Airwaves Racing set for Thruxton thriller

Airwaves Racing is looking for a change of luck this coming weekend (May 4/5) as it gets set to tackle the fast and furious Thruxton circuit for round 3 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Mat Jackson, Airwaves Racing

Photo by: Pat Cranham

Thruxton has given Airwaves Racing and Motorbase many cause for celebration in recent years, with Mat Jackson taking race wins here in 2012 and 2011 in the S2000 Focus. The new in-house built Mountune-powered Ford Focus ST’s are yet to take on the punishing track, so all eyes will be on how the NGTC machines cope with the on track demands and tyre-wear during this weekend’s battle.

The formerly named ‘Airwaves BMW’ squad also secured its first ever 1-2 finish here back in 2010, and with the Airwaves Racing team currently lying sixth in the Teams’ Championship with Aron Smith and Mat Jackson in ninth and tenth places in the driver standings; David Bartrum’s squad is hopeful of a return to winning form as its heads west.

The Addison Lee Motorbase team is also back in action this weekend as Liam Griffin looks to fight back from his campaign set back at Donington two weeks ago and extend his lead at the top of the Jack Sears Trophy standings.

Round 3 of the 2013 season takes place at Thruxton on May 4th – 5th. Live coverage of Sunday's events will be shown on ITV4, itv.com and also in HD from 10.45am – 6pm; with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturday’s qualifying session between 3.25 and 3.55pm.

Motorbase Performance Team Manager Oly Collins said:

“After a pretty tough first two rounds we're headed to Thruxton with some cautious optimism. We suffered a few issues at Donington which were out of our control but we feel sure that’s behind us now. There has been a lot of work done on set up and we now go into this weekend with increased confidence.

“This is where our season starts and we're looking for some solid results which we can build on.”

Airwaves Racing driver Mat Jackson said:

“Since Donington we’ve gone back to basics to try and find the pace in the car. We’re basically starting again from scratch from what we’ve learnt so far and trying a completely different set-up to move try and move forward.

“Thruxton will be pivotal for us this season; we need to get some solid points this weekend to get back in the fight for the championship and our fortunes have to change!”

Airwaves Racing driver Aron Smith said:

“Donington was a step in the right direction for us and we've started to get our heads around the car especially in race trim.

“I've always loved Thruxton; it's the track on the calendar that I count down the days in anticipation! The track is the fastest in the UK and one of those tracks that every lap is on the edge, from what I've learnt at Donington our car was strong through the high speed sections which will suit Thruxton. I'm hoping that this weekend will be the start of our championship!”

Addison Lee Motorbase driver Liam Griffin said:

“Thruxton is one of my favourite circuits and the place where I have had my best ever qualifying. The races didn't quite go to plan last year but it is somewhere that I am looking forward to going back to.

“It was a disappointing weekend last time out with technical issues denying the chance for any more silverware but we think we have found the problem so fingers crossed.

“The championship is shaping up nicely and it should be another competitive weekend.”