after his switch to Speedworks but arrived at the team’s home circuit feeling optimistic about his chances of battling right at the sharp end after a solid test earlier in the month.

Qualifying saw Butcher secure a second row start and the converted that into fourth place in race despite running on the medium tyre – going against the rest of the front-runners who ran the soft option tyre.

Race two however saw Butcher vault up into the lead on the opening lap thanks to a fine move on both Team Dynamics Hondas at the hairpin, and he then led right through to the flag to take his first Toyota win.

Further points were there to be scored in race three before contact with Carl Boardley at Druids – after the Laser Tools Racing man suffered brake failure – forced him into retirement.

“It was a disappointing way to end the weekend as we didn’t need that damage with only a two week break before the next round, but it’s been hugely positive aside from that,” he said.

“There have been times this season that I have gone into race weekends lacking confidence in the car, but I had a different feeling coming here on the back of the performance at both Brands Hatch and then in the tyre test.

“I think that improved confidence was reflected in practice and qualifying as I’m feeling more at one with the car, and I think we’ve turned a real corner.

“I’ve missed this feeling in a car, and hopefully the results this weekend – up to race three – are a sign of positive things to come.”