Matt Neal clocks up sixtieth victory
Stourbridge racer Matt Neal has claimed a place in the history books after clocking up his 60th victory – level with the record of British Touring Cars Championship great Andy Rouse.
Neal now sitting second in the all-time BTCC winners’ list after a thrilling weekend of racing at Thruxton, writes Tom Sargent.
The 50-year-old, who has been driving in the touring cars championship for more than a quarter of a century, is behind only fierce rival Jason Plato, who has 95 race wins.
Neal, who started the opening race of the weekend in his first pole position for five years, powered clear of Halfords Yuasa Racing stable-mate Gordon Shedden.
Shedden had managed to level in the sister car on the opening lap, but Neal held his position in what was a perfect lights-to-flag display.
Neal said:“I hadn’t given much thought to equalling Andy’s win tally, to be honest. We all thought Andy’s record was unachievable and even though Jason exceeded it, I never thought I would get there. Just unbelievable.”
Frustration struck in the second race for Neal, when he suffered two stoppages as Rob Collard went on to took the victory before Team BMW colleague Colin Turkington took the honours in round nine.
The three-time drivers’ champion is not taking anything for granted though, conceding that the competition is still very high.
“Yes, there are a lot more races in the season now, but its tough out there,” he added.
“We had a bit of a nightmare here last year and then Donington Park was a rotten weekend all-round for everybody, so to come away with a Halfords Yuasa Racing one-two and a Honda podium lockout on home soil is a dream – a fabulous result.
“I made sure to look after the car and the tyres were superb throughout.”
The BTCC returns on May 20-21, for rounds 10, 11 and 12 at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
