Mat Jackson aiming to end year on a high

Thu 1st October 2009 Warwickshire’s racing star Mat Jackson is set to bow out of the 2009 British Touring Car Championship on a high at Brands Hatch this weekend after an incredible string of results in the second half of the season.

The Racing Silverline driver heads to the final round at the famous Kent circuit lying fourth overall in the championship with 165 points. Mat has taken an incredible eight podiums – including a trio of wins – with his RML-run Chevrolet Lacetti in the past three rounds alone.

“My season really kicked into gear at Knockhill in August and since then I’ve sprayed more than my fair share of champagne,” says Mat, who is based in Henley-In-Arden. “Of course, unlike everyone else this is my first visit to Brands Hatch this year. I missed the opening round in April and so it feels very satisfying, for myself and the team, to come here and round out the year as one of the season’s top scorers.”

Brands Hatch is a circuit at which Mat has excellent form; in last year’s finale he scored two victories to snatch second overall in the championship. This year’s Finals Day will be run on the alternative grand prix loop and Mat believes he will be in for yet another strong weekend.

“I had an incredible time at Brands Hatch last year – finishing my second season in the BTCC in second overall – and I hope to take home some more good memories on Sunday night,” says the 28-year-old. “The grand prix loop is obviously much longer than the Indy layout and it should allow me to stretch the Lacetti’s legs.

“I might not be able to clinch the championship runner-up spot this year, but I’ll be giving it my best as usual. Given some of the trials we faced earlier in the year, it’ll be great just to be there!”