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With the Pro category title already decided two weeks ago at Silverstone, the Wrotham-based squad heads into the double-header on 2.4mile circuit as closest contenders to the current Teams Championship leaders.

Sitting 35 points off JTR, Motorbase remains in mathematical reach of clinching the title. However, with a maximum of 44 points available from the two races, Lewis Plato and Dan Vaughan are at a disadvantage, even with local knowledge and support.

A challenging meeting at Silverstone saw Lewis Plato drop down to fourth in the standings, but with just six points separating him from third. Having banked an impressive seven podiums this season on top of his race win at Croft, the Essex-based racer is eager to add another to his tally and replicate his race one victory from last year.

Dan Vaughan’s maiden season in the Pro ranks has delivered mixed results. The Hampshire-man has shown flashes of race-winning pace all year but has sadly only reached the podium twice. After a tricky last meeting at Silverstone, the 22-year-old is eager to make up for lost ground this weekend and end his season on a high note.

#11 Lewis Plato:

“The first half of the season went really well, but then the second half has fallen away from us. We’ve been racking up podiums but really not getting enough wins to keep us in the title fight.

“We got caught out by the weather at Silverstone. It could have been a completely different story with the tyre call, but sadly we didn’t get it right on the day. We dropped down to fourth in the standings having been sat in 2nd all year. It is possible to get back to 2nd. We are relying on the other guys having a bad weekend, but then I had a bad weekend at Silverstone so it can happen. We just have to the best job that we can, and maybe we’ll get a little turn of luck come our way.”

#55 Dan Vaughan:

“I’m really excited for this weekend. It’s a circuit that I’ve always gone well at. I can’t quite believe that we’re at the end of the season. It’s been a great year again; the team have worked really hard. I don’t think that we’ve had the results that we’ve deserved, but it’s just been one of those years.

“It’s important that we put in a good showing for the Teams Championship this weekend. Both Lewis and I have a big job ahead of us to try and bag as many points as possible to try and make that happen.”

Qualifying for round 15 of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB takes place at 13.20 on Saturday (October 12). Sunday (October 13) plays host to both 17 lap races, with round 15 scheduled for 10.40 and round 16 at 16.05. Live timing and results for both events is available at: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/194103

The post Motorbase Performance hopeful of homecoming success at Brands Hatch appeared first on Alliance Racing.

Although out of the running for the championship title, the Wrotham-based outfit is eager to sign off the season in fine style as it also reaches the end of its three-year partnership with Shredded Wheat.

With the Motorbase Performance workshop less than five minutes away in nearby Wrotham, Brands Hatch is a firm favourite of the squad. The team has celebrated more wins at its local circuit than at any other track over the years, and always attracts fantastic local support.

Reigate-racer Tom Chilton took his maiden win of the season on the Indy layout in the season opener back in April, and is looking to end a challenging year for the Motorbase-run squad on a high note on the iconic GP circuit.

Ollie Jackson is also hopeful of a happy ending to his Motorbase return after a successful season. Also racing at his home circuit, the Surrey-man took his maiden Independent win earlier this year, and is keen for a rostrum return in front of his home crowd.

“We’re looking forward to ending the season on a high at our home track;” commented Team Manager Oly Collins. “We always love coming to Brands Hatch. It’s a fantastic venue to open and close the BTCC.

“We started our campaign at Brands in April with Tom on the top step of the podium. Since then, 2019 hasn’t quite gone to plan as a season-long challenge, despite the pace we’ve shown at times.

“Once again we may see weather commanding the weekend which always makes things a little trickier for the team behind the scenes, but that’s the same for all of us. 

“It will be a shame to run in the Shredded Wheat colours for one last time, but we’ve been proud to represent such a huge brand in the BTCC.”

#3 Tom Chilton:

“I’m really excited to get back to our local track for the team and myself.

“Last year I had fantastic memories from having such an incredible team and teammates behind me to help us clinch 3rd place overall and 2nd in the Independents Championship. We went into Brands GP last year with a lot of success ballast and qualified what felt like near the back, but I was next to Turkington and Ingram. The ballast is a killer around the hilly GP circuit more than most. But with the help of my teammates, I carved through the field from the back to 9th. Then went on to take 6th and just missed out on the podium by tenths.

