Team RAC driver Tom Onslow-Cole returns to his favourite track for the third round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship next weekend (May 5/6) hopeful of taking his maiden BTCC race win. 

The 19 year-old reigning Elf Renault Clio Cup Champion, who won at Thruxton last year, rates the ultra-fast Hampshire track as one of his favourites and following a second place last time out is confident of going one better.

For the New Malden star, his first podium in the prestigious came earlier than anticipated, although his opening rounds at Brands Hatch had already shown great potential and proved that he could mix it at the front.

Now the BRDC Rising Star heads to the Thruxton track in a positive mood and determined to take his first win for Team RAC and the Dick Bennetts run-West Surrey Racing Team.

“I think I proved at both Rockingham and Brands Hatch that I can run with the top drivers out there.  My aim at the start of the season was to pick up some podiums at the mid-way point and maybe challenge for wins in the latter part of the year.  Now though, with a first podium already mine, the expectation is for me to get that first win and Thruxton looks as good a place as any to do it.

“We had a win at there last year in Clios and it’s always been a circuit that has suited my driving style.  I love the fast, flowing layout and the fastest corner on the track, Church, is definitely my all-time favourite.

“I’m particularly excited at the prospect of going through that corner at around 120mph in the BMW 320si as it really is an awesome corner. 

Next weekend’s event kicks off with two 40 minute free practice sessions at 09.30 and 12.00 on Saturday morning followed by the 30 minutes official qualifying at 15.15 that afternoon.  The three races take place on Sunday, scheduled to start at 10.55, 13.45 and 16.50.

Championship positions after 6 rounds:

1. Jason Plato                    72

2. Fabrizio Giovanardi           56

3. Tom Chilton                   48

4. Matt Neal                      42

5. Mat Jackson                  35

6. Colin Turkington              29

7. Tom Onslow-Cole            26

8. Darren Turner                 25

9. Mike Jordan                   18

10. Gordon Shedden            16