NAPA Racing UK Prepares for Knockhill
25 Jul 2022
Knockhill Circuit in Scotland hosts the stars and cars of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this coming weekend, 30th/31st July, where NAPA Racing UK aims to make the best possible start to the second half of the season — especially after topping the recent Goodyear tyre test at Snetterton 300 Circuit in a phenomenal top-two lockout.
Following that reinvigorating success, the NAPA Racing UK team is feeling ready for the over 450-mile journey north to Fife, and they’re fully focused on achieving the best results possible as BTCC returns from its July hiatus.
Ash Sutton is presently the highest placed Motorbase driver in the championship, fourth position and just 24 points shy of the top of the standings. With six podiums thus far in his NAPA Racing UK liveried Ford Focus ST — three second places and a trio of thirds — more silverware is the aim for the reigning BTCC Champion at Knockhill.
Sutton heads north of the border to the unique 1.27-mile track, one of his favourite challenges on the calendar, feeling positive after concluding the tyre test quickest of all and working on some valuable changes to the car.
Teammate and Porsche Carrera Cup Champion Dan Cammish also delivered impressive results at the Snetterton tyre test, ending the two days second fastest to Sutton, a mere 0.015 seconds shy. Notably, he utilised the regular Goodyear race tyre on his NAPA Racing UK car as opposed to the soft ‘option’ compound which Sutton was running on day two. Cammish was also a terrific third overall on the opening day.
In terms of the season to-date, of course, Cammish has experienced some serious misfortune which has impacted his championship challenge. Currently just four points outside the top 10 in the title battle, he does have two podiums to his credit and is absolutely determined to turn the page on the largely luckless first half of the campaign.
THE TEAM
Oly Collins – Motorbase Performance Team Manager:
“We had a really strong test a few weeks ago so we head into the second half of the season in a confident mood. After a really busy May and June, the break from racing has been a good opportunity for us to concentrate on the details. While the two-day Goodyear tyre test meant it hasn’t been much of a break for the crew behind the scenes, we do feel that’s been put to good use. Knockhill is such a great yet unique circuit for all the teams, it’s always a challenge the drivers love so we’re looking forward to the weekend and aiming for a return to the top step.”
Ash Sutton – NAPA Racing UK, No.1:
“Knockhill is a fantastic track, it’s always been one of my favourites. It’s such a unique circuit and really does require an attacking style and a lot of commitment. I love the challenge it provides, and it is the sort of place where a driver can make a difference. We’re heading to Scotland with some good data under our belts from the tyre test and the whole NAPA Racing UK team is feeling positive we’ve made some good steps forward. None of us know what to truly expect from Knockhill, but we’ll all be working as hard as ever to deliver the best weekend we can.”
Dan Cammish – NAPA Racing UK, No.9:
“After all of the misfortune we had during the first half of the season, the Snetterton tyre test came at the perfect time for us and we enjoyed a couple of fantastic days. I really felt we made good progress with the car, trying a variety of set-up changes and being right on the pace on both days which was fantastic. All of the guys at the team are working so hard and I really do think we go into the second half of the season, starting at Knockhill, in good shape. It’s a one-of-a-kind track but I’m hopeful we can start as we mean to go on there.”
THE DETAILS
Opening free practice at Knockhill will get underway at 09.50 on Saturday, 30th July, with session two following at 12.15 and qualifying at 15.30 – the latter will be streamed live online at the www.itv.com/btcc website.
On Sunday, 31st July, round 16 of the season will begin at 12.08, round 17 at 14.15 and round 18 at 17.10. Races one and two will be live on ITV with race three on ITV4, and all three will be streamed live online.
THE STANDINGS
2022 BTCC Drivers Championship
4th Ash Sutton, 171pts
11th Dan Cammish, 86pts
2022 BTCC Manufacturers/Constructors Championship
3rd Motorbase Performance/Ford, 346pts
2022 BTCC Teams Championship
2nd NAPA Racing UK, 259pts
Follow us @NAPARacingUK on social media for more updates as the BTCC 2022 season returns!
