Trade Price Cars Racing's Jake Hill took a superb first win in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, at the spectacular Knockhill circuit this weekend, recording a composed lights-to-flag Victory, the first ever for the Audi S3 in the series, and delivering the team's first win in their debut season in the Championship.
Hill had so far driven two feisty races, working his way from a P17 grid position to a battling P10 in race one, then consolidating that position on the less pacey 'Medium' tyre in race two, before getting some good fortune as former BTCC champion Alain Menu plucked Number 10 from the 'hat' to give the 25 year-old BRDC member his second reverse grid Pole Position of the season.
"We had really strong pace in race one one the 'Soft' tyre, so knew that we could be in with a really good shout for race three based on that. My engineer Stuart (Beaton) and I had a plan and did change the car a fair bit - with some input from Rory (Butcher) and Mike (Bushell) - and my goodness did it work in race three!"
"The car was just superb - I could just drive the wheels off the fabulous Audi S3, and had some tough scenarios with two Safety Car re-starts. Each time I felt I managed it well, and in the end was in a great rhythm...until the last lap when I ran wide into the gravel exiting the chicane. Such a big moment, but I held it and brought it home. I had never Won at Knockhill before, and realised just before the start it was Round 24, a 24 lap race and I'm car 24....so felt confident after that!
Hill was also keen to thank the team and his partners for all their support and giving him this opportunity.
"From 2011 Shaun Hollamby has always been on my side - believed in me and done all he can to help, and without him I wouldn't have got anywhere near this far. This year Dan Kirby has been such a big supporter too, and with Shaun, Dan and my amazing partners we have managed to get here. I knew I could do it, I am so very pleased for everyone that I have managed to deliver. It was so lovely to have my Dad Simon and my girlfriend Hannah, plus my Grandad Rod there to see this cos they all have been a big part of this journey."
Hill dedicated his win to the memory of Arlo Tordoff, his AmD stablemate Sam Tordoff and his wife Georgie's son who passed away, with all four AmD cars and drivers running tributes to Arlo.
"As delighted as I am to win, I also feel so very sad to think of what Sam and Georgie are feeling right now. I just want to send them lots of love and let them know the whole AmD family are thinking of them."
Next Race; Silverstone 28/29th September
Hill had so far driven two feisty races, working his way from a P17 grid position to a battling P10 in race one, then consolidating that position on the less pacey 'Medium' tyre in race two, before getting some good fortune as former BTCC champion Alain Menu plucked Number 10 from the 'hat' to give the 25 year-old BRDC member his second reverse grid Pole Position of the season.
"We had really strong pace in race one one the 'Soft' tyre, so knew that we could be in with a really good shout for race three based on that. My engineer Stuart (Beaton) and I had a plan and did change the car a fair bit - with some input from Rory (Butcher) and Mike (Bushell) - and my goodness did it work in race three!"
"The car was just superb - I could just drive the wheels off the fabulous Audi S3, and had some tough scenarios with two Safety Car re-starts. Each time I felt I managed it well, and in the end was in a great rhythm...until the last lap when I ran wide into the gravel exiting the chicane. Such a big moment, but I held it and brought it home. I had never Won at Knockhill before, and realised just before the start it was Round 24, a 24 lap race and I'm car 24....so felt confident after that!
Hill was also keen to thank the team and his partners for all their support and giving him this opportunity.
"From 2011 Shaun Hollamby has always been on my side - believed in me and done all he can to help, and without him I wouldn't have got anywhere near this far. This year Dan Kirby has been such a big supporter too, and with Shaun, Dan and my amazing partners we have managed to get here. I knew I could do it, I am so very pleased for everyone that I have managed to deliver. It was so lovely to have my Dad Simon and my girlfriend Hannah, plus my Grandad Rod there to see this cos they all have been a big part of this journey."
Hill dedicated his win to the memory of Arlo Tordoff, his AmD stablemate Sam Tordoff and his wife Georgie's son who passed away, with all four AmD cars and drivers running tributes to Arlo.
"As delighted as I am to win, I also feel so very sad to think of what Sam and Georgie are feeling right now. I just want to send them lots of love and let them know the whole AmD family are thinking of them."
Next Race; Silverstone 28/29th September
