PLATO PHILOSOPHICAL REGARDING HIS CHANCES OF BTCC VICTORY
AT OULTON PARK
Britain's premier motor racing attraction, the Dunlop MSA
British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), arrives at Oulton
Park circuit in Cheshire on Sunday 14 May with pre-season
favourite Jason Plato (Oxford) needing to re-establish his
title credentials.
The SEAT star kicked off his 2006 campaign in fine style,
winning last month at Brands Hatch. However he lost ground
to arch-rival and reigning champion Matt Neal (Droitwich)
last time out at Mondello Park in Ireland. Now Plato believes
Neal's sleek Honda Accord coupe could be better suited than
his latest Leon hatchback to the fast flowing layout of the
picturesque parkland circuit.
"Straight line speed is a big concern for us. It's our
Achilles Heel," admitted Plato who combines his professional
racing career with a high-profile presenter's role on Channel
5's popular 5th Gear motoring programme. "The shape of
our car means it has a lot of drag. It's an area we have to
try and improve on because it's a concern. I think we have
the better chassis, but there's not a lot we can do about
the Honda in a straight line. Oulton Park is a flowing circuit
- it's not all hairpins and acceleration - so maybe Matt will
have an advantage."
While title protagonists Neal and Plato are sure to be among
the pacesetters in all three BTCC rounds to be staged at Oulton
Park, no one is predicting any two-horse races. Former champion
James Thompson (Harrogate) may not be contesting the entire
30-race championship, but he has already underlined his intentions
scored two victories for SEAT while 48-year-old privateer
Mike Jordan (Sutton Coldfield) pulled off a huge surprise
when overcoming all the odds to take his maiden BTCC success
at Mondello Park. Both will be gunning further glory as the
BTCC makes its annual trip to the North East. Adding to the
excitement and unpredictability, Vauxhall VXR Racing and Team
RAC MG outfits will be hoping to boost their aspirations with
wins on the ultra-challenging Cheshire track.
More than just providing three action-packed, bumper-to-bumper
BTCC highlights, Sunday's thrilling schedule is geared around
public and family entertainment. Admittance is FREE for children
aged under 13 and adults can book race day tickets in advance
for just £20.00 via the www.oultonpark.co.uk website.
That price includes paddock access plus the hugely popular
Pit Lane Walkabout session when the crowds can meet the star
drivers for autographs and giveaways.
Also on BTCC bill at Oulton Park are a further six races
from the high-profile championships run by popular car manufacturers
BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT.
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