MacDowall looking forward to new Snetterton challenge
Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship front-runner Alex MacDowall can’t wait for the resumption of the 2011 campaign at the new Snetterton 300 Circuit next weekend, 6th/7th August, as the UK’s most popular motor racing category gets set to begin the second half of the season.
After a busy few weeks, including some work with the BRDC Superstars, involvement in the hugely popular Goodwood Festival of Speed – where he piloted his Chevrolet Cruze up the famous hill – and a short break in Cyprus, the 20-year-old from Carlisle is aiming for a successful outing in Norfolk.
Other than a track day session early next week, rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the championship will mark Alex’s first experience of the newly configured ‘300 Circuit’ layout but he’s confident of getting up to speed quickly.
“It’s always nice to go to a new circuit and to have a fresh challenge so I’m really looking forward to seeing the new Snetterton”, said the Silverline Chevrolet ace, “By the sound of things it should lend itself well to touring cars with the new infield section so I can’t wait to get out there and have a go.”
Following the previous event at Croft six weeks ago, Alex rounded-out the first half of the season in ninth position in the championship after a trying weekend in which terrific pace wasn’t rewarded with the requisite results due to some robust action and an unfortunate oil-leak in the second race.
So far this year the Cumbrian has scored in 10 of the 15 races although with more than his share of misfortune during the first half of the season, including being struck-down with illness during the third event at Thruxton, his first podium didn’t come until round 10 at Oulton Park.
Alex is therefore determined to kick-start his championship with a rostrum challenge in East Anglia and with the addition of the new six corner infield section at Snetterton, it could help level the playing field somewhat between the normally aspirated 2.0-litre cars, such as his RML-run Chevrolet, and the more powerful turbo-charged Hondas, Fords, Vauxhalls and SEATs.
Free practice at Snetterton 300 Circuit will take place at 09.30 and 12.25 on Saturday, 6th August, with qualifying following at 15.45. Rounds 16, 17 and 18 will follow on Sunday, 7th August, at 12.10, 14.40 and 17.05 respectively with all three races to be broadcast live on Freeview, digital satellite and cable channel ITV4 and also in High Definition on ITV4 HD.
Live streaming of Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race action will be available online at www.itv.com/touringcars
Provisional 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Standings (after Rd15):
1st Matt Neal, 140pts; 9th Alex MacDowall, 47pts