Shedden crowned BTCC champposted in BTCC21 | 10 | 2012
FIFER GORDON SHEDDEN became the latest Scot to fly the Saltire in celebration when he won the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch today (see more official photos of Gordon's BTCC title win).
In treacherous conditions which turned the Kent circuit into a sodden, grey and dank test of driving skill, the 33-year-old from Dalgety Bay delivered a mature and outwardly nerveless display of controlled aggression.
Entering the weekend leading the championship by 15 points ahead of the MG of double champ Jason Plato, and 31 points ahead of his own team-mate and triple champ Matt Neal, Shedden delivered when it mattered.
Starting the opening race on the famous 2.4-mile grand prix circuit from seventh, Shedden finished fifth behind race winner Neal. Plato struggled to eighth.
Starting the second race from fifth on the grid, Shedden had increased the advantage over Plato to 18 points.
After avoiding a series of first-lap incidents in the ever-worsening wet conditions, the Scot eventually cruised home in second place, sandwiched between Neal in third, and the Ford of first-time winner Aron Smith.
But when his in-car radio crackled into activity halfway round the final lap, as his Honda/Team Dynamics crew tried to tell him the title was his, Shedden refused to believe it.
Gordon Shedden targeting BTCC crown
"On the last lap they came on the radio and said, 'that's enough, we've enough points to win the title,'" a shell-shocked Shedden, wiping tears from his eyes, explained.
"I asked: Are we sure? Are you really, really sure? And they said 'yes'. Somehow, after that, I just had to nurse the car across the line."
Shedden, who finished third in the day's final race, behind the Toyota of Frank Wrathall, with Neal in second, eventually won the title by 21 points ahead of defending champ Neal.
Double champ Plato, who struggled all day with his MG, which was clearly unsuited to the conditions, had to content himself with third, 11 points behind Neal.
For Shedden, the title — the first time a Scot has won the BTCC crown since Galashiels' John Cleland in 1995 — is the culmination of a racing career which has been dedicated to touring cars.
"I remember as a kid going to Knockhill and watching John Cleland racing," Shedden, development director at Knockhill, reflected. "That was my inspiration to start motor racing.
"It was never about Formula One, it was always about touring cars. Now, to be BTCC champion? Believe me, it's going to take some time to sink in."
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And one of the first to congratulate him was Cleland, who spent the afternoon gardening at home in between watching the thrilling action on TV.
"I'm really pleased for Gordon," Cleland admitted. "Until now, only two Scots had won the title, me and my hero Jim Clark. But now I'm delighted to welcome Gordon into the club.
"He's improved right through the year and he's been the fastest on-track. It's no coincidence he's won more races, eight this year, than anyone else.
"He's fully deserving of the title, and I know it will be a great relief for him. No one deserves it more than he does."
Double champ Plato was also quick to congratulate the newly-crowned champ.
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"Gordon's driven really well this year," the Oxford driver said, "and he's a very worthy champion. I'm really pleased for him, because he deserves it."
When Shedden parked his Honda Racing Civic in the pitlane after clinching the title, it triggered emotional celebrations.
After clambering back down from the roof of his car, having done a mean 'Flash Gordon' impersonation, the Scot was hugged by his wife, Knockhill managing director Jillian, and team members.
"I'm so glad he clinched the title in race two rather than race three," his beaming wife, who spent the opening two races in the Honda garage with her fingers tightly crossed, smiled, "because I don't think my nerves would have held up."
Afterwards, an emotionally-drained Shedden admitted the title was a dream come true.
"This is just bonkers," he said. "This is what I've dreamed of since I started racing. It was always my dream to get into touring cars, but to win a race, let alone the championship, was something I always aspired to.
"That fact it's all now become reality, on a soaken wet, miserably grey and cold October afternoon at Brands Hatch is nuts. A lot could have gone wrong today. I honestly can't believe it."
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Jim McGill