“We always go well at Brands and I’m hoping to end on a high for everybody. We are 3rd in the Indy standings and top 10 in the main championship, but I want better so will never give up.”

 #48 Ollie Jackson:

 “I can’t believe we’re already here at the last round. It’s been a challenging season with some big highs and lows. The aim is to end on another high and really go for it this weekend. It’s my favourite track of the season, not to mention my local and I’ve had some great weekends here in the past.

“We’re also trying something very different with the set-up. Hopefully, it will unlock some more pace from the car. We’re expecting to be competitive, but if we get it right, we can steal some last-minute glory.”

Rounds 28, 29 and 30 of the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take places on the Brands Hatch GP Circuit on October 12/13. Live coverage of Sunday’s (October 13) events will be shown on ITV4, ITV4HV and via the ITVhub from 10.30 – 18.15; with itv.com/btcc featuring live timing and streaming of Saturday’s (October 12) qualifying session from 15.00.

The post Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher looks to sign off in style on home turf appeared first on Alliance Racing.

Shredded Wheat has been the joint-title sponsor of the Kent-based outfit since the unveiling of its standout yellow-branded cars in December 2016. Throughout its association with the Motorbase Performance team, Shredded Wheat has become a well-known and much-loved brand within the BTCC and enjoyed many successes on and off-track during its partnership.

Having joined the BTCC in 2006, Motorbase Performance has grown to one of the largest operations on the BTCC grid, competing in 401 races and notching up an impressive 21 wins, 89 podiums, and securing the Independent Teams and Drivers’ titles in 2016.

Motorbase Performance has been responsible for bringing many blue-chip companies and high-street brands to the BTCC grid over the past decade, with Shredded Wheat joining other household names such as Wrigley’s Airwaves, Crabbie’s, Leyland Paints, and Petronas.

David Bartrum, Motorbase Performance Team Principal said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with Shredded Wheat and I’m immensely proud to be able to look back on three years of shared success together.

“It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone in the team that we have managed to attract and retain such huge brands over the years. Although we are sad to see Shredded Wheat leave, we are incredibly grateful to them for their support over the past three seasons.”

“We’re 100% focused on ending the 2019 BTCC season on a high at our home circuit and to continue delivering the best possible results for our partners, and to give the Shredded Wheat brand a fitting farewell.”

The search for a new title sponsor has already begun, with Bartrum adding; “I believe that we have one of the strongest packages in the BTCC. Our success over the years is in large part as a result of the partners that we have managed to attract and work with. I feel confident that we have everything in place to carry that proven sponsorship model into the years ahead.”

Toby Baker, Marketing Director UK & Australia added; “We have really enjoyed the 3-year sponsorship by Shredded Wheat of the Motorbase BTCC team.

“The sponsorship has delivered great branding value for us both on and off the track and we have been really impressed with the great standout we have achieved for Shredded Wheat as a brand on the track.

“We wish David and the Motorbase team all the very best for the next year and beyond in the BTCC series.”

Motorbase Performance will sign off as Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher following the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season finale at Brands Hatch on October 12/13.

The post Motorbase Performance announces the end of Shredded Wheat partnership appeared first on Alliance Racing.

The 50-year-old’s late call-up to the Motorbase Performance squad for the penultimate BTCC meeting of the year was rewarded with a strong showing for the Pro-Alloy-backed Focus – with Caine securing P12 in Sunday’s second contest.

The Newmarket-based racer showed consistently strong pace in the #44 Focus RS. Despite only getting behind the wheel of the Ford for the first time during Saturday morning’s free practice sessions, and carrying 45kg of late entry ballast on-board, Caine went on to claim 16^th place in qualifying – an impressive mid-way spot on the capacity 30-car grid.

Up against the much lighter pack, Caine put up a sterling resistance in tricky racing conditions to take P20 at the flag in the opening race of the weekend.

Free of the weight, and running on the more favourable soft-compound tyre in race two, the former British GT champion was finally able to showcase his race-craft with a superb drive from 20^th to P12 – opening his points tally and securing the highest finish of the season for the third Motorbase-run Focus.

Just missing out on the reversed grid draw for race three, Caine made an excellent start off the line on the greasy track and quickly made his way into the top-ten before an early safety car appearance. As the rain descended once more, the grid was split evenly with the front-runners opting to stick with slicks, whilst most of the back half of the grid pitted to switch over to wets.

