Rob Collard – “I’m out to defend my title” - 17/03/04

2003 Independents Cup champion Rob Collard returns to the series this year. He will once again contest the championship in his Vauxhall Astra Coupé, after talks with works teams failed to bring the desired results. “I’m delighted to be back”, commented the reigning champion. “I’m out to defend my title. That is without doubt the main aim, but I also want to win races outright, and hopefully take some of the HarrierZeuros prize money.”

With 30 races this season, and the top ten grid positions for the second race of each meeting determined by reversing the top ten positions of the previous race, independent race winners seem a likely occurrence. Competition is likely to be fierce within the class however with Collard once again lining up against rivals from last year James Kaye (Synchro Motorsport) and Carl Breeze (Team Sureterm). Also returning to the fray in 2004 is Team Dynamics with a pair of Honda Civic Type-Rs for Matt Neal and Gareth Howell.

“I can see some battles with Matt Neal throughout the year”, said Collard. “I think the Civics will be quick, but I’m pleased with how we have gone today. The car is as it was the end of last year and to be in the top six here is where we wanted to be.”

Collard Racing will have the added benefit of the expertise of Edenbridge Racing’s Peter Briggs this year. “The set-up is slightly different for 2004”, added Rob. “Peter [Briggs] is team manager and Paul [Ridgway] is chief engineer. We are still looking for a number one mechanic so all applications are welcome!”

“I’ve still got some sponsorship to find as well. Whitmore’s Vauxhall will be helping me out again, and hopefully Brackenwood Windows too. The last few weeks have been very busy and I’m sure that won’t stop now. It is good to be back though, and I’m really looking forward to defending my title!”

Related links:
www.collardracing.co.uk