BTCC SEASON FINALE

ENGLAND IN LOCKDOWN, BUT COLIN LOOKS AHEAD TO THE CLIMAX OF THE 2020 BTCC SEASON

• The 2020 season finale will go ahead this weekend, despite England remaining in strict Lockdown.
• Elite sports were granted permission last week to continue behind closed doors, allowing BTCC to complete its season around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.
• An additional reduction in numbers, and enhanced safety measures will be in place, but full coverage of the event will remain LIVE and free on ITV4 throughout the day.
• Colin Turkington claimed the top spot in the standings following his sensational performance at Snetterton last time out. He now sits with a 9-point advantage heading into the final 3 races, with a maximum of 67 points on offer.
• The Team BMW 4 x Champion appears composed and fully prepared in his pursuit of that ‘winning feeling’.

CATCH UP WITH COLIN

Catch up with Colin in this special preview Q&A, as he talks us through the magic of a season finale, anxiety about COVID and a message to the fans at home.

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE ARE HERE, THE FINAL RACE WEEKEND OF THE YEAR!  TELL US WHAT IS SO MAGICAL ABOUT THIS FINAL EVENT OF THE SEASON?

The season finale is so special because there is such a big prize at stake.  We have worked towards this goal all year, dedicating and sacrificing on many levels to try and come out on top.  Having 5 contenders makes it fascinating for the onlookers, but as well as that, all of the drivers are fighting for their own personal goals.  The scale of the prize brings extra pressures and intensity, and that creates an electric atmosphere.

WHEN THE LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND WAS ANNOUNCED, WHERE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE BTCC?  AND WERE YOU CONCERNED THAT PREPARING FOR IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT UNDER LOCKDOWN CONDITIONS?

I think we were all concerned what 2020 would hold for not just racing, but daily life.  It was a huge relief to learn the season would be re-scheduled and this gave us a real focus over lockdown to keep preparing and planning.  That 4 months pause allowed me to re-energise and be fully ready to go again.  Most recently, we were watching the news again with great uncertainty about the second lockdown.  It’s a really crucial time for the country to follow the rules, but I felt it was also really important to keep sport going, as it brings a lot of happiness to people, and that cannot be underestimated at the moment.

THE BTCC HAS HANDLED COVID-19 INCREDIBLY WELL THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.  HAVE YOU HAD ANY CORONAVIRUS ANXIETIES? WE CAN IMAGINE THAT AS A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN IT’S BEEN FAR FROM EASY?

Of course, you are always concerned about your general health and wellness.  We’ve never experienced a global pandemic on this scale, so you are just praying everyone you know stays safe and largely unaffected.  When news comes close to home it’s definitely worrying; I’ve read many reports of athletes in other sports contracting COVID, or having to self-isolate, and therefore stop competition.  I’m so thankful we’ve kept ourselves safe.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE WEEKEND, THE ONE PRACTICE SESSION FORMAT IS IN PLAY AGAIN AS WELL AS AN EARLY AND CONDENSED SCHEDULE.  DID THIS PRESENT ANY CHALLENGES OR OPPORTUNITIES AT SNETTERTON LAST TIME OUT?

I did find race day went incredibly fast at Snetterton!  It felt like I had just finished a race, changed into some dry clothes, got a quick bite and then it was time to go racing again!  There was a lot less time to refine the car setup, but again that’s the same for everyone, so you just get on with it.  I’m an early riser so I prefer to start and finish early.

YOU’RE A REPEAT TITLE CONTENDER IN THIS SERIES, WHICH IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE TOUGHEST IN THE WORLD. IT CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED HOW MUCH SACRIFICE GOES INTO THIS. WHERE DO GET YOUR HUNGER TO HUNT FROM?

I just enjoy the challenge.   Each year is an opportunity to be better than the year before and I guess I’m just a competitive person when it comes to racing.  Winning is the drug and that’s the feeling I’m always chasing.  It also helps to be in arguably the best team, they present these opportunities for me each year.

WITHOUT FANS AND SPECTATORS, THE TV PACKAGE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT.  WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE AT HOME THIS WEEKEND?

Enjoy the show!  I’m so thankful we can bring some entertainment and excitement into homes up and down the country, in a time when the nation is in lockdown and not feeling particularly positive.  There will be 3 great races to end an already thrilling season. I’m already excited so I can imagine everyone else is feeling that too!

BRANDS HATCH SCHEDULE

WATCH QUALIFYING LIVE ONLINE

• All the action LIVE online
• Saturday 14th Nov
• Click to watch

RACES LIVE ON ITV4

• All the race day action LIVE
• Sunday from 9:20am
• Full coverage on ITV4

STAY SOCIAL

Stay social throughout the Brands Hatch Season Finale weekend and share your support!

WIN A ZOOM CALL FROM THE PADDOCK

Head to the TerraClean facebook page for your chance to win a LIVE zoom call with Colin, from the Brands Hatch paddock over the race weeeknd. Entries close Thursday AM.

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