Support Our Paras Racing and Derek Palmer return to British Touring Car Championship action this weekend in the latest triple-header at Silverstone. And the weekend will have a high Paras representation.
Not only will the injured ex-Paratroopers be preparing and running Palmer's Infiniti Q50, but on Sunday the Red Devils will drop in; the Regimental Band will be playing, including the National Anthem for the podium ceremony for BTCC Race 2; the Regimental recruitment team and museum will be in attendance; and there will be a plethora of veterans and serving Paratroopers supporting the team.
Silverstone has a significant position in the history of the Parachute Regiment: the Northamptonshire airfield was one of a number used by the Airborne operations throughout World War II.Bolstered by the backing, Palmer aims to build on his aggressive and positive performance last time out at Rockingham, where he overtook more cars than any other driver. Frustratingly though, the 28-year-old's charge through the field on the final race, from last to 15th, ended in the gravel when he was caught out by the changing conditions within sight of the chequered flag."Yeh, Rockingham was a mixed weekend," Palmer explained. "The car got better and better and we made a pretty big change for Race 3, which worked well. It's just a shame we were in the points and didn't finish." Though it's Palmer's first time out at Silverstone in the his TENA Men-backed Paras Racing Infiniti, the Zurich-based Scot has past experience of the circuit."I have raced here many times, including GTs, historics and single seaters," he explained. "It's always a great atmosphere and it's the home of British motorsport, so you always have a sense of pride coming here. There's no reason why we can't be competitive."Asked whether the team has made any updates or tweaks to the car ahead of this weekend's races, Palmer smiled. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you," he stated. "We have a few things to try, and some ideas, so fingers crossed they have a positive impact. "I'm heading into the weekend targeting points, points, and more points. And I'd love to finally a win in the Jack Sears Trophy for BTCC rookies. I've had so many second places, but I'd love to finally win in front of the Paras."And the Scot, who admits he will be boosted by the significant Paras presence in the paddock and around the circuit, is aware how big a race weekend Silverstone is for the Parachute Regiment. "I can't wait for the weekend, because I think it's a chance for the Paras to really showcase themselves," he said. "We have so much cool stuff going on for the public to see and be part of. "I think it's going to show the connection we as a team have to Support Our Paras, the Regiment's official charity, and let everyone see all the aspects of the team. "It will also highlight the good we do for the guys in the team and how proud we should be of our currently serving armed forces, especially the Paras. Not that I'm biased!"
