Shedden aims to close BTCC gapposted in BTCC05 | 09 | 2015
FIFER GORDON SHEDDEN arrives at Rockingham Speedway today determined to close the gap on British Touring Car Championship leader Jason Plato.
Shedden the 36-year-old from Dalgety Bay, aiming to build on his performance a fortnight ago when he won at Knockhill, starts the weekend just 11-points behind the VW of Plato.
Rockingham has proved a successful hunting ground in the past for Shedden, the Hinda driver having won four times previously at the Northamptonshire circuit.
“It’s game on after Knockhill," Shedden, the 2012 BTCC champ, said. "Everybody at Honda Yuasa Racing produced a tremendous response there following the trials and tribulations of Snetterton – we really showed our strength and character as a team to bounce back as well as we did.
"It was perfect timing and gave us all a real buzz. I’m feeling good and looking forward to Rockingham, which will hopefully be another successful weekend and the goal is to regain the lead of the championship.
Related: Shedden wins as Moffat bags first BTCC podium
"It’s a circuit that poses a unique challenge with a good variety of corners and the competition is going to be tighter than ever, but we will simply focus on doing the best job we can and I’m confident we will be in the mix.”
Fellow Scots Aiden Moffat and Derek Palmer also head to the former IndyCar circuit aiming to build on recent performances.
Moffat, the 18-year-old from Dalkeith, scored his first-ever BTCC podium in the final race at Knockhill, and the Mercedes driver enjoyed his taste of success.
"Yeh, it was a brilliant result, but now I've got the taste of the podium I want to do it again — but this time actually stand on the podium," the young Scot, who was only promoted to third hours after the third race actually finished, smiled.
"Traditionally I go quite well here, so fingers crossed we can deliver again."
Palmer meanwhile, in his Support Our Paras Racing Infiniti, endured a torrid time at Knockhill. The 28-year-old from Leshamagow was punted out of the opening two races, before the driveshaft on his car broke in race three.
"Knockhill was frustrating, because the car was running brilliantly: the best it's felt all season," the Zurich-based Scot explained. "But twice we found ourselves in the wrong place on-track, and we were hit from behind and punted out.
"These type of weekends happen, but now we're focused on delivering good results this weekend at Rockingham."
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Jim McGill