Photo: PSP Images

Team RAC confident of podiums

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Colin Turkington and Team RAC are heading into this weekend’s Oulton Park rounds of the BTCC in confident mood, sure that podium finishes are within their grasp. Turkington has picked up four podium finishes from the first nine races of 2009, leaving him second in the championship standings, thirteen points behind leader Matt Neal. But the Northern Irishman is confident heading to the Cheshire circuit.

“Oulton Park was very good to me last year and I’m looking for a repeat performance and another good points haul for the team. The Team RAC BMW has shown good pace this year and should be strong again here.

After a disappointing start at Donington, we recovered well and I was very pleased with my overall performance in races two and three.”

For teammate Stephen Jelley, Oulton Park will prove a welcome chance to put his season back on track after a disappointing weekend last time out.

Jelley had topped the time sheets in both practice sessions at Donington, but was unceremoniously dumped out of race one, resulting in heavy contact with a concrete wall ruling him out for the rest of the day.

“Preparation has been going well. Donington was a bit of a blip, but our goal to continue improving remains the same.

“Oulton Park is a really popular track with the drivers, and a round that everyone looks forward to. We had possibly the fastest car at Donington in dry conditions and we’re sure we can carry that speed into Oulton. My first podium finish is definitely the aim.”

As a result of Jelley’s crash it’s been a busy period West Surrey Racing, with Team Principal Dick Bennetts impressed by the strength of the BMW E90 chassis.

“The roll cage didn’t move so we took the decision to repair it. There will be a lot of midnight oil burnt, but we’ve got a very good crew and the car will be ready for free practice on Saturday.

Stephen has been quick everywhere this year and we’re confident he’ll put his bad luck at Donington behind him and be right up there again.

Colin won race two last year and set a new lap record so we’re very optimistic of our chances this time around.”

Last year’s Oulton Park BTCC meeting saw large crowds basking in fine weather, with the good news for those attending this weekend is that it looks like more of the same for Rounds 10, 11 and 12 of the 2009 championship.