Collard hunting for race success on home turf

Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of the 2006 British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton
June 3/4, 2006

Team RAC Preview

Team RAC head to the fastest circuit in the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship calendar next weekend (3/4 June) at Thruxton in Hampshire. With speeds averaging around 110mph and an abrasive circuit, which is tough on tyres, it promises to be action all the way for drivers Colin Turkington and Rob Collard.

Residing 40 miles away in Eversley, this is the local circuit for Rob Collard who will be pushing for podium success in front of a home crowd. He said: "I am very much looking forward to Thruxton, being my home circuit. I've had some good results there in the past, which I'll be aiming to repeat. It's a very demanding and challenging circuit, which rewards the brave."

Before the BTCC action takes place, Rob will be competing in a charity karting event at Thruxton to help raise funds for Bliss (The Premature Baby Charity) and Clic-Sargent, a charity that supports families with children suffering from cancer. Amongst Rob's competitors will be motorsport personalities Johnny Herbert, David Brabham, Louise Goodman, and land speed record holder Andy Green. He commented: "I feel honoured to be asked by racing4charity to take part in this event once again. I'll be amongst some famous motorsport faces and I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's also a good warm up for the BTCC sessions on Saturday as it focuses the mind and keeps reactions sharp."

Colin Turkington took second place at last year's corresponding race and he is hoping to go one better in the Team RAC car this time around. He said: "I'm expecting the car to go well at Thruxton. It's been quick at every circuit we've visited so far and there's more performance in a straight line than we've ever had. The good thing is that the car is also proving very quick through the corners. I think we're in good shape for the race and hopefully I'll get some good results."

Team RAC principal, Dick Bennetts added: "I think were in good form heading to Thruxton this year. We've never won at Thruxton and that's frustrating, but we're getting better engine performance from the car and the design changes we've made to the suspension are really starting to come to fruition. Rob performed well at Oulton Park with consistency in all three races whilst Colin suffered a number of misfortunes but both will be back on track and looking to close the gap at the top of the table."