British Touring Cars back on track at Oulton Park

By MJP Media | 4 March 2014

In what promises to one of the busiest weeks of testing ahead of the new season, no fewer than 9 cars were in action at Oulton Park today as Jack Clarke announced his entry to the field in the 3rd Motorbase run Ford Focus.

Dave Newsham in his AmD Tuning Ford Focus

Oulton Park in Cheshire was the focus of interest today as five BTCC teams were in action with 9 cars between them out on track. Dave Newsham was present with AmD Tuning, together with the three BMWs of eBay Motors in the hands of Colin Turkington, Rob Collard and Nick Foster. The three 888 run MGs of Jason Plato, Sam Tordoff and Marc Hynes were also in attendance with the Speedworks Toyota Avensis of Tom Ingram and the Handy Motorsport Toyota Avensis of Simon Belcher.

In an eventful morning session, all of the drivers got some good wet and then dry data as the sun came out to dry the track on a lovely spring day. Tom Ingram had perhaps the biggest moment when his bonnet popped up part way round a lap to cover his windscreen and sharpen his focus. A couple of rolls of tape later and he was back out, but took it all in his stride. "I don't know what on earth happened" he said "but it was one of the moments when your natural reactions kick in and I was able to save it."

Sam Tordoff in the MG6

The afternoon saw more valuable dry running for the cars with both eBay Motors and MG stating they had "gained valuable information". Jason Plato regarded the test as invaluable saying "We got some good data and learnt a lot today. We came with a plan and I think we have covered most of it."

As this was going on, Jack Clarke announced his plans to contest the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, driving a Motorbase Performance prepared NGTC Ford Focus under the Crabbie's Racing banner. Clarke previously enjoyed a successful single-seater career which culminated in a victory and several podiums in the FIA Formula Two Championship. He has since competed in a number of high-level GT races in the World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and Blancpain Endurance Series, plus a number of NASCAR stock-car events in the USA.

Jack Clarke will race the 3rd Motorbase Ford Focus

There will be more testing from Oulton Park tomorrow and we will bring you the news and images in another report then.

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