Team RAC driver Tom Onslow-Cole is looking to build on his successful start to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when the second round of the season takes place at Rockingham this coming weekend (Saturday/Sunday, 21/22 April). Team RAC currently lead the Independents Team Trophy, with Tom’s team-mate Colin Turkington in third place and Tom in equal eighth position after two superb finishes last time out at Brands Hatch.
It has been four years since the BTCC has been held at the impressive Rockingham circuit and both Tom and Team RAC are eager to return to Northamptonshire and fight it out at the front of the grid.
Tom, whose BTCC debut at Brands Hatch saw him record an impressive fifth place finish, is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of his BMW 320si E90, “To make my debut in the BTCC in the BMW at Brands Hatch was fantastic. There were some big ups and some small lows, but it was a fantastic introduction overall. I think the real introduction came in the second race of the weekend, and that was where I found out what the BTCC is all about.”
"I’m really looking forward to Rockingham after such an action packed first round. Rockingham circuit is one I don’t know entirely and therefore it’s a little bit of an unknown. Of course I’ll be trying to win every race but how realistic this is I will only know after free practice.
"I have my own personal improvements that I’ll be looking to make across the whole weekend, the first of which will be to ensure I get the most out of the fresh rubber in qualifying.
"Working with such a professional team as WSR has been awesome. It’s been a real step up and a steep learning curve but which I feel I’ve adapted to well. There’s a lot more to it than it looks from the outside, with all the build-up that goes on in the days leading up to an event and it’s a most enjoyable experience."
Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, commented: “Rockingham provides Team RAC with another opportunity to further develop our new cars. We had some valuable track time during the official media launch which was good for both drivers given the new track layout at Rockingham.
“It’s a challenging circuit with a fast first corner and then a tight infield but we’re confident we will be competitive again. “I was very impressed with Tom’s performance at Brands Hatch, especially in qualification. He has the experience of those three races under his belt now and has shown great potential so far.”
The first BTCC race takes place at 11:20hrs at Rockingham Motor Speedway on Sunday 22nd April.
Championship positions after 3 rounds:
1. Jason Plato 41
2. Matt Neal 32
3. Colin Turkington 25
4. Tom Chilton 19
5. Fabrizio Giovanardi 17
6. Adam Jones 15
7. Mat Jackson 14
=8. Mike Jordan 11
=8. Tom Onslow-Cole 11
10. Darren Turner 10
