Shedden starts BTCC defence with winposted in BTCC02 | 04 | 2017

    SCOT GORDON SHEDDEN began the defence of his British Touring Car Championship with a win and a podium at Brands Hatch today. And the three-time champ left the Kent circuit having already established a lead in the title race.

    The 38-year-old from Auchterarder followed up his second place in the season opener, behind the Toyota of race winner Tom Ingram, by dominating Race 2 in his Honda Civic Type R.

    “It’s a decent way to start the year,” a delighted Shedden said after clinching the 46th BTCC win of his career. “There’s obviously a lot more racing to come throughout the season, but the first day of the season has gone pretty well.

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    “To win carrying 66kg of success ballast in the second race of the season is really special. It’s bizarre, the car actually felt better carrying success ballast than it did without it.

    “We’re definitely going in the right direction, and it’s great to leave the opening weekend of the season already leading the championship.

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    “Sure there’s a long way to go, but we’ve shown everyone we’re going to be right in the mix of things again this season.”

    Shedden finished the weekend’s final race — won by the BMW of former champ Andrew Jordan —  seventh, having started