North-East Track a Favourite for BTCC Champion Neal

21 May 2007

Reigning Dunlop British Touring Car Champion Matt Neal says the Croft circuit in North Yorkshire is at the top of his list when it comes to driving challenges.

Neal and his BTCC rivals, including series leader Jason Plato, are currently gearing up for their next rounds at the Darlington track on Sunday 3 June – the only time this year that Britain's premier motor racing series will visit the North-East.

And Neal, champion for the past two years, says Croft throws up one of the biggest thrills of the season for the drivers and the crowds who annually flock in their tens of thousands to watch their BTCC heroes in action.

Neal, already a race-winner this year in his new Team Halfords Honda Civic, told BTCC.net: "Croft is one of my favourite circuits – I really like the place. It's got a taste of everything; fast stuff, slow stuff, kerbs and big outbraking places. A driver needs a very well sorted car to get results around there.

"The whole lap is challenging but if I was to pinpoint one section that stands out it's the Clark Esses and the following corner, Barcroft. This is a big, big commitment corner with the cars drifting at high speed as you start to brake. It catches your attention every lap.

"The crowds, probably even more so than at Brands Hatch, get really close to the circuit and can probably almost smell the oil and rubber, particularly those on the banks at the first corner. You certainly get the oohs and aahs at Croft.

"Above all, it's just a great place. The North-East crowds are full of lovely people. Croft is one circuit I'd really miss if it wasn't on the calendar."

Neal currently lies fourth in the BTCC standings behind SEAT star Plato and Vauxhall team-mates Fabrizio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton.

Tickets to see their battle for British motor sport's most prestigious title continue at Croft on 3 June cost £25 on the gate or they can be booked on Croft's website www.croftcircuit.co.uk or by telephone: 01325 721815. Admission for children aged 15 and under is FREE.

Prices include free access to the BTCC paddock and the hugely popular Pit Lane Walkabout when the public, including children, is invited into the Croft pit lane to meet the drivers for autographs and give-aways.

The timetable includes ten races in total: the latest three BTCC rounds plus another seven races from the supporting BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT championships.

BTCC.net

See series calendar for British Touring Car Championship 2007

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