Tony Gilham is hoping to press on and move up the grid when he races the Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Insignia this afternoon.
The Team-HARD. boss’ time in the new car, his first experience of NGTC machinery, was cut short in first practice but he is content with the progress the team are making.
“We’re still trying to push on with the car and get some good results this weekend,” he told theCheckeredFlag.co.uk. “We only used two new tyres in qualifying and we were working on race pace.
“We should have decent race pace and move up the grid. It’s the first time starting in the new car and it will be interesting to see how much the tyres last in comparison.”
For most of qualifying Gilham was locked in a timesheet-battle with his team’s new signing Robb Holland. Despite the pair fighting it out over the lower places on the grid, he believes the American is adapting very well to the new series.
And the prospect of going toe-to-toe with Holland is one Gilham is ready for – even if rubbing paint is something he’d rather avoid.
“He’s going a good job,” he said of his new driver. “Everything is new to him – new car, new team new circuit, and he’s improving every time. He’s got it in him to do well.
“We’re starting next to each other on the grid…but we’re not going to do anything silly. We’re both sensible drivers – everyone here wants to win but we’ve got to be sensible.”