Published: Thursday, 18th January, 2007 12:00
Rule change forces Shedden to change cars for new season
By Sportsdesk
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WHEN race ace Gordon Shedden changes cars, little questions such as ‘Will the wife like the colour?’ or ‘Can I fit the golf clubs in the boot?’ don’t come into it.
He’s more concerned with speed and whether the new motor will help keep his Team Halfords at the top of the British Touring Car Championships.
Shedden’s debut season in BTCC was a great success as he helped team-mate Matt Neal to the title but now they’ve got to do it all over again – and in a different car too.
“We can’t use the car we used last year – the Honda Integra – because of rule changes to bring it into line with the world championships,” he explained.
“A Honda Civic is under consideration. At the start of last season we had a car which we knew was capable of winning races as it was fast and reliable. That might not be the case this year until we get the development right, as it’s a new car and new technical regulations, but I’m sure the guys will get it sorted.”
Shedden clocked up four wins in his first season – the most wins by anyone in a debut touring cars season – and finished fourth overall in the drivers standings.
He’s recently completed a deal to drive for Halfords again this season and can’t wait to get behind the wheel when the season re-starts in April.
“It’s great to get a second crack at it and even better to stay with Halfords,” Shedden said.
“There was big pressure on me last season as the car was already a proven winner so there was no place to hide. If you don’t stack up it becomes very apparent but it was fantastic and we worked very well together.
“Matt and I have similar driving styles, it was a real team effort and he won the championship which gave him back-to-back titles.
“I really enjoyed it first time round and my goal now is to be as competitive as possible for as many races as possible.”
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Pars boss gets go-ahead to strengthen for title push