Rockingham Motor Speedway Race Reports of Rounds 4, 5 & 6
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Apr 23, 2007
Team RAC
It was the first time that the British Touring Car Championship had visited Rockingham Motor Speedway since 2003 and it also marked the first podium finish for Team RAC and BTCC newcomer Tom Onslow-Cole (New Malden).
Despite a storming drive through the field from Colin Turkington (Portadown) during the first race the ‘luck of the Irish’ was not on his side as he was forced into retirement during the second and third races of the afternoon.
Leaving Rockingham Team RAC still lead the Independents Team Trophy with Colin Turkington and Tom Onslow-Cole placed sixth and seventh respectively in the overall Drivers Championship.
Race 1
Starting from 25th on the grid, following his relegation after his car failed a weight check procedure at yesterday’s qualifying session, Colin Turkington gained a staggering 18 places to finish the first race of the day in 7th. The quality of the WSR BMW 320si was all to see as Colin progressed through the traffic and by the end of the first lap he had already climbed to 13th place.
On carving his way through the field and setting himself up nicely for the forthcoming races he said: “It went very well considering my starting position at the back of the grid. It’s the best that I could have achieved. I’m pleased with my performance and it’s rescued my weekend giving me a very good chance for the next two races. I’ve got a lot less weight ballast on board now, which is going to help in giving me a shot at the podium. “
In the second Team RAC BMW, Tom Onslow-Cole once again had a steady race finishing in 8th place. Matching the pace of his team-mate, Tom showed confidence gaining valuable points for the team despite being on the receiving end of some hefty contact from Eion Murray’s Alfa.
Of his Rockingham BTCC debut, Tom said: “It was a tough race and much harder than my introduction to the series at Brands. I picked up come suspension and wheel rim damage on the opening lap after contact with the Alfa and from then on in it was a real struggle. I got caught in a couple of battles but I survived and managed to finish eighth which I’m happy with. “
Pole setter Darren Turner failed to start the race after mechanical failure struck his SEAT on the grid. Vauxhall’s Giovanardi took the win leading Chilton across the line with Plato completing the top three.
Weather / Track: Dry / Bright
