Pirtek Racing’s Andrew Jordan has taken his first ever victory at Thruxton after heading a Honda 1-2-3 in the opening contest of the day.

Jordan made a stunning getaway and never looked back as his Honda rivals contended with the fast starting Ford Focus of Mat Jackson. The Airwaves Racing car blasted away from fourth on the grid and nipped by both Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal at the complex on the opening tour and initially looked like he had a challenge for Jordan.

Jackson pressured the #1 machine for the opening two laps before dropping back into the clutches of the two Tourers behind. As the performance of the Focus dropped away slightly Neal tried every which way to make a move, but Jackson’s pace in a straight line proved pivotal in keeping him ahead.

Pole-sitter Jordan, who had qualified first in each of the last three seasons at Thruxton but had never actually won at the UK’s fastest circuit, took the opportunity to pull clear as the trio squabbled behind him. It took until half distance before both Neal and Shedden could gang up on Jackson, pulling off an impressive double move through Campbell and Cobb respectively.

Although both Honda Yuasa Racing cars were able to leave Jackson in their tracks it was too little too late in terms of catching Jordan.

“I’ve finally converted a pole position at Thruxton into a victory,” said an elated Jordan. “I was helped a little by the battle behind but the car felt fantastic and in truth we had a lot more in the tank. We’ll carry a bit of extra weight in the car for race two but I don’t think it’ll trouble us too much so I’m feeling confident going forward.”

While happy with the double podium both Neal and Shedden weren’t sure if their race pace was competitive enough to challenge for victory, even if they hadn’t been stuck behind Jackson for the opening eight laps. “It’s difficult to tell,” said Shedden. “You really wreck your tyres when you’re following a car as closely as we were. It’s a good result and we’ll see what we can do later this afternoon.”

Rob Collard took fifth after firing his BMW 125i M Series up the order off the line and then fending off race-long pressure from Jason Plato’s MG and a further trail of machines. Plato proved closer than ever in the final laps but Collard defended well whilst the double champion behind him also had to keep the VW of Alain Menu in mind. Having Plato and Menu close in proximity sparked memories of yesteryear although Colin Turkington, Adam Morgan and Sam Tordoff also joined the party.

It was Turkington who made the most progress from his 13th place starting berth, eventually making his way up to eighth after a final eye catching move by the Mercedes of Morgan through Allard.

Click here for the full classification of race one from Thruxton.