Shedden fights back to retain top spot

Halfords Yuasa Racing’s weekend was one of mixed fortunes at Snetterton Circuit for rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship on the series’ long-awaited return after the summer break.

Reigning champion Gordon Shedden recovered from a tricky qualifying session on Saturday to take victory in the final race, ensuring he left Norfolk on a high – retaining his position at the head of the drivers’ tally and with a glint in his eye as he heads for home turf at Knockhill in two weeks’ time.

Triple champion Matt Neal brought home a podium finish in the opener but contact from behind meant a potential fourth spot in the finale was taken from his grasp.

Round 16, saw the two factory Honda Civic Type R drivers with the bit between their teeth.

Neal charged on to the rostrum, taking third on the fifth lap and holding his position until the chequered flag, while Shedden had an action-packed 12 laps culminating in 13th spot and more points for the title cause.

This meant the Scot would have no ballast on board for race two, and he still held his championship lead.

Shedden, also a triple BTCC champion, gained further ground in round 17 – fighting through to seventh spot, while Neal secured a top 10 finish and another points haul.

With ‘Flash’ landing second place on the reverse grid draw for yesterday’s final encounter, the opportunity for a race victory to round the weekend off in the best possible fashion was there for the taking.

Neal started brightly and was hunting down fourth position until contact from behind put paid to his race on lap four.

Shedden, though, was able to take advantage of a little slice of luck after mechanical problems for Andrew Jordan up ahead meant the door was open for a third victory of the campaign, which he duly took – much to his, and the team’s delight.