Team RAC gears up for Rockingham

Team RAC drivers Colin Turkington and Tom Onslow-Cole are looking to build on their successful start to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when the second round of the season takes place at Rockingham on Sunday 22 April.

Team RAC currently lead the Independents Team Trophy, with Colin Turkington in third place (25 points) of the Drivers Championship behind Jason Plato (41 points) and Matt Neal (32 points), while Tom Onslow-Cole lies in equal eighth position with 11 points.

It has been four years since the BTCC has been held at the impressive Rockingham circuit and Team RAC are eager to return to Northamptonshire and fight it out at the front of the grid.

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, commented: “Rockingham provides Team RAC with another opportunity to further develop our new cars. We had some valuable track time during the official media launch which was good for both drivers given the new track layout at Rockingham.

“It’s a challenging circuit with a fast first corner and then a tight infield but we’re confident we will be competitive again. Colin will be on a high having been named as one of the six finalists in the MSA Race Elite Scheme, and has previous experience of the circuit having raced with us at Rockingham in 2003.

“I was very impressed with Tom’s performance at Brands Hatch, especially in qualification. He has the experience of those three races under his belt now and has shown great potential so far.”

Team RAC driver Colin Turkington, who started the first round of the season at Brands Hatch on pole position and secured two podium finishes, said: “Rockingham is a fantastic venue and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel again there. It will be a fantastic atmosphere and is great circuit for a driver. We’re learning about the car all the time and I’m sure Team RAC will be very competitive throughout the race day.”

Tom Onslow-Cole, whose BTCC debut at Brands Hatch saw him record an impressive fifth place finish, added: “I thoroughly enjoyed Brands Hatch and was delighted with my performance. It was definitely an introduction and I know there are improvements for me at Rockingham. It’s a fantastic venue, and since the launch event I’ve been very
excited about returning for this round.”

RAC will be continuing their ‘RAC to the rescue’ campaign ahead of Rockingham, which provides benefits to enhance the race day experience of fans at all 10 rounds of the season.

Tying into RAC’s latest advertising campaign, which features Vinnie Jones and Lennox Lewis, the activity will see RAC teaming up with a number of media partners to run competitions offering the new range of RAC Sat Navs as prizes.

The RAC Satnav 200, which hits the shops in May, comes loaded with safety camera locations. If you need to stop somewhere for a break on the way to Rockingham, the RAC 200 gives you details of nearby restaurants, hotels and places of interest, making sure fans have a trouble free trip to Rockingham.

Alastair Pegg, Director of RAC Marketing, commented: “Team RAC's start to the 2007 season has been very promising and we are excited about the next round and our first visit to Rockingham.

“It’s important the fans share in the team’s success also and by offering RAC Sat Navs in our ‘RAC to the rescue’ promotions the fans will have a stress free journey to one of the most impressive venues in the country.”