Vauxhall starts the race for 200 wins

Vauxhall’s 100th win may be in the bag but the Luton-based manufacturer is not resting on its laurels as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship heads to Brands Hatch this weekend.

After the excitement of breaking into triple figures, the marque is now looking to start its campaign for 200 wins and Italian ace, Fabrizio Giovanardi, is hoping to add to his tally at the Kent circuit.

“I liked Brands Hatch when I went there earlier this year,” said the 39-year-old, two-times European Touring Car Champion. “It’s a fun, special, technical circuit.

“If you look back at the last three races the car is faster than at the beginning of the season so we can fight for a win every race now. I think the car is better and I’m confident to be in front without having to defend too hard.

“Getting the 100th win does not take the pressure off. We jumped through the wall – the 100th race win – but now we just have to make new victories to get to the 200th race win!”

Reigate’s Tom Chilton is looking to put two disappointing weekends behind him and regain the lead amongst VX Racing’s drivers.

“I would’ve loved to have got the 100th win but now my main focus it to beat my team-mates again,” said the 21-year-old. “I’ve been ahead of them all season until Knockhill and now they’re both ahead of me.

“I think the main reason is that in practice I’ve been concentrating on getting a good race set-up instead of qualifying. That’s what I need to get back to because as long as you qualify well you can keep the other cars behind you and that’s particularly important at Brands.”

Although Matt Neal seems to have the BTCC pretty much sewn up, VX Racing’s third driver, Gavin Smith, says the fans will still have plenty to cheer for.

“The races make for such exciting watching that I don’t think it’s going to take anything away for the fans,” said the Dubliner. “The racing is still going to be as fierce and exciting as ever.

“It’s lovely that Fabrizio got the 100th win for the team and it was nice to be on the podium with him – I’ve got the photos on the wall already!

“It’s so close between the VX Racing drivers that I don’t even look at the points. I do the best job I can and see what comes of it. If it means I finish ahead of Tom and Fabrizio that’s just a bonus.”