20/03/2003 - Collard Racing prepares for 2003 BTCC assault

Rob Collard and the Collard Racing team have been in testing action recently, taking to the track in their newly acquired Vauxhall Astra Coupe. Collard has tested at both Thruxton and Donington Park with the ex-Aaron Slight car and is making strong progress ahead of his move in to the Touring class of the BTCC for the 2003 season.

“Having experienced so much with the Clio in the last two seasons we couldn’t be happier with the Astra.”, said Collard.

“We have tested at Thruxton and more recently Donington, and the car has run perfectly. I have been on the pace with Muller and Reid at Thruxton and the Proton at Donington and I have a lot of optimism for this season. We are very confident of winning the Independents Cup and are aiming to secure a top three finish in the drivers’ championship.”

“We were not worried about the damage to the car at the end of last season, as the Triple Eight chassis stood up well and there is no damage to the main body of the car. We also have some new very experienced members of the Collard Racing team; one worked with Vauxhall last year and the other has touring car experience with GR Motorsport. Both are already proving a great assets to the team.”

Collard has also not ruled out running a two car team during 2003: “Our other aim this year is to run the Clio in as many rounds as possible We are in negotiations with several drivers regarding the second seat at Collard Racing.”

The Collard Racing team endured a frustrating season in the Production class of the BTCC in 2002, with major engine problems forcing their withdrawal during the second half of the year – a disappointing end to a season which promised much. Collard took victory in the first feature race of 2002 at Brands Hatch, before the engine difficulties set in.

Collard tested at Donington Park, completing 60 laps, with encouraging results. The will continue its pre-season testing programme on Friday 21st March.