Two-man show right in the mix

Motorsport

Team Swaffer – all two of them – are gearing up for their biggest weekend in the sport next month, writes Andrew Gidley.

Driver Matt and his father, Roger – who doubles as his race engineer – will head for Castle Combe at Chippenham in Wiltshire leading the Toyo Tyres Production BMW Championship by two points over favourite Gary Feakins.

However, with all drivers allowed to ‘drop’ their poorest result, full-time driver Feakins is set to clinch the title, having won all his races, apart one – at Donington Park on Sunday – while the Swaffers, for whom racing is a hobby, are assured of finishing second.

Matt, a 36-year-old contracts manager, finished third and fourth at the East Midlands track, including his sixth podium of the season and Roger hopes their success could attract financial backing next season.

He said: “It was a brilliant weekend and being as successful as we have could gives us more of package to sell to potential sponsors.

“We have been half-hearted in that respect but if somebody offered £15,000 to fund us, we would expect to win the championship.”

Swaffer lined up at Donington determined to be quicker than his rivals who caused him problems last time out at Brands Hatch, looking to finish in front of Rob Cooper, Max Wileman and Alex Ball. His form and results this season has even earned them praise from Feakins.

Roger said: “We just turn-up in an estate car full of bits, with no room for a gazebo, like the others, and if it’s raining, I have to hold the umbrella to keep Matt dry.”

Swaffer snr added: “Matt is driving well because he is confident in the car. We are over the moon how things have gone.”

The finale takes place at Castle Combe on Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11. Roger added: “I have just ordered a new set of brakes. We will go there looking to be quick and see what happens.”