Harrison Disappointed With Rule Changes
Ahead of the visit to Oulton Park for the fourth round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Triple Eight Engineering Team Boss, Ian Harrison spoke out about the recent rule changes applied to the series by TOCA.
Starting from Oulton Park, all S2000 front-wheel drive normally aspirated cars will gain from a 25kg drop in weight for the duration of the season. This change will affect the Chevrolet Cruze’s and more importantly that of two-time champion, Jason Plato.
As well as that, TOCA have also issued a 0.05 bar reduction in boost pressure for all turbo powered cars which is suspended but can come into force at any time during the weekend.
Admittedly upset, Ian Harrison said, “I have to admit disappointment that TOCA has again seen fit to penalize the turbocharged cars in the name of equivalency. I appreciate that they have a difficult job to do in managing the situation given all the politics and games involved but I didn’t think that a case to apply further measures had been made at Thruxton last time out.”
Despite the setback Ian remained positive with James Nash currently occupying third place in the overall championship and Tony Gilham 7th in the independent class in each of their turbo-powered Vauxhall Vectra’s.
“That said we’ve just got to roll our sleeves up and get on with it. Oulton Park is a great circuit to race on. It presents a real challenge for the drivers and it is a favourite for many on the team.”
Ian went on to say, “Last year James (Nash) took his first podium for us with a 3rd in race three and I’d like to think he will do better than that this time around, hopefully by scoring his first win. Tony Gilham in our other car is looking more competitive too and there is no reason at all why we shouldn’t expect more points from him.”
Photo Credit: Pete Mainey (www.psmmotorsportimages.co.uk)
James Mappin
