The fabulous challenge of the Knockhill circuit north of Edinburgh is the next destination for Andrew Jordan and Pirtek Racing over the weekend of 3/4 September in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
Rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the 30-race season will run at the spectacular three-dimensional Scottish track, which always delivers tremendous race action in front of a huge crowd and with Knockhill’s reputation for rapidly changing weather, it is often one of the most exciting weekends of the season.
After a trying weekend at Snetterton last time out, Andrew and his Pirtek Racing team mate Jeff Smith are confident of being in the thick of the action once more when the BTCC circus sets up in Scotland. Detailed work by the team after Snetterton revealed an engine mapping issue was costing them time and Andrew is determined to chase another podium finish at a track that he enjoys.
As the team’s head north, Andrew is currently sixth overall in the drivers’ championship, while he is third in the independents’ driver standings. Pirtek Racing lies third in the independents’ team championship, so there is everything to play for over the final four weekends of the BTCC season.
“We want to hit the ground running in Scotland,” said Andrew. “Normally we go well at Knockhill. The races there are very hectic and you need to be very controlled and not get involved in things. At Knockhill you’ve got to qualify near the front. If you can qualify well and get a good solid race one, it sets you up for the other two races,” he said.
However, Andrew is also aware that qualifying outside the top six or eight brings more problems when the races start, particularly at a track where the cars are so closely matched and overtaking is never easy. “If you don’t qualify near the front you do see a difference in the driving standards,” he warned.
After qualifying at Knockhill on Saturday at 15.05, the first of three BTCC races will be at 11.45 on Sunday, with race two at 14.15 and race three at 17.05. All three races will be broadcast live on ITV4 in a programme starting at 11.00. Qualifying will be broadcast live at itv.com and live results from the weekend will be available at tsl-timing.com
