After a positive first season in 2006, HW is once again sponsoring Martyn Bell in the British Touring Car Championships. Yesterday, Sunday 1st April, saw Martyn compete in the first three rounds of the competition at Brands Hatch. After a winter of testing, a new engine and the sorting of last seasons troublesome suspension, things are looking good.

Despite overall finishes of 13th, 13th & 11th. Martyn took 10th, 9th & 7th in the independents. With over 25 cars on the grid, these are great results –the disqualification of Turner in race 3, saw Martyn rise a place from 12th/8th to 11th/7th.

Two other drivers that grabbed my attention at the weekend were Mat Jackson of Team Jackson in his former WTCC BMW 320 and Rick Kerry of AFM Racing who took to the track in a BMW 120 Diesel!

Racing a BMW 320 like Martyn’s, Mat Jackson had a flying first round taking a podium which was sadly taken from him after he was disqualified for ignoring an orange flag ordering him to come in after smoke started pouring from his car. He took some minor damage having come off the track on to the grass. Round 2 saw Mat pushed to the back of the grid and starting from the Pit. He managed to go on and take 8th place. Round 3 started with Mat fighting the ‘Big Boys’ at the front and saw him go on and take third - another podium. Outstanding. He also posted the faster lap time in this round of just under 50 seconds. Not a bad start for someone new to BTCC.

The 120D of Rick Kerry caught my attention from the moment I saw it on the entry list. A diesel in BTCC ?! Kerry may not have taken any points this weekend but I am sure he got himself some new fans. With some track time behind it and 3 finishes I am sure we will see this car and driver get batter every round.

Next round is on the 22nd April at the Rockingham Circuit, Northamptonshire.

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