Frank Wrathall - Photo Credit: Toyota GB
After unprecedented success at Snetterton, then Knockhill Frank Wrathall belives the final three tracks on the British Touring Car calendar will suit his NGTC Toyota Avensis.
Dynojet driver Wrathall claimed a maiden independent win at Snetterton in early August and continued the form with two overall podium finishes at Knockhill. Now, with the series due out at Rockingham this weekend the 24-year-old is chasing yet more success.
Even if his string of results continues his first Rockingham event as a BTCC driver is unlikely to match his 2010 weekend at the Northamptonshire roval when he won two of the three Ginetta G50 Cup races in the early months of a season that ended with him winning the single make championship. In fact Wrathall believes he may have won more races at Rockingham that at any other track.
The improvement in fortunes for the second half of the season – Snetterton followed the summer break – is something not lost on the driver.
“We have had a lot of DNFs this year, a lot of problems and have been through some tough times. It's been an incredible roller-coaster of a year. The low points have been terrible, I'll make no secret, but every time we have had a set-back the whole team has dug deep and we have bounced back. Getting to the podium makes it all worthwhile.”
The points from Knockhill has moved him up to 12th in the overall driver standings and tenth in the independents' rankings. His weekend in Scotland was crowned by winning the HiQ Champagne Moment for his performance, making him the first driver to win the award for two consecutive meetings.
After this weekend's racing at Rockingham – where the venue is celebrating its tenth anniversary – the BTCC continues to Brands Hatch and Silverstone, Wrathall looking ahead positively to the closing races of 2011.
“We were good at Snetterton and good at Knockhill, and if we can go well at those two tracks then we should be strong for the remaining circuits this year,” said Wrathall. “It will be nice to get to Rockingham, which is fast, flowing and smooth, as are Brands Hatch and Silverstone; all three should suit the Toyota. Bring it on.”
Photo Credit: Toyota GB
