Shedden aims to spoil Plato's 500th partyposted in BTCC12 | 08 | 2016

SCOT GORDON SHEDDEN aims to dampen the celebrations of rival Jason Plato this weekend when they go head-to-head in the British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill.

Oxford-based Plato, like Shedden a two-time winner of Britain’s toughest saloon car championship, will start his 500th BTCC race in Sunday’s opener.

And while the 37-year-old from Auchterarder acknowledges that Plato’s new rear-wheel drive Subaru will be perfectly suited to the 1.2-mile tight, twisty Fife circuit, Shedden’s primary aim is to boost his own title hopes.

“Jason’s achievement in starting 500 BTCC races isn’t likely to be repeated,” the Scot, who won last time out at Snetterton, said today, “and it’s only right that we mark the terrific milestone.

Related:

Shedden ready for "ballistic BTCC weekend"

Moffat aiming for Knockhill podium

Newsham returns for Knockhill BTCC

“But when the racing starts, sentiment goes out of the window. I’m just 26 points off the lead in the championship — a narrower gap than I had when I came to Knockhill 12 months ago — and I want to retain my title.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to win at least one of the three races on Sunday, but the main thing is that I leave with a good haul of points and close the gap to championship leader, Rob Collard.”

BMW driver Collard, like Plato and his three Subaru team-mates, will have a distinct advantage over Shedden’s front-wheel drive Honda Civic Type-R.

“Knockhill suits rear-wheel drive cars because they get out the Hairpin so quickly, so that means the BMWs will be fast, as will the Subarus,” Shedden, whose Honda will also carry 48kg ‘success’ ballast, explained.

“Dalkeith racer Aiden Moffat’s Mercedes will also be quick, so it’s going to be a tough weekend, but I’m up for the fight.”

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

Jim McGill