8 – Punctures rob Jordan, Plato at Thruxton
Thruxton is one of the fastest race circuits in the country. However, that also makes it one of the most abrasive and tyre-destroying UK venues as a consequence, and that led to heartache for two drivers this season.
After his second consecutive pole position in as many years at the Hampshire circuit, Andrew Jordan controlled the opening race on Sunday from the front ahead of fellow Honda Civic driver Matt Neal.
The pair had settled in their retrospective positions as the race drew to its climax, until a last-lap heartbreak unravelled for Jordan as the Pirtek Racing Civic suffered a left-front puncture that pitched him off the road at Goodwood corner.
Neal grabbed the win, while Jordan limped home in 11th.
While he recovered to fourth in race two, Jason Plato was then the man who looked set take a win in the reverse-grid race and extend his championship lead as he moved up into a comfortable lead.
However, with the Honda trio of Gordon Shedden, Neal and Jordan working their way up the order and closing in on the MG man, Plato suffered similar disaster late in the race as he too was struck down by a left-front puncture, forcing him to abandon his MG6 at the side of the circuit.
Motorsport can be a cruel business, and Sunday’s action at Thruxton illustrated that fact.
(Photo Credit: btcc.net)
