Indy Cup Goes Down To The Wire For Team Halfords BTCC Grand Finale

‘First Season – First Championship Title’

Donington Park’s grand finale of the BTCC 2002 season witnessed a triple whammy for Team Halfords as Dan Eaves claimed overall honours in the Independents Cup. After winning the first position trophy in the sprint race Eaves stepped up on the podium alongside his team mate Carl Breeze who also claimed an Independents win for the feature race, and his first trophy of the season.

Team Halfords aim for their first season in touring cars was to win the Independents championship, and yesterday the team fulfilled their ambitions in style. Tim Harvey and Dan Eaves, who were both in line for the title, had only one point separating them as they lined up for the last race day of the season. Yet it was Dan who claimed overall victory in the Independents Cup despite having to start from the back of the grid after failing to qualify for both races.

Dan Eaves commented: ‘I thought it would be tough to make an impact in the race, but after a winning position in the sprint race I was leading the Independents championship and only Aaron Slight in his Barwell Astra could prevent me winning. We both went out on the first lap of the feature race, so with no extra points being added I knew I’d won the title. We came to Donington knowing it was going to be difficult to win, so I am really pleased with the result.’

Team Halfords were also celebrating the first podium of the year for rookie touring car driver Carl Breeze, who joined the team mid-season. Carl experienced a rocky start to his season, but each round has shown marked improvements in his performance. The feature race saw Carl in the thick of the action as he out manoeuvred MG works driver Anthony Reid to take Independents honours.

Carl commented: ‘This is a fantastic end to my season. After qualifying in 13th I knew it would be hard work to make my way up the field, but after a really good start and a fantastic pit stop I rejoined the race in 7th. After a good battle with Anthony Reid I was able to defend my line and bring Team Halfords home in 7th overall and 1st in the Independents cup.’

Past champion Tim Harvey had a disappointing weekend with two non-finishes due to mechanical failures, but still managed to finish the season as third Independent.

Vic Lee, Team principle said: ‘It’s a great achievement for Halfords in their first season, I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the team and drivers for all the hard work and commitment they put in to ensure we earn the results we deserve.’

So with the 2002 season now officially over, Team Halfords finish the year with a first, third and sixth in the Independents category, and 10th 11th 17th in the drivers championship for Dan Eaves, Tim Harvey and Carl Breeze respectively. Team Halfords also finish the season fifth in the Teams championship ahead of all other Independent teams and the manufacturer backed Proton team.