PERSHORE’S Honda Yuasa Racing duo Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal anticipate a rollercoaster ride when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship speeds into Oulton Park this weekend.
Shedden and Neal have won around the undulating Cheshire venue 11 times between them and return sitting first and third respectively in the title standings separated by just 11 points.
A strong weekend at Thruxton preserved the new Civic Type R’s record of winning every track visited so far.
The first of Shedden’s Oulton successes came on his BTCC debut in 2006, while Neal endured a rough ride there 12 months ago but has less success ballast than the previous two outings at Donington Park and Thruxton.
Neal said: “It’ll definitely be beneficial having a bit less ballast in the car but I still think all the top guys in the championship will have a tough time in qualifying as there are several sections of the lap where you’re in first or second gear and then drag right the way up to sixth.
“We never underestimate the opposition but the Civic is working well and I’m confident in our abilities.”
Shedden said: “It was great to come away from Thruxton with the results we did but Oulton is going to be tough.
Fellow Pershore team Rob Austin Racing will also be in action in Cheshire looking for valuable points.
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