Matt Neal became the third driver to dominate a BTCC race from pole position at Oulton Park today, but the result could have been better for the Honda team.
From fourth on the grid Neal’s team-mate Gordon Shedden muscled his way into second place after front-row starter Josh Cook’s MG6 ran across the grass while trying to get past Neal. The two Hondas then opened a 12-second gap to the field, only for Shedden’s car to puncture its left-front tyre with just two of the 15 laps left.
Behind the leaders third place was the subject of a race-long battle. The Speedworks Toyota Avensis of Tom Ingram, which to this point had enjoyed an unspectacular but productive points day, held the third spot for much of the race, with Cook behind him followed by the two Subaru Levorgs of Jason Plato and race one winner Colin Turkington. This battle was soon joined by the BMWs of race two winner Sam Tordoff and team-mate Rob Collard, who had again fought his way up the field, this time from 25th after a puncture and spin in race two.
Cook completed a weekend of robust driving in the Triple Eight Racing MG. Photo: PSP Images
With three laps left Cook’s attempts to find a way past Ingram became more frenzied, allowing Tordoff to take advantage, and with a lap left the BMW passed both cars into second as Shedden’s puncture struck.
Cook wasn’t finished, and an attempt to squeeze inside Ingram when heading to the final corner resulting in contact with the Speedw...