Jackson set to star at Silverstone

Wed 26th August 2009 Fresh from his triple-podium score in Scotland, Warwickshire racer Mat Jackson is preparing to repeat the incredible success he had at Silverstone last year when he returns to Northamptonshire for round eight of the British Touring Car Championship this weekend [30 August].

In 2008 Mat, competing in a family-run BMW, finished second in race one from fourteenth on the grid and won race three from thirteenth at the start – an almost unheard-of feat. “The results at Silverstone last year were fantastic,” says the 28-year-old. “Hopefully we can do the same this weekend – but preferably not from so far back on the grid! Last year was a pretty wet weekend and if it rains this year then bring it on!”

This year the Racing Silverline driver heads to Silverstone with a Chevrolet Lacetti and he is brimming with confidence after a spectacular first, second and third in Knockhill’s three races a fortnight ago.“Knockhill was just mega,” says Mat, who is based in Henley-In-Arden. “It’s a boost that was needed for everyone involved in the team and we’re all looking forward to Silverstone. Sadly there was no party for me... I had to get back for work the next day!”

After Racing Silverline’s dominant performance in Scotland his rivals have claimed that the Lacetti is going to be difficult to catch, but Mat says that things are as close as ever. “Is the Lacetti the car to beat? It depends who you ask! The competition says it’s the fastest thing in a straight line and you just put your foot down and disappear. But there are only two Chevrolets up there – where are the other two?

“We are getting there but I don’t think the Lacetti is any quicker overall than the BMW,” he continues. “Turkington is still qualifying on the first few rows with 45kilos of ballast whereas me and Jason Plato haven’t got that kind of weight. The Vauxhalls certainly aren’t slow either. I think the Lacetti is up there, it’s a big improvement on where it’s come from, but to say it’s in a class of its own is wrong. However, I’m still targeting a couple of wins this weekend.”