FAMILY MATTERS
Ahead of the BTCC’S return to Scotland, Alan Douglas caught up with Knockhill’s resident racers Gordon Shedden and Rory Butcher to discuss swapping tips, family support and who’s in charge
“I might be back in the BTCC before long so I don’t tell him everything”
They’ve known each other for years – since one of them was just out of short trousers – so they’re comfortable in each other’s company.
Which is just as well because not only are Gordon Shedden and Rory Butcher brothers-in law, but they also work together in the family business at knock hill Race Circuit in Fife. Not just that, but Gordon’s wife Jillian – Rory’s sister – is managing director and Rory’s dad Derek is CEO.
But their roles as commercial and event managers are just part of their lives. The rest of their time is spent at a great rate of knots on racetracks around the UK and further afield.
Three times British Touring Car Champion Gordon (or ‘Flash’ as he’s known) is taking two years out to compete in the ten-round World Touring Cars at the wheel of a fearsome Audi RS3 which has already taken him to Morocco, Germany and Slovakia and will see him finish the year in China, Japan and Macau.
Thirty-one-year-old Rory is still learning the ropes and following in Gordon’s tyre tracks in the BTCC after being thrown in at the deep end last year to replace another driver injured in a serious crash at the midway point in the championship.
“That was a huge learning curve,” he admitted when I spoke to them both ahead of the upcoming Knockhill round of the BTCC on August 26.
“I was thrown into my apprentice ship and to make it worse, my first race washer eat knock hill, so there was huge pressure on me.”
It paid off though, and he secured a drive for this year’s championship with the AMD with AUTOAID/RCIB Insurance Racing team at the wheel of the 2.0-litre turbo MG6 GT.
The season has not been without its troubles but he has scored valuable points and is positive about building on his experience and securing a drive with the team again next year.
He’s been getting valuable mentoring from Flash, who is happy top ass on guidance from his years in the championship.
“I’ve been keeping an eye on him but it’s not just about the driving. It’s fine when you’re on the podium and the champagne is being sprayed, but motorsport can be a lonely ex is tence.ic an be his sounding board and it’ s important to keep up his confidence especially when things aren’t going well.”
He doesn’t give away all his secrets though.
“We were actually competing against each other for the latter part of last season and although we were at different levels, I told him then not to get in my way and spoil my chances of winning the championship. Besides, I might be back in the BTCC before long so I don’t tell him everything.”
When they’re not competing they both take regular sessions as instructor sat knock hill with customers who want the race track experience with the guidance of seasoned campaigners.
In the past, eager aspiring racing drivers would jump at the chance of having Gordon as their instructor.
Are people now asking for rising star Rory?
“I’d be delighted if they asked for him,” said 39-year-old Gordon. “With us both now having a high profile in motorsport, it all helps to promote Knockhill.”
Driving for the Belgian-based Audi sport leopard luk oil racing Team, Gordon’ s races are given worldwide TV coverage but the competition is intense.
“I knew the BTCC insideout but with the World Series every circuit is new to me and most of the other drivers and teams have been involved for a long time. We’re a new team and there are all sorts of things I never thought about–like language. My team all speak very good English, but occasionally there’s some confusion about technical terms.”
So what’s it like having your sister or your wife as your boss in working life at Knockhill, especially as she was no mean racer in her time?
They were both in agreement. “Jillian’s the boss” they said in unison. Rory was a bit more forthcoming.
“She doesn’t hold back, but you know where you are with her and she’s always been there for me.”
Jillian follows Gordon to the circuits when time allows and will be heading to the Far East with him for the final rounds. Rory’s wife Joy does the same to see him in action along with new arrival, seven-month-old Parker, travelling to the circuits around theuk, sometimes borrowing Gordon’ s motor home.
So how does he fancy his chance son home ground when the BTCC circus arrives in Fife?
“I’ve grown up racing round here, but it’s different when you’re at the wheel of a touring car in a race. I haven’t been round this track for about a year since the BTCC was last here.”
He’ ll be feeling the pressure of performing in front of a home crowd, but one thing he can be sure of is wholehearted family support.