Gordon Shedden gunning for a podium on home turf at Knockhill

Three-time British Touring Car Champion Gordon Shedden is targeting a podium finish in this weekend’s races on his home circuit at Knockhill, as he looks to continue the momentum from recent events.

Shedden works at the circuit during his day job as the Business Development Manager, and the Scot knows the circuit better than anyone else in the field.

The 46-year-old heads home after a run of form recently, which saw him claim his 53^rd BTCC victory at Oulton Park just before the summer break, before narrowly missing out on another podium visit last time out at Croft.

Shedden has won four times previously in the BTCC at Knockhill, although his last victory came back in 2015.

Although the team expects the Corolla to suit the short Scottish circuit, the car has achieved just one win at the track, in the hands of Rob Huff last year. A further four podiums have also come in the hands of four different drivers since 2020.

“It’s always great to race at home, and it’s actually been a little while since I’ve done so,” said Shedden. “Knockhill is unique – just so different to everywhere else.

“With the way the corners flow from one to the next, there’s no time to take a breath around the lap and it requires maximum bravery and commitment as you tackle blind crests and go bouncing over kerbs and flying through the air.

“It’s a circuit that invariably produces a great spectacle, and the crowd plays such an important role.

“Fans get properly close to the action which generates an amazing atmosphere, and as a Scottish driver, their incredible support always gives me an extra little spring in my step.

“A short-wheelbase car around a tight-and-twisty track should theoretically be a recipe for success and the Corolla was strong in those areas at Croft, so hopefully we will be in a position to fight at the front.

“One thing’s for sure – the lap times will be extremely close so it will be super-important to ace every aspect, particularly qualifying.

“The goal every weekend is to reach the podium, but it would be extra-special to accomplish that on home soil – and if we don’t manage it, I guarantee it won’t be for any lack of trying…”

Team Principal Christian Dick is expecting Shedden to continue to be on the pace this weekend following his recent upturn in form.

“The BTCC’s annual trip north of the border is one that I think the whole paddock looks forward to,” said Dick.

“Knockhill might be compact in nature, but it unquestionably packs a punch and produces some of the most exciting and unpredictable racing of the season.

“It’s also, of course, Gordon’s home track, and he is sure to receive a hero’s welcome – particularly having not competed there since 2022.

“It’s a circuit at which he excels, and I have no doubt that he will extract the very best out of the Toyota as he did with his outstanding performances at Oulton Park and Croft.”