Touring Car racer MacDowall aiming high at Rockingham
Carlisle teenager Alex MacDowall is aiming high for the second event of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham next weekend, 24th/25th April, with a maiden podium finish squarely in his sights.
Although only debuting in the BTCC a fortnight ago at Thruxton in Hampshire, where he produced a tremendous performance for the ‘works’ Silverline Chevrolet team, Alex is confident his first visit of the year to Northamptonshire just over a week from now could deliver his maiden rostrum.
Off the back of an excellent set of results during his debut touring car outing – three points scoring finishes with a best placing of sixth during round two – the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Rising Star feels his stunning Chevrolet Cruze should be every bit as competitive at Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Super Sports Car Circuit.
“I’m really looking forward to Rockingham, the Chevy should go well there as we’ve got a strong engine for the fast, oval turns and I think the car will be well balanced through the infield so we should have a good overall package”, said the 19-year-old.
“The aim for my debut at Thruxton was to get three points finishes from the three races. We did that, so now I’m aiming higher. I really do think a podium is realistic, and it is the team’s local track, so that’s what I’ll be pushing for.”
Wellingborough-based RML, which runs the manufacturer-backed Silverline Chevrolet squad, had good success with the previous model Lacetti touring car at Rockingham last year where Alex’s current team-mate Jason Plato took a win and a second place from the weekend’s three races.
“The team has done well at Rockingham in the past and I’m sure the package will be strong again”, added Alex, “Silverline Chevrolet has done a fantastic job for me so far, I’m getting more and more comfortable with the car and learning with every lap. If I can improve on my Thruxton results I’ll be really happy.”
Free practice and qualifying for the second event of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will take place next Saturday, 24th April, with rounds four, five and six following on Sunday, 25th April.
Live television coverage of the first two races of the weekend will be screened on Freeview, digital satellite and cable channel ITV4. The third encounter will be shown, alongside highlights from rounds four and five, during a peak-time broadcast on ITV4 at 20.30. Check listings for further details.
2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship driver standings:
1st Fabrizio Giovanardi, 38pts;
2nd Jason Plato, 31pts;
7th Alex MacDowall, 11pts