Sunday, August 25, 2013

BTCC: Excellent second for Rob Austin Audi in Knockhill race 2


By Tarek Ramchani

Rob Austin and WIX Racing's dream weekend is continuing at Knockhill. After a maiden and historical pole position yesterday, Rob Austin is doing very well in the races today, with a very competitive Audi A4 NGTC.

Race 1 was held earlier and gave the privateer Audi driver a fine third place in the end. The team owner and driver of the #13 A4 NGTC battled hard with the reining British Touring Car champion, Gordon Shedden, for second place. Rob Austin matched the pace of the factory Honda driver, but was not able to take second. A third place, not bad for a true independent driver and privateer effort.

Race 2 was even better. Rob Austin started from third and immediately passed Gordon Shedden's Honda Civic for second. Up in front the BMW 125i M Sport of race 1 winner, Colin Trukington, was simply untouchable. Meanwhile Rob Austin managed to build a narrow gap ahead of Shedden, enough to secure a fine second place. A great result for Austin, equaling his best ever result in the demanding BTCC.

Bad luck hit his teammate Will Bratt. The driver of the #14 Audi A4 was forced to retire half way through the race, after 12 laps.

Race 3 is next at Knockhill. Fingers crossed for more strong performances and big results.

Photo credit: Phil Laughton Photography