Justin Keen - An Introduction - 20/04/04

Justin Keen and the Edenbridge Racing team join the BTCC grid at Brands Hatch, with the BMW 320i becoming the third different ETCC-spec car to be entered in the series.

Keen missed the opening meeting of the year as the late deal did not leave enough time to make sufficient preparations for the Thruxton rounds. The Hampshire based driver got his first run in the car at Snetterton at the end of last week and said afterwards: “The test was good in regards to running the car for the first time. We were able to check all the systems and set parameters on the data logging system. We had a smooth days running and only encountered small problems as far as reliability issues are concerned.”

“Our performance was restricted by low tyre temperature which is the main area we have to work on over the next three tests. The car works very well off the line with excellent traction and the brakes were very consistent.”

Ahead of his BTCC debut we caught up with Justin to ask him a few questions:

BTCCPages.com : How did the drive with Edenbridge come about?
JK : I was called by Peter Briggs after negotiations with Honda fell through.

BTCCPages.com : How do you expect the BTCC to compare to other series in which you've competed?
JK : The cars will be slower in terms of lap speed and cornering, but the races are going to be close with a lot more contact than in sportscars or single-seaters.

BTCCPages.com : What do you think of the revised three race format in the series this year?
JK : The revised race format is superb. It's attracting big numbers on TV. Also you have to be a little more considerate I think in races 1 and 2.

BTCCPages.com : Where do you expect the BMW to be in terms of performance at Brands Hatch?
JK : Well I am told it's going to be a better car than the Seat and after that winning race two at Thruxton it bows well! But really I am not making any predictions.

BTCCPages.com : What are your targets for the season?
JK : I want to win races, simple as that.

BTCCPages.com : Do you see it as a major disadvantage to have missed the opening meeting?
JK : Not much other than mileage in the car which I want to make up for with some private tests.

BTCCPages.com : What are you most looking forward to about driving in the BTCC?
JK : Winning my first race!! Brands Hatch is going to be very interesting to analyse our strengths and weaknesses and it gives us more time to work on the set-up regarding tyre temperatures. I am hoping for a top ten in race one.

Useful links:
www.justinkeen.com
www.edenbridge.co.uk

Photography: Peter Still