BMW Dealer Team UK driver Mat Jackson finally celebrated in style this afternoon as he claimed his second overall win of the year in the closing race of the weekend at the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton circuit, Norfolk.
Up until race three, the Accident Exchange-backed driver had endured a frustrating weekend, which started with a high-speed off in free practice yesterday and a disappointing result in race one. However Jackson waved goodbye to his bad luck as the result of the reverse grid put his ballast-free BMW320si on P2.
As the lights went out Jackson executed a strong start and was the first driver into turn one ahead of Steven Kane. Jackson was to hold the field at bay as he reeled off a succession of first class laps keeping the door firmly shut on a determined Kane who applied the pressure on the race leader for the duration of the 18-lap race. As the pressure mounted on the penultimate lap Jackson experienced some understeer and he momentarily got out of shape at the exit of Sears. However, it was not enough to deprive him of his lead and he regained his composure and went on to claim his second outright win of the season and his fifth Independents' victory.
Earlier in the day, Jackson started race two from 15th on the grid and by lap six he was looking to move up into the points as he challenged Mike Jordan for tenth place. He finally passed him on lap 11 as they approached the Esses. The safety car was deployed on lap 13 for two laps at which point Jackson was running in ninth after overtaking Adam Jones. Second placed Gordon Shedden went wide on lap 17 and rejoined the pack in front of Jackson who he duly overtook on the start-finish straight claiming seventh place and three valuable points.
Jackson started the first race of the day from an unlucky 13th on the grid and as the BTCC field made its way around the 1.9-mile track Jackson initially lost one place as the cars jostled for position. The safety car was deployed for six laps. Jackson regained a place when the race recommenced, moving up to 13th behind Mike Jordan. As the pace intensified a new lap record was set and Jackson took up a watching brief behind Matt Neal as the pair battled for 11th. On lap 16, the 26-year-old executed a clean pass past Neal on the approach to the Esses, however Neal was determined not to be denied the place and lunged down the inside of Jackson pushing him wide onto the grass. A lap later Jackson once again went wide at the Esses sustaining front-end damage and ultimately finished in 15th place.
As a result of today's racing Jackson now lies in fourth place in the overall championship with 122 points.
Jackson commented: "When I went into the barriers yesterday after five laps I really didn't think we would come away with a win, it really is a great testament to the team and all their hard work. The third race was a tough one but it was a much needed win and a great boost for the team as a couple have slipped the net."
Team Principal Chris Tee commented, "That was a hard weekend and the team worked exceptionally well, it was a great team effort. Mat put in a good consistent drive in the final race despite the continual pressure from Kane. The win seemed a long time coming but it was well worth the wait."
Race One Result 1. J Plato (SEAT) 2. D Turner (SEAT) 3. T Chilton (SEAT) 4. G Shedden (Honda) 5. C Turkington (BMW) 6. T Onslow-Cole (Vauxhall) 7. F Giovanardi (Vauxhall) 8. S Kane (BMW) 9. R Collard (BMW) 10. M Neal (Vauxhall) 15.M Jackson (BMW)
Race Two Result 1. J Plato (SEAT) 2. C Turkington (BMW) 3. F Giovanardi (Vauxhall) 4. R Collard (BMW) 5. M Neal (Vauxhall) 6. S Kane (BMW) 7. M Jackson (BMW) 8. G Shedden (Honda) 9. M Jordan (SEAT) 10. A Jones (SEAT)
Race Three Result 1. M Jackson (BMW) 2. S Kane (BMW) 3. F Giovanardi (Vauxhall) 4. M Neal (Vauxhall) 5. T Onslow Cole (Vauxhall) 6. C Turkington (BMW) 7. T Chilton (Honda) 8. A Jones (SEAT) 9. S Jelley (BMW)
Championship Standings - Top Ten 1. F Giovanardi 171 2. M Neal 137 3. J Plato 132 4. M Jackson 122 5. C Turkington 121 6. T O-Cole 108 7. G Shedden 95 8. D Turner 92 9. A Jones 73 10. T Chilton 63
