Back on Track! 2016 test feature & gallery

A contrasting weather front saw two different days of testing at Thruxton Hampshire on the 17th & 18th of February as teams from the BTCC, Clio Cup, Ginetta Junior & BARC Formula descended to prepare for their '16 campaigns.
Wednesday's wet weather put off many fans looking to attend the open paddock event but that didn't stop a few from braving the elements to catch, for some the first on track action of 2016.

The BTCC was the big draw for many with Yuasa Honda, Pirtek Motorbase, WSR BMW, Eurotech Honda, Speedworks and Team Parker Dextra Racing all in attendance. The on track format saw for an interesting spectacle as BTCC machines shared track time with Clios, Ginetta Juniors and other tin top racers.

Below is a pictorial highlight of the two days running.



Wednesday was wet, VERY wet, but that didn't stop the teams venturing out for some experience of the damp conditions, above Jeff Smith in his Eurotech Honda Civic, Senna Proctor's Clio and Mat Simpson in his ex Matt Neal Honda Civic which will be run by Speedworks Motorsports.
 Thursday was much better weather wise, Smith's Eurotech Racing team mate Martin Depper leads an interesting train of cars through the chicane.
 Proctor managed plenty of dry running in his BMR / Team Pyro run Clio.
 As did Daniel Rowbottom in his Ecomotive Motorsport prepped machine.
 Alex Martin was out with his Team Parker Dextra Racing BTCC Ford Focus
While WSR had one BMW for 3 drivers, Rob Collard, Sam Tordoff and new recruit Jack Goff all sharing the 1 Series over the two days.
The red flag made more than one apperence halting the proceedings for a few moments at a time.
2013 BTCC champion Andrew Jordan was one of the drivers responsible for a stoppage, unfortunately ending his and his Motorbase Pirtek Racing teams day early.
The team didn't want any pictures taken of the damaged front of the car. One wonders what trick components are being hidden!

Yuasa Honda were also in attendance with their 2016 challenger in striking "camouflage" livery with reigning champion Gordon Shedden at the wheel.



While walking around the (very) open paddock, there was a photo opportunity at almost every turn!


But, back on track, limits were being pushed as drivers looked to get the most out of their cars resulting in plenty of spectacular lock ups.


Finally, while the BARC single seater formula took to the track, they were joined by an interesting interloper!

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