Murray expects Thruxton thriller

5:18pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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Legendary motor racing commentator Murray Walker believes Thruxton's HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship fixture this Sunday is a must-see event for fans.

Walker, the voice of the BTCC's television coverage in the late 1980s and throughout the '90s, is a lifelong supporter of Thruxton and member of the British Automobile Racing Club, which is based at the high-speed Hampshire venue.

With less than a week to go before the BTCC - in its historic 50th year - visits the fastest track on its calendar,Walker said: "The BTCC at Thruxton is special, because it has a long tradition of incredibly exciting, panel-bashing racing featuring greats like John Cleland, Steve Soper, Andy Rouse, Frank Biela, Jo Winkelhock, Alain Menu and Matt Neal.

"Thruxton is the fastest track in Britain, which is in regular use and, as such, makes unique demands on both the cars and the drivers.

The Campbell/Cobb/ Segrave complex of corners, named after past British world land speed record holders, is a great place to watch, both at the circuit itself and on TV.

"The notorious bump at Church corner, the long, flat-out dash down to the chicane and the chicane itself also all offer superb opportunities to revel in the driving skills of the competitors in the world's top national touring car championship.

"I would certainly recommend Thruxton to would-be spectators for all the above reasons, but also because it is easy to get to, has ample parking space and because the elevated spectator banks offer excellent vantage points."

This year's BTCC is one of the most wide-open since Walker started commentating on the championship more than 20 years ago - the season's opening nine rounds have already produced seven different winners.

And Walker reckons each of this Sunday's three BTCC rounds, which headline a ten-race bill, will be a nail-biter.

Walker added: "Everyone likes to see wheel-to-wheel battles for race victories and championship points and, with Britain's Jason Plato, who of course drives a diesel-powered Spanish SEAT, and Vauxhall's Italian Fabrizio Giovanardi heading a host of spectacular and ambitious rivals, there will be plenty of opportunities for partisan support from what is sure to be a very big crowd.

"But don't expect Jason and Fabrizio automatically to rule the roost, for one slip by either of them will open the door for any of their many talented opponents.

Double champion Matt Neal in his Vauxhall, Darren Turner in his diesel SEAT, plus BMW-mounted Mat Jackson and Colin Turkington are just four of them, and there are plenty of others!

"Having said that, I'd forecast a likely win for Jason Plato at Thruxton.

"With years of experience there he knows the circuit and, after his first win of the season, he is hungry for more.

"Now that his powerful diesel SEAT is up to speed, it should have the grunt that is needed to see off his rivals at super-fast Thruxton, but watch his SEAT team-mate Turner too."

Alan Day Honda is proud to be supporting the day.The group has showrooms in Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth and will have a significant presence at Thruxton.