Butcher bags first-ever BTCC pole 14 | 09 | 2019
FIFER RORY BUTCHER will start from pole position for the first time when he lines up for the opening British Touring Car Championship race at Knockhill tomorrow. (Related: Butcher fired-up for Knockhill BTCC)
The 32-year-old from Kirkcaldy was in scintillating form as he blitzed the rest of the field, setting a new qualifying lap record, in his Honda Civic Type R, prepared by AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing.
Already a two-time race winner this season, and fastest through today’s opening two free practice sessions at the 1.2-mile Fife circuit, Butcher topped the qualifying timesheets with a 50.451secs lap. (Related: Butcher bags first BTCC win of career)
“That was mega,” he beamed immediately afterwards. “To get my first-ever BTCC pole position here, at my home circuit in front of family, friends and sponsors is unbelievable.
“Everything just seemed to gel on the track today. We’ve been fastest in every session, but that’s down to all the hard work the team has put in to developing the car throughout the day. Now we need to make sure we turn it into a race win tomorrow.”
Butcher, currently fifth in the championship, finished 0.243secs ahead of Dan Cammish’s Honda, with Andrew Jordan a further 0.060s back in his BMW. Championship leader Colin Turkington starts sixth in his BMW, while Dalkeith’s Aiden Moffat lines up 12th in his Infiniti.
Related: Butcher bags Thruxton BTCC podium
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Jim McGill