Published: Thursday, 29th March, 2007 12:00
Shedden’s racing uncertainty
By Sportsdesk
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Pic by: Dunfermline Press
DALGETY BAY driver Gordon Shedden is racing into the unknown as he gears up for his second season in the British Touring Cars.
The race ace, who doubles up as business development manager at Knockhill, enjoyed a dream debut season in the tin tops last year.
His four victories – including a famous double at Donington – was the most wins by anyone in a debut touring cars season and he also finished the campaign with the highest number of fastest race laps with nine.
But that’s all in the past now as Shedden admitted in an interview with Press Sport ahead of the new season opener at Brands Hatch this weekend.
New technical regulations to bring the British championship into line with the World and European touring cars have led to champions Team Dynamics ditching the all-conquering Honda Integras for the Japanese make’s Civic.
“I want to look to build on last year,” Shedden said. “It was great to have the run that I did but now it’s a clean slate.
“We’ve only got one car and it’s very much last minute.com. But having said that, we’ve had some fairly productive testing sessions and although it’s late, the guys have worked seven days a week since Christmas, some even on Christmas Day, to try to get things ready. We’ve got to hope the cars do what they’re supposed to.
“Last year with the Integra I was probably lucky if I drove for a day or a day and a half max before the start of the season and it’s not going to be a great deal better.
“We’re under no illusions this car is going to take quite a bit of driving to really fulfil its potential. SEAT will start the championship as favourites, there’s no doubt about that.
“Team Dynamics is still a very small individual team with a brand new car. We’ve just got to hope we’ve got the right people in the right jobs.
“Until we actually get down to Brands at the weekend, we won’t know how we will stack up with everybody else so it’s very difficult to predict.”
Despite the uncertainty, the likeable driver admitted he was loving every minute of fulfilling a dream.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s the best thing ever,” he said. “To have had the year I had last year and to be given a second opportunity to come back and go again is amazing.”
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