TOM “IT’S NOT A CASE OF IF, IT’S WHEN!”
Just four rounds into his debut Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season and Team RAC driver Tom Onslow-Cole has already taken two podium finishes, including second place last time out at Croft. Now with the ultra-competitive series heading to the picturesque Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire this weekend (June 23/24), the 20 year-old from New Malden is determined to go one better and stand on the top step of the podium.
Currently second in the Independents drivers standings, just 21 points behind leader Mike Jordan, Tom knows a win at Oulton Park could propel him to the top of the table and move him up in the overall drivers championship. Victory and second place at the Cheshire track in Clios last year, helped him on his way to a dominant championship win and although title glory is not his immediate aim this year, the youngster knows that a repeat of his results last year is more than possible this Sunday.
“I think I’m driving better than ever and I’m now really starting to prove myself,” said Tom. “I still need to get qualifying sorted though as it’s important to start the weekend in a strong position and that will be my first aim for Oulton. We had great pace all weekend last time out at Croft and having got a second runner-up spot and led the race before the safety car came out, that all bodes well for a good result this weekend.
“I’ve been working hard in the gym in the three-week break since Croft too, I feel better now than I’ve ever felt physically. The weekend can’t come soon enough, I’m ready to get out there and show it’s now not a case of if I win, it’s when!”
The BTCC newcomer has adapted well to his rear-wheel drive West Surrey Racing-run BMW 320si and has regularly out-qualified his more experienced rivals. Team RAC team Principal Dick Bennetts is optimistic of a good result at Oulton; “It has taken us a little while to get to grips with the set up of the car on the control Dunlop tyres, but it was great to see it all come together at Croft. We have learnt a great deal about the car in recent weeks and will be applying that knowledge at Oulton Park. I’m confident we’ll be on the pace.”
The event will kick off on Saturday with two 40-minute free practice sessions at 9.15 and 11.35 prior to the all-important official qualifying session held over 30 minutes starting at 14.45. Sunday’s first 15 lap race is scheduled to start at 12.10 with races two and three at 14.15 and 16.50.
Overall drivers championship positions after 12 rounds:
01 Jason Plato 127
02 Fabrizio Giovanardi 125
03 Matt Neal 81
04 Tom Chilton 75
05 Darren Turner 71
06 Colin Turkington 64
=07 Mat Jackson 55
=07 Mike Jordan 55
09 Gordon Shedden 54
10 Tom Onslow-Cole 51
