Still/PSP
MATT LAMPRELL REPORTS
NEWSHAM TAKES FIRST WIN TEAM ES RACING DRIVER BREAKS NGTC DOMINANCE TO CLAIM MAIDEN BTCC VICTORY
Race wins went to Jason Plato, Andrew Jordan and Dave Newsham. RACE ONE Frank Wrathall started the first race from pole position, with Jason Plato alongside him on the front row. However, it was Plato who took the lead through the first corner. Dave Newsham moved into second for Team ES Racing.com. Adam Morgan started the race in fifth for Speedworks www.insidebtcc.com
Motorsport, but a first lap spin dropped his Toyota Avensis down the order. His race was to get worse though, when a clash with Robb Holland on lap three sent both cars into the barriers at Riches on lap three.
charge in his Proton Persona.
It took five laps to recover the Honda and the Toyota, but when the pace picked up again, it was Plato still at the front. He was forced to defend from Newsham, who was straight on the attack in his S2000 Vauxhall Vectra.
After his fire drama on Saturday, Gordon Shedden had to work his way up through the order from the back of the grid and eventually finished eighth.
Behind the lead pair, Wrathall sat in third, ahead of Andrew Jordan. Reigning champion Matt Neal headed a queue of cars in fifth – with Dan Welch leading the
Lap nine saw Newsham challenge Plato for the lead at Riches, but the move ended with Wrathall taking second place away from the ES Racing driver.
On the last lap, Andrew Jordan passed Newsham for third, only to have the place taken straight back. However, come the end of the lap, Jordan was back in front and claimed the final podium position.
Inside BTCC
Pics: Still/PSP
Matt Neal leads the championship after rounds 16, 17 and 18 at Snetterton, but only after teammate Gordon Shedden was excluded from the day’s final race.