regarding 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.

For more information about the BTCC visit the championship's official website btcc.net. For an Oulton Park BTCC timetable click on the website's Calendar section.

Note to sportsdesks: hi-res, copyright free images of the BTCC are available on request from the contact below.

Oulton Park's BTCC race day is less than two weeks away