The Champion’s Story
Submitted on October 24th 2012 17:18 by Chris Ashby.
Gordon Shedden has said in an exclusive interview to BTCC Crazy that he is still in shock over claiming his maiden Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship crown at Brands Hatch this past weekend.
The Honda Yuasa Racing driver finished the season 21 points ahead of team mate and outgoing champion Matt Neal to become the first Scottish driver to win the title since John Cleland in 1995.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, I just didn’t think I had done enough that race and when the team came over the radio telling me I was champion then I just kind of froze for a second and realised I have finally become the champion of the best tin top championship in the world.”
The Scotsman has achieved eight victories this season along with a string of podiums to boot however Shedden hasn’t had it all his own way with a number of technical issues affecting his chances of becoming champion but he claims keeping positive kept him on the road to success.
“As with every season I seem to have problems and to start off at Brands Hatch back in April with electrical problems didn’t kick my year into life but we managed to dig deep and fix the issue which I have the team to thank massively for. Then the fire at Snetterton hampered our progress but we just made sure we stayed positive all year as team and remained united.”
“A turning point for us was the massive slide at Rockingham where we went on to win the race and who knows what may of have happened if we went off into the wall.”
The newly crowned champion has heaped praise on his team and team mate Neal on their impact of assistance at getting him his first title.
“Matt has been a massive help to me as so has Steve Neal because we have worked together so hard to develop this car and plus both of them have been in the situation of trying to win a title so I have had good advice to go on. It’s been a culmination of seven years hard work to get to this point and I couldn’t have done it on my own so I’m so happy I can share this with my family and team.”
With the 2012 season over, Shedden isn’t looking to the 2013 season just yet but has given an indication as to what can be expected of him and the team going forward.
“I know I can win titles now so the aim next year will hopefully to come back and defend it but we know the fight will be tougher so we as a team will move the car forward and come back even better but for now I just want to enjoy this success and let it sink in.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Jon Hobley
Chris Ashby
