27/04/2003

GA Motorsport’s Gavin Pyper spoke out about the controversial incident between himself and Honda Racing’s Matt Neal which took place in the opening round of the BTCC at the rain soaked Mondello. Pyper was following closely behind Neal when he hit him sending them both into the kitty litter and early retirement.

Pyper explained, “I had been following Neal round for a number of laps and the conditions were really bad out there. As we were coming up to the corner I braked and locked up. I started to slide and tried to avoid Neal but I just tagged him and sent him off and I followed.”

Neal was seen live by viewers of Motors TV quickly exiting his beached Honda and heading over to Pyper who was still sat in his Astra Coupe. Words were exchanged and Neal was obviously upset calling Pyper “a plonker.” Pyper said, “Matt was upset when he approached me and all I could do was apologise. It was an unfortunate accident.”

Ironically, the Astra of Pyper was being backed by Team Dynamics which is owned by Neal’s Father, Steve, in a one-off deal for Mondello. Fortunately, both cars were able to make it to the start of the second race where Pyper finished in 6th place but Neal’s bad luck continued after his front tyre fell off forcing him to retire again.

Rounds three and four of the BTCC take place at Brands Hatch next weekend over the May Day Bank Holiday. Commenting at a very wet test session at Thruxton on Friday, Pyper said, “I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch but let’s hope we have a dry race!”

Related Links:

Gavin Pyper - www.gavinpypermotorsport.co.uk
Matt Neal - www.mattneal.co.uk