A year on from the car’s race debut Airwaves Racing believe they have unlocked the potential within their NGTC Ford Focus in time for this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) races at Snetterton.
The team were one of several to take advantage of a two day tyre test at the Norfolk track, with Porsche works driver Nick Tandy joining the team’s BTCC regulars Mat Jackson and Aron Smith to assist with the development of the in-house built car.
“The recent two day tyre test at Snetterton showed some very encouraging pace,” said Jackson. “We have been working relentlessly over the mid-season break to recover some of the pace that was lacking in the first part of the year.”
Over the two day the team were able to use the two days of running to trial some set-up changes with both Jackson’s and Smith’s charges posting strong times around the three mile Norfolk track.
“With some big changes made to the car, I feel that we have a package that will enable us to fight for wins as the season resumes this weekend.”
Returning to the series after missing the Croft weekend Liam Griffin completes the Airwaves Racing team in the Jack Sears Trophy S2000 Focus. Despite missing the previous round of the championship Griffin still lies second in the class – decided purely on wins – trailing Vauxhall drive Lea Wood by two victories. With three wins on offer from the weekend to come Griffin could retake the class lead as the season enters its second half.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out in the car again this weekend; it feels like it’s been a long time since I last raced – although I did beat my 10 year old at karting last week!” Griffin revealed some sneaking off-season testing, as well as the Snetterton running. “We had a good couple of test days here recently; the weather actually made it hard to judge some of the times but I was happy enough with my pace and the car ran faultlessly all day. The testing did show up the growing gap between the next generation and S2000 cars so I just hope it doesn’t become an issue in the races.”
