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Paul O’neill makes his return

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Paul O’Neill, the brother of pop star Mel C, will return to racing in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when he takes over the Thurlby Motors Tech-Speed team’s Vauxhall Astra Coupé for the final two fixtures of 2006, starting at Brands Hatch on 24 September.

Ironically, diabetic O’Neill’s car will be powered by the sugar beet-based fuel bio-ethanol. Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS), which promotes the use of bio fuels in motor sport, is helping to back the Widnes-based driver’s return which will also include BTCC Finals Day at Silverstone on 15 October.

“It’s crazy to think I’ll be racing using sugar – something I’m not allowed to eat because of my diabetes!” 26-year-old O’Neill said. “I might have to race with a Mars bar strapped to the dashboard just in case I need a boost…”

O’Neill, from Widnes, expects to be competitive from the off – today (Thursday) he’s shaking down the car at Donington Park in readiness for his Brands Hatch return. He raced the Astra Coupé for Vauxhall’s official VX Racing team in 2002 and 2003, winning two races and finishing fourth in the overall BTCC Drivers’ standings. His return will again see him work with Tech-Speed team principals Marvin and Sandra Humphries who oversaw his time at VXR (see picture above).

He added: “I haven’t raced at this level for a few years. Returning to the BTCC is like getting back with your favourite ex-girlfriend. I love the BTCC and want to be here long-term.

“At Brands I want to qualify in the top ten at least although, realistically, I’d be disappointed if I wasn’t close to the top six. I know the old Astra Coupé very well and really think it’s still capable of a shock result or two. I won’t be backing off, but I won’t be doing anything stupid either.

“I want to prove a point and repay the faith that so many people have shown in me, whether it’s Thurlby for letting me drive its car, the people inside the BTCC, EEMS or Tech-Speed which I think is one of the best teams out there. It’ll also be great to race in front of the BTCC’s fans – they’re a brilliant bunch.”

O’Neill will replace Fiona Leggate who, after a year racing the bio-fuelled car, has opted to step down.

Thurlby Motors’ Chris Roberts said: “We’re pleased to find someone of Paul’s calibre who can bring sponsorship to complete the season and to help us fulfil our objectives. We’re looking forward to the last two meetings and are really excited about it.”