NEXT EVENT

TEAM HARD DUO TO MISS KNOCKHILL

It is with regret that Team HARD. Racing has today (27 August) announced the withdrawal of two of the squad’s Volkswagen CCs from this weekend’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship rounds at Knockhill following Oulton Park’s race three incident involving the pair.

Ollie Brown has been forced to withdraw on medical grounds after sustaining a hairline fracture of the rib in the incident with Nicolas Hamilton and Stephen Jelly on lap 10 at Druids.

Hamilton’s car sustained substantial chassis damage during the incident and, with the nature of the condensed 2020 season, is unable to be fixed in such a short turnaround between events.

“I’ve certainly come into the BTCC with a bang,” said Brown. “After a strong weekend at Brands Hatch, I was determined to keep up the momentum during this next duo of back-to-back events.

“The incident itself was completely unavoidable. The tight and narrow nature of Oulton Park leaves a driver with nowhere to go when another car spins across the track. With the grass being soaked from all the rain it made it even more tricky to avoid Nic and the BMW of Stephen.

“I’m gutted to be on the side-lines for this weekend at Knockhill as I’ve never been to the circuit before and was really looking forward to the challenge. Unfortunately, on doctors’ advice, I will be sitting out this weekend with a hairline fracture of the rib and some bad bruising.

“It would have been touch and go without this injury due to the damage sustained to the car, but I have full faith that the boys would have prepared my car ready for this weekend. I can only thank them for all their hard work so far this season.

“I look forward to returning to the grid soon but for now it’s a case of resting my body and researching to ensure I come back stronger for the rest of the season.

“Unfortunately it was a case of the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Hamilton. “I tried everything to avoid Stephen, but once I got onto the wet grass and tapped by Ollie, I was powerless to stop the car heading to the inside barrier. The crash was completely unavoidable on a narrow track and on the fastest part of the track. It was massive, but I am well and healthy, and I have no more aches and pains than I usually suffer with my condition.

“Team HARD. has built a sturdy car under the TOCA regulations so it’s testament to both parties that myself, Ollie and Stephen escaped relatively unscathed in an incident that happened on a 120mph section of the track.

“The car has substantial chassis damage and therefore needs to be sent away for repairs, which is why the guys and girls at Team HARD will be unable to get my car ready for Knockhill this weekend. I’ll be back at Thruxton ready to push for more BTCC points.”

“I’m devastated to have to withdraw both the #28 and #34 cars from this weekend’s rounds at Knockhill especially off the back of strong results for both Ollie and Nic at Brands Hatch,” added Managing Director, Tony Gilham.

“We hope to have the pair back out for the next round at Thruxton but for now, we must focus on both Jack and Carl who will be giving it their all at Knockhill this weekend.”

Facebook

Latest Tweets

2023 Driver Standings Full Standings