Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship

Richard and Matthew visited Brands Hatch to watch Rounds 25, 26 and 27 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The racing was dominated by the usual 'big teams' but the field did include two Alfa 156's; number 17 driven by Eoin Murray and number 66 by Mark Smith. Both privateers of course.

They started race 1 from well down the grid; Smith from 21st and Murray from 23rd. Murray's car had been dogged by mechanical trouble during Saturdays qualifying and on lap 8 he was forced to retire. Smith went on to finish 1 lap down in 17th. The race was won by Jason Plato in his Seat Leon.

last minute work to Murray's car on the grid before race 1

A very dejected Eoin Murray

Mark Smith passes James Kaye's Honda under braking into Druids

Having no spares back-up to enable his car to be fixed Murray was unable to take his place on the grid for race 2. Smith started from 18th. After a first lap spin he carried on to finish 14th. Jason Plato was again the winner.

Smith started from 15th for race 3 and finished 14th once again. Fabrizio Giovanardi driving a Vauxhall Astra was the race winner.

Well done to both drivers and teams for having the balls to enter an unsupported Alfa in such a keenly contested series. If only they had some works support...

Better luck next times guys!

Murrays car sits in the pits with damaged differential