Team Sunshine.co.uk aims to finish on a high

Thu 1st October 2009 Team sunshine.co.uk with Tech-Speed Motorsport will look to end an impressive HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season on a high this weekend when the final rounds take place on the famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

Having been forced to miss the last round at Rockingham due to family commitments, Barrow-upon-Humber racer Martyn Bell will return for the season finale to team up again with Widnes ace Paul O’Neill, with the pairing focused on bringing home points for the Honda team.

Martyn started his season with a double points finish on the shorter Indy circuit at Brands Hatch back in April, and will be making his debut on the longer GP layout of the Kent circuit this weekend.

As a result, his aim for the early part of the meeting will be to learn the circuit quickly before heading into a race day where he feels there will be plenty of action for the fans.

“It’s going to be an interesting weekend because I’ve never driven on the GP circuit before,” he said. “That will make the two practice sessions extra important for me, so I’ll follow Paul round and learn as much as I can before qualifying.

“There are a few stories to be told this weekend and a few battles to be sorted out, so it might all kick-off on race day and I definitely think there are some points to be had as a result. One thing that is certain is that I won’t be doing anything to get in the way of the guys fighting for the championship and I hope the title battle is decided on track and not in Alan Gow’s office. Realistically, I think its a two-horse race and Colin and Fabrizio are both fantastic guys, so may the best man win!”

On a personal level, Brands Hatch will mark the end of an era for Martyn, with long-time team member Steve Skipworth standing down from his role after the weekend due to increasing commitments away from the track.

“Skip has been with me for ten years now and I really want to get a good result for him,” he said. “He has commitments with his family and it’s a big ask to expect him to give up so much time during the year.

“He has taken the decision to step back from it all but I have to pay tribute to him for everything he has done over the years for me, both in the BTCC and in the years before I made the move. I’ll be chasing some points for him.”

Team-mate Paul will be looking to bounce back from a weekend of mixed emotions at Rockingham, where a stunning performance in qualifying was followed by disappointment on race day.

However, on a circuit that should suit the Integra, Paul – who goes into the weekend having been voted as the most driver on the grid this season by visitors to the forum of the official website BTCC.net – is keen to end the season on a high.

“It’s been a surreal year and I couldn’t have hoped for more,” he said. “Considering where I was this time last season, its been an amazing campaign and hopefully it will end strongly. On paper, the GP circuit is one that should suit the car and I’m aiming to try and finish the year with another trip to the podium. The Chevrolets and BMWs are in a class of their own, but at Rockingham we got right in amongst the Vauxhalls in qualifying and have to try and do the same again.

“The fans are a huge part of the BTCC and for them to have shown the support they have throughout the year is amazing. When I have success on track, I like to share it with them, as well as with the team, my family and the sponsors, so I want a good result for everyone. At the end of the day, we are here to have fun and that’s what I intend to do.”