Team Halfords finished the 2003 Green Flag British Touring Car Championship season at Oulton Park on a high with driver Dan Eaves scooping a fourth and third in the Hilton Independents Trophy for race one and two respectively. The team’s newest recruit Danny Buxton also put in his most positive performance so far this season.

The last race weekend of the season can almost guarantee action-packed racing as drivers are given their last chance at reaching the highly acclaimed touring car podium. This weekend was no different as both Team Halfords drivers prepared for their final assault.

Race one saw both Dan and Danny avoid the mayhem going into the first corner where several cars came to grief. Making it safely through the following hairpin both drivers were focused on bringing their cars home in the points.

The pitstop window approached, and on lap 12 Dan made his entrance to the pitlane for his mandatory stop. The team completed a speedy tyre change allowing the current Independent champion to rejoin the race two places higher into 3rd for the Independents Trophy and 11th overall. A delayed stop for Danny Buxton kept him in 14th position, with everything still to do.

The final lap saw Dan in the middle of the action with Phil Bennett’s Proton and James Kaye’s Honda rounding the final corner three abreast. Phil Bennett braked hard into the bend, holding Dan back, leaving Kaye free to sail past to claim 3rd Independent place, and Dan to pass the chequered flag 4th in class and 11th overall. Danny finished just behind for 6th in class and 14th overall.

Race two saw another amazing effort from both drivers, with Dan making his most impressive run of the day after completing his pitstop. He charged into 8th position, defending his position from the MG of Warren Hughes. Despite his continued efforts he couldn’t hold the works car, but crossed the finish line for the last time in a respectable 9th position overall and a 3rd in the Independents Trophy.

Danny Buxton was suffering a rear suspension problem, yet he battled on as long as he could but was unable to complete the race, despite his continued optimism and determination.

Team Halfords therefore finish the season with Dan Eaves in 4th position and Danny Buxton in 7th position in the Hilton Independents Trophy.

Team Halfords principal, Vic Lee commented: ‘We have had a tough year. It was never going to be easy with a new car, but we have made some great progress. We have been able to understand the car thanks to the help of the drivers who were both committed to this development programme. We are confident of achieving great things in 2004.’