There were no real surprises in the BTC-T qualifying session, with the four Astras
once again leading the field, ahead of the Peugeots of Dan Eaves and Steve Soper respectively. Within the Vauxhalls,
there was considerable competition, but despite Phil Bennett setting a fast time early on in the session,
he was unable to improve on this, and was overtaken by his team mates as time went on. At the end of the session,
Plato came out on pole for the sprint race, but was beaten by Thompson for top spot for the feature.
The Alfa Romeos of Tom Ferrier and Dave Pinkney, along with Kurt Luby's Lexus, complete the Touring class grids, but
are all considerably off the times set by the leaders.
Comments:
Vic Lee, Team Director VLR said: 'We have certainly eaten into Vauxhall's lead by around 1.5 seconds
per lap, so there will be a challenge tomorrow! Also it show's the improvements we've made to the
car are working, so we are still positive about the potential of the Coupe.'
BTC Production
Once again, HTML team-mates Simon Harrison and Roger Moen are on the front row of the grid
for both races, followed by James Kaye's Honda Accord, Rob Collard in the TCR Clio and Paul O'Neill
in his 306. Gavin Pyper was fifth in his Alfa Romeo 156.
News:
Matt Kelly is not competing at Thruxton, as his engine blew at Brands Hatch,
and no replacement is ready as yet.
Andy Neate is not competing as he is out of the country.
James Levy's car is not yet ready to race.
Toni Ruokonen had an oil leak towards the end of the qualifying session, and returned to the pits
with smoke emerging from his engine.
Tom Boardman's session was ended when the anti-roll bar snapped on his 306.
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