Newsham excited for rapid Thruxton test
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ADRENALINE will be pumping through Dave Newsham this weekend as he heads to one of the fastest tracks on the BTCC calendar.
Thruxton is next on the cards for Newsham, who will be heading into the third race in his new car and will be looking to build on the sixth place he picked up in the first race at Donington Park.
The target for the Westhill racer this season was to crack into the top ten in his debut season with the Power Maxed Racing team. He currently sits in 15th place on 23 points, 21 points behind Andy Priaulx in 10th. Team-mate Josh Cook is two places and four points above him in 13th.
Newsham’s best finish at Thruxton last year came in the final race where he came 14th, and he believes it is one of the most exciting circuits of the season.
“I really look forward to this event. I have gone well there in the past and it really does scare you,” he said. “Some of the corners are taken at over 120mph, and if it goes wrong, it tends to be big! “That is why us racing drivers love it, we must all be a little mad, but when you wrestle a car around Thruxton, you certainly feel alive.”
Colin Turkington, Gordon Shedden and Andrew Jordan picked up wins there last year, with the trio ranked second, third and fourth in the 2015 drivers’ standings.
The Hampshire course is quick all-round, despite its lack of straight track.
“Thruxton is the fastest track on the calendar,” said Newsham. “The average lap speed is over 110mph and can hold a top speed of 150mph, this despite the fact there really isn’t a straight piece of track anywhere. “It is the hardest circuit for the car and tyres, so Dunlop actually bring a more durable tyres for this round.”
Adjustments are still being made on the Chevrolet Cruze as it was a completely new car built for the 2015 campaign.
Newsham and Cook have so far impressed in the new drive, chasing down the drivers in the top ten with more experienced and settled car setups.
“My Power Maxed Racing Chevrolet is getting better with every round, so it should go well and I can’t wait for free practice one on Saturday,” added Newsham.
“The aim is to qualify inside the top ten and to try and stay there in all three races. I need to be performing at my very best every time I’m in the car as my superstar team-mate had the edge on me last time around.”