Following the restart on lap 7, slicks initially looked to be the right choice, with the #44 Focus running as high as 7^th before the threatened heavy downpour arrived. With the wet-tyre runners coming into play as the rain fell, Caine did well to stay on track in very tricky conditions and brought the Ford home unscathed in P18.

#44 Michael Caine

“It has certainly been a baptism of fire, but I loved every minute of it. I can’t thank David and everyone at Motorbase enough. Last year was emotional, but in the wrong way, so to just come back and have such a great weekend has re-ignited my desire to come back and do it again!

“The weekend felt like a homecoming. Motorbase is just where I want to be. The guys have done a brilliant job on the car. They had to do a lot of work to get it ready for me this weekend. I’m glad to have been able to pick up some points for them with all the hard work they’ve put in, not just his week, but all year. I’m really looking forward to Brands, and seeing if we can go even better.”

Caine returns to the BTCC grid in two weeks’ time when the Motorbase Performance squad heads to its home circuit, Brands Hatch, for the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season finale on October 12/13.

The post Caine opens up his points tally on successful BTCC return at Silverstone appeared first on Alliance Racing.

The post Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher salvages the points in Silverstone showdown appeared first on Alliance Racing.

The Newmarket-based racer has been a regular pilot for the Wrotham-based team over the past decade, donning Motorbase overalls numerous times over the years for campaigns in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, British GT, and Blancpain Endurance Series.

Caine also made his BTCC debut in a Motorbase-run Ford Focus ST at Croft circuit back in 2013 and most recently competed in the tin-top series last season.

The former British GT Champion has replaced Nicolas Hamilton, who announced his early departure from the series earlier this week. Caine will race under his customary #44, in a Pro Alloy-backed Ford Focus RS.

The last-minute deal to participate in the final six rounds of the season came courtesy of additional backing from long-term Motorbase partners, Pro Alloy Motorsport, and Caine’s personal backers, Stace, and Sustain Services.

As per championship regulations, the #44 Focus RS will carry 45kg of ballast into qualifying and round 25 at Silverstone this coming weekend.

“It’s well known that Michael Caine is Motorbase through and through;” said Team Principal David Bartrum. “We have an obligation to run the third car for the rest of the season or risk losing our TBL. He’s a safe pair of hands and knows the team inside out so was the obvious choice to jump in at the final hour.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Pro Alloy and Michael’s sponsors for stepping up with support to make this happen.”

“Pro Alloy and Stace have saved the day;” added Caine. “When there was a seat come up with Motorbase to drive a touring car I was always going to be throwing my name in the hat. I didn’t get to finish the season last year, so it’s good to have this chance to come back and finish the job with Motorbase.

“I don’t have any expectations heading into this weekend. I’ll just take everything as it comes.”

“Pro Alloy and Motorbase have had a long standing relationship for many years and we’re pleased to have been able to escalate our support of the team for the last two rounds of the BTCC season;” commented Managing Director Alex Osborn. “It’ll be a proud moment for us all to see our logo adorned across the side of Michael’s car this weekend.”

The post Caine in at Motorbase Performance for remainder of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season appeared first on Alliance Racing.

Just four races remain in the 2019 title challenge as the one-marque series enters its final push. With one victory and eight podiums already under his belt, 26-year-old Lewis Plato will be looking to add to his impressive tally as he seeks to close the 44-point gap to the current championship leader.

Dan Vaughan returns to the Northamptonshire circuit in strong form after taking a 3^rd-place podium in round 12 on the iconic GP circuit earlier this month, clocking up his second podium finish of the year since stepping up to the Pro-Class on only his second season competing in the Carrera Cup GB.

Points and podiums are high on the agenda for the duo, with Motorbase Performance also heading into the weekend in fierce contention for the Teams Title. The Wrotham-based outfit currently lies in second place, just 14 points off the leaders, so it’s all to play for on the 1.6mile circuit.

This weekend will also be an emotionally charged meeting for the entire Motorbase squad, and in particular for Lewis Plato, whose father, and much-loved supporter of the team, Mark Plato sadly passed away earlier this month.

#11 Lewis Plato:

“It’s going to be strange racing without Dad there. He was the person that got me into racing and was from a motorsport background himself. It’s something we’ve always done together.

