RORY BUTCHER accelerated to a first win of the season as he and Gordon Shedden warmed up for Knockhill this weekend in style last Sunday.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) duo, who are brothers-in-law, joined the rest of the grid in returning to action at Oulton Park on August 1 after a five week break and enjoyed well-earned podium finishes to give their respective title hopes a boost.

Butcher secured his maiden success for Toyota Gazoo Racing UK - backed by Speedworks Motorsport - in race two at the Cheshire circuit, which is his team's local track.

That came after a fourth place finish and, although his weekend ended in disappointing fashion as a third successive finish in the points was ended when he was taken out by the brakeless Infiniti of Carl Boardley with less than three laps to go, the 34-year-old moved to within 32 points of championship leader, Ash Sutton.

Halfords Racing with Cataclean driver Shedden, a three-time BTCC champion, is two places and three points better off after a profitable weekend that saw him take second place in race one, behind team-mate Daniel Rowbottom, sixth in race two, and third in the final race of the weekend.

Butcher, who has now won seven BTCC races, has reduced the gap to the top of the standings from 56 points ahead of rounds 13, 14 and 15 at Knockhill, which will take place in front of a crowd of up to 10,000.

He said: "I had a little spring in my step arriving at Oulton after taking such a big leap forward at Brands Hatch and the tyre test, and we really hit the ground running in free practice. I went into qualifying in optimistic mood, and managed to piece together a very good lap on my second run. For a moment, I thought we were on for pole, but my brother-in-law (Shedden) had to go and ruin it for me, haha! Still, I was really pleased to line up third on the grid in such a close session.

"It’s no secret that it’s taken me a while to get to grips with the Corolla and that’s it’s been a tough season so far. It was hard not being where we felt we should be and I was definitely lacking confidence at the first few events, but everybody in the team has been hugely supportive so big thanks to them all.

"I feel like I’ve really found my feet in this car and that we’ve genuinely turned a corner.

"What happened at the end of race three was obviously disappointing. We were in a good points-scoring position, but unfortunately Carl’s brakes failed going into Druids, causing him to tag the rear of my car and send me into the barriers at the fastest part of the circuit.

"Still, staying positive, it’s my home track next and I’m really excited to go racing in front of a full crowd in Scotland. Hopefully we can carry this form on to Knockhill. Onwards and upwards!"

Shedden was also feeling upbeat, as he commented: "At the end of the day here at Oulton Park, it's been fast, it's been frantic, there's been lots happening.

"A one-two in race one, lots more podiums after that as well which is great, and for me to finish third in that race - it's another big chunk of points.

"It's everything I've been looking for and now onto Knockhill in two weeks time. Hopefully I'll get a huge home support up in Scotland. Can't wait."

For ticket information ahead of the Knockhill race weekend, visit the circuit's website.