Andrew Jordan emerged fastest of six front-running British Touring Car Championship stars in a special time attack at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, with the Pirtek Racing Ford Focus ST edging out Matt Neal by 0.8 seconds.
A motley-crew of NGTC race-winners came next, with the MG6, BMW 125i M-Sport, Mercedes A-Class and Subaru Levorg being piloted up the 1.15 mile hill circuit by their usual occupants – Josh Cook, championship leader Sam Tordoff, Adam Morgan and double champion Jason Plato respectively.
Kelvin Fletcher also took to the circuit in the Power Maxed Racing Chevrolet Cruze, but crashed during his attempt and was classified last in the final standings for failing to set a time.
The stars of the UK’s premier tin-top series contested two runs on each of the three days at the high-profile festival, showcasing their cars to over 200,000 spectators.
As well as claiming the honors in the shootout, Jordan was also able to demonstrate the capabilities of his Audi S1 from the World Rallycross Championship, of which the Red Bull athlete is also an entrant.
Commenting on the weekend, Jordan praised the organisers for allowing the BTCC to present itself to a fresh audience in a strong format, and was elated to have emerged top of the timesheets.
“It’s hard to put into words just how big the Festival of Speed has become, so to be invited to take part with the Pirtek Racing Focus was an honour in itself,” he commented.
“The introduction of the BTCC Shootout was a fantastic idea on behalf of the organisers as it added a new element to what is already a massive event and, whatever we might have said before hand, there is no doubt that we all wanted to win!
“The Goodwood Hill provides a unique challenge with changing grip and the differing light as you head through the trees, but the Pirtek Focus was more than up to the job, especially when it was wet as no-one could get close our times in those conditions.”
“To win the Shootout was fantastic, but it was just as pleasing to see how well received the car was in the paddock across the weekend. With more than 200,000 motorsport and motoring enthusiasts in attendance, it not only allowed us to take the BTCC to a fresh audience but also provided an unrivalled way in which to promote my sponsors and I’m delighted with how it went.”
The championship reconvenes at Snetterton later this week for the official Dunlop tyre test, before returning to the 2.99 mile Norfolk circuit in late July for the next triple header of races following the annual summer break.