After successful start to the season at Brands Hatch Geoff Steel Racing are hoping for more of the same this weekend at Donington Park.
After a three year absence from the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) the team, and debutant driver Dave Newsham scored an overall championship point in their very first race, the Inverness-based driver coming home tenth before two more race added to more points to the teams Independents' titles points haul.
Newsham's race one result made him the only rookie to score a point in a non-turbocharged car over the weekend.
“The whole experience of a BTCC weekend was fantastic,” said the driver. “It's a very busy weekend, but I really enjoyed it. Brands Hatch was about me getting more time in the car, learning what makes it tick. So staying on-track and getting finishes was very important. I was not making it difficult for quicker cars to pass me.”
“I think we can be a little more aggressive at Donington, now that our first meeting is under our belts, and I will be pushing for three top ten finishes.”
“I can't wait,” he adds. “I like the track and have always been quick there, so let's hope my BMW likes it too…”
On the 1.22 mile Brands Hatch Indy circuit the new breed of NGTC-spec engine cars had a clear speed advantage over their normally aspirated, Newsham included but at the longer Donington Park the team's Commercial Manager Martyn Bell believes other factors may bring the performance levels closer together.
“Donington is a circuit that is heavy on braking and that could work against the turbo cars. With the extra weight of the turbo engine over the front wheels, they could have brake issues as well as tyre wear issues,” Bell explained, “and it could rain, which will even things out!”
