Knockhill next up for Newsham
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DAVE Newsham is not making any predictions of where he wants to finish at Knockhill, but he does hope to put on a good performance for the fans.
Returning at Snetterton to resume the British Touring Car Championship campaign following a mid-season break, Inverness driver Newsham defied his pre-race ambitions to win the final race — the first time he has stood atop the podium since making his debut at this level last year.
Having previously struggled with car troubles following a promising start to the season with Team ES Racing, Newsham is still pinching himself at the fact he managed to cross the finishing line last time out in first place.
The 45-year-old arrived at Snetterton not expecting much, so he is reluctant to state what would be an acceptable from Knockhill, apart from a desire to prevail in front of a home crowd.
"I will be giving it my all to put on a good show for the passionate and knowledgeable Scottish BTCC fans," said Newsham.
"I can’t predict anything, as I thought we might struggle at Snetterton and look what we did there. I will have a better idea after our practice sessions on Saturday.
"I still can hardly believe what we achieved at Snetterton. We have won a race in the BTCC, the pinnacle of British Motorsport, in one of the smallest and least funded teams on the grid.
"When I look at the names of drivers and the size and history of the teams we are rubbing shoulders with, it really does make me proud of Team ES Racing and of my personal achievements."
Newsham, currently ninth in the overall BTCC drivers leaderboard, is hoping his vast experience of having previously competed in the Scottish Legends Championship, which predominantly took place around Knockhill, will stand him in good stead this weekend.
"That first season in the Scottish Legends Championship was mostly at Knockhill, so I have done quite a lot of laps around there," he said.
"Knockhill is a terrific circuit, with blind, off camber corners, hills and that world famous chicane where ‘if committed’ the car literally takes off while your sideways.
"It’s a very challenging track that not all of the drivers enjoy driving, but I love it."
The A9 southbound promises to be busy early on Sunday with friends, family and sponsors setting off on the journey to Fife to give Newsham their full support.
"We have a title sponsor for Knockhill," revealed Newsham, who is managing director at Norscott Vending. "Inverness-based telecoms company HighNet will have their logo on the bonnet and side of my car.
They are bringing lots of customers and staff down, so I hope they all have a great day.
"We also have other sponsors coming, as well as some of my staff, friends and family, which is great."
Meanwhile, Newsham paid tribute to the supporters who voted his win at Snetterton as the Hi-Q champagne moment.
"I had a massive 51 per cent of the total votes for this award, which is voted for by the fans," he said. "That is very flattering and a huge thank you to all who voted for me."
FOR those unable to make it to Knockhill to see Dave Newsham in action, ITV4 will be screening the latest round of this year’s British Touring Car Championship from 11.30am on Sunday.
