Team RAC bid for a repeat of last season’s success at Thruxton

Team RAC will be hoping to pick up where they left off at Thruxton, when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship returns for the third round of the 2007 season this Sunday (6 May).

Irishman Colin Turkington secured Team RAC’s first win of the 2006 season in the final race at the Hampshire circuit, and is hopeful that Team RAC’s BMW 320si will be able to repeat that success this time around.

Team RAC are currently fourth in the Teams Championship, with Turkington in sixth place (29 points) of the Drivers Championship, and Tom Onslow-Cole one place behind with 26 points.

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, commented: “Thruxton is the fastest circuit on the calendar and a track we feel will suit Team RAC. Colin won here last season so is proven on the circuit and the new BMW car on paper should have us firmly at the front of the pack.

“Rockingham was disappointing overall, although we were delighted to see Tom second on the podium. It was a great achievement for him in only his fifth BTCC race, and I’m sure you’ll see him progress again with more track time.

“We’re determined to get back on line at Thruxton and give Team RAC something to shout about. It’s important we pick up valuable points in all three races and that will be the aim.”

Colin Turkington added: “Rockingham was bitterly disappointing for me so I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel – it’s been a long two weeks! Last season had good memories for me at the circuit, recording Team RAC’s first win, and it’s vitally important we perform well again this time out. The car should be very fast on the track so everyone is very optimistic of a successful weekend.”

Tom Onslow-Cole commented: “I had a win at Thruxton last year in the Clio Cup and it’s always been a circuit that has suited my driving style. It’s fast and has a flowing lay out plus the corner, Church, is my all time favourite so I can’t wait.

“After my second placed finish at Rockingham I’m going into this round very confident, and have set my sights on a race win for Team RAC.”

RAC will be continuing their ‘RAC to the rescue’ campaign at Thruxton, 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 providing branded overalls for race day marshals.

Marshals who visit the RAC trade area on Saturday 5 May at Thruxton, will be able to take part in a "uniform amnesty" and exchange their old outfits for a new, RAC, "RAC to the rescue" branded overalls.

Alastair Pegg, RAC director of marketing, said: "Marshals are the unsung heroes of the British Touring Car Championship, as without them, the event simply could not take place. Marshals represent the first line of rescue on track, ensuring the safety of drivers and spectators, as well as the smooth running of the races themselves.

"All marshals are volunteers and must purchase their own fireproof overalls, but race circuits eventually take their toll on the outfits. We felt, therefore, that a 'uniform amnesty' would be a good way for RAC to thank marshals for their continued support.

"RAC have many exciting initiatives planned for the 10 rounds in 2007 so supporters should log onto teamrac.co.uk, look out in the media and at the rounds themselves during the season for details of our activity and how they can take part."