“I just want the whole Motorbase team to pick up some podiums and wins for him. My aim is to secure second in the championship then I know that I’ve done everything I could. I just want to do Dad proud this weekend.”

#55 Dan Vaughan:

“I’m feeling pretty confident heading into the weekend. We went well there last year, and we had a really good weekend here with the WEC.  Our race pace is strong but we just need to find some more one-lap pace. Qualifying killed us at Silverstone last time, so we need to nail it this weekend.

“Hopefully we can make it back onto the podium, and make up some more points to close to the gap in the standings ahead of the final in a few weeks’ time.”

Qualifying for round 13 of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB takes place at 13.25 on Saturday (September 28). Sunday (29 September) play host to both 28 lap races, with round 13 scheduled for 09.50 and round 14 at 15.15. Live timing and results for both events is available at: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/193903

The post Motorbase Performance set for Silverstone showdown appeared first on Alliance Racing.

The iconic track has been a happy hunting ground for the squad’s Ford Focus which has clocked up an impressive five victories on the 1.64-mile layout. Last season marked the team’s most successful performance to date with an impressive Motorbase 1-2 in the weekend opener.

Tom Chilton leads the Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher duo’s charge once more. Following a strong weekend of results at Knockhill just two weeks ago where he secured three, top-seven finishes on the Fife circuit, 34-year-old Chilton is eager for another solid haul of points as the BTCC reaches its climax.

Ollie Jackson endured a rough start to proceedings in Scotland and is hopeful of a more fruitful weekend of results at the Northamptonshire track. Having enjoyed his most successful BTCC weekend to date at Snetterton, the Beavis Morgan and Alcon-backed racer has a rostrum return on his radar.

Team Manager Oly Collins commented; “Silverstone has been a very happy hunting ground for us in the past. Especially last year with our one-two with the Focus RS so we’re hoping for more of the same.

“We had really good pace at Knockhill last time out, and we have very little ballast going into qualifying so we’re positive. But this is the BTCC and like Knockhill, it will be super close over the short lap. We’re running the soft tyre as the option at Silverstone this time around. That could well upset the order a little, but looking at the weather forecast we might not get to see the softs.”

#3 Tom Chilton:

“We were the car to have at Silverstone last year. We took a fantastic 1-2 in the first race. The field has moved forward so much this year. If I can get three, top-six finishes this weekend, I will be really happy.

“We’re running the soft tyre this weekend which is great news for us. We’re quick on the soft. I think the lap times will be a lot closer between the soft and prime tyre, compared to the hard option. So the racing will be much harder.

“The weather is looking quite unpredictable at the moment, but I think we’ll do better if it rains. I still want to try and get into the top six of the main championship and top three in the Indy standings. I’m confident heading into Silverstone. I do think it will be one of our better weekends.”

#48 Ollie Jackson:

“I think the team are looking good for a strong result. The Focus goes well at Silverstone and I’m looking forward to the weekend.

“The car has had strong pace all year, so on paper, we have everything in place to get results. Nailing qualifying is an absolute must. If it all goes to plan then I think I’d be disappointed if we’re outside of the top ten. Really we should be aiming for the top five here.”

Rounds 25, 26 and 27 of the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place on Silverstone’s National Circuit on September 28/29. Live coverage of Sunday’s (September 29) events will be shown on ITV4, ITV4HD and via the ITVhub from 10.20 – 18:15; with itv.com/btcc featuring live timing and streaming of Saturday’s (September 28) qualifying session from 15.15.

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Nicolas joined the Wrotham outfit this year with the plan of completing a full-season campaign in a specially adapted Ford Focus RS. Unfortunately, recent sponsorship issues have resulted in the 27-year-old being unable to take part in the final two race meetings at Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

“It’s an unfortunate end to what has been a very positive season for Nic;” commented Team Principal David Bartrum. “We’ve been on a truly unique journey together this year, and I’m sad that we won’t have the opportunity to complete it.

“It has taken a huge amount of effort, hard work, and determination from Nic to reach the BTCC grid;” he added. “I think he’s shown that he’s a very capable driver, and surprised people along the way.

“Everyone at Motorbase Performance wishes him the very best with his journey and future motor racing career.”

The post Nicolas Hamilton to miss remainder of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season appeared first on Alliance Racing.