Mat Jackson looks to close gap on BTCC leaders

MOTORSPORT

HENLEY-in-Arden racer Mat Jackson says his results so far this season have convinced him he will be a definite contender for the overall British Touring Car Championship.

The Motorbase Performance driver heads into this weekend’s meeting at Oulton Park sitting on top of the Independents rankings, having won one of the three races last time out at Thruxton.

Jackson is one of only two drivers to have won more than once in the nine rounds so far and he is determined to close the gap on overall current pacesetters Matt Neal and Rob Collard.

A big points haul at Oulton – one of his favourite circuits – would be the perfect birthday present for the Ford Focus ST driver, who celebrates his 35 birthday next Friday.

"Off the back of our successful weekend at Thruxton I think everybody is rightly filled with confidence at Motorbase,” said Jackson.

“It’s great to be leading the Independents’ championship at this point in the season, but our eyes are on the overall title – that’s the one we want – and that’s what we’re aiming for.

“With the results we’ve had so far this season, there’s no reason at all why we can’t achieve it."

Jackson’s #7 car and team-mate Andrew Jordan’s #77 will carry 48kg and 21kg of success ballast respectively heading into the weekend following their wins at Thruxton.

“We've had a small break since our last race meeting to evaluate our performances so far and the guys have been busy back at base as usual;” said Kent-based Motorbase team manager Oly Collins.

“We haven't been sitting still which will no doubt be the case for all of our competitors but hopefully we’ll be able to carry the momentum from our double winning race weekend at Thruxton to Oulton Park.”

He added: “Both Mat and Andrew are carrying weight into the weekend so we'll have to see what effect that has for qualifying and race one.”

See this week's Herald for a full preview.