BTCC – PLATO AND TORDOFF AIM TO KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM AT THRUXTON

Jason Plato, MG KX Momentum Racing Team

MG KX Momentum racers Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff are looking forward to conquering one of the most daunting British Touring Car Championship racetracks in the United Kingdom this weekend when they take on the challenges of Thruxton in Hampshire.

The MG6 pair will tackle the circuit, which has an average lap speed of over 110mph, as part of the third round of this season’s championship chase. Plato sits on top of the points table after a successful start to his 2013 campaign, while newcomer Tordoff continues to shine on his full debut in the series with a host of top six results.

“Our car is so much better than when we raced at Thruxton last season, so we are headed there looking for the big results,” said Plato. “Our car was virtually brand new there last year and it was terribly wet. Since then, we have chipped away at the handling of the MG6 and it is so much better. With the added stability that we have from the chassis now, I am certain we will have the speed to be right at the front.

“It is one heck of a place to drive a touring car,” added the two-time touring car champion. “You really have to psyche yourself up for it, but although you need real commitment and bravery to get the most from it, you also have to have a deft touch and be as smooth as you can to keep the speed up and keep the momentum. It’s such a great place and I look forward to it each season.”

Sam Tordoff said he was eagerly anticipating his first outings in a British Touring Car Championship round at the Hampshire speedbowl.

Tordoff said: “It is an interesting place to race, and there are restrictions at Thruxton which mean that there is very little testing there – that means it is a journey into the unknown for everyone.

“Despite that, I feel that we have a really strong car with really good front-end grip, so that means the MG KX Momentum car will have lots of speed around the fast sweeps around the back of the circuit,” he added. “I feel like I should have had a podium finish last time out, and I am going to be determined to get back there this weekend. The track is a bit of unknown quantity for all of us, but I have every faith in our car and my ability to use it to its maximum.”

Team principal Ian Harrison, who heads up the multiple title-winning team, says that he knows all about the pitfalls of the 2.36-mile track. He is keen that the KX pair maximise their chances over the three rounds this weekend.

“Thruxton is one of those places that can catch out the unwary,” said Harrison. “That means it demands maximum concentration at all times so it is a real test for the drivers and also for the teams. It is the kind of track that really sorts out the professional drivers from the no-hopers.

“But we are sure that we have a car fast enough to win there. I am expecting a win from either of our drivers this weekend – be it Jason again or Sam’s maiden victory. They both have the speed to do it. We need to keep banking solid results and keep the points tally ticking over.”

All three races will be broadcast live on ITV4. The coverage begins on Sunday morning at 10.45am.

2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship

Drivers’ standings

After six of 30 rounds

1               Jason Plato (MG KX Momentum MG6)       92

2               Andrew Jordan (Honda Civic)        87

3               Matt Neal (Honda Civic)   78

4               Sam Tordoff (MG KX Momentum MG6)    73

5               Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic)     72

6               Adam Morgan      (Toyota Avensis)                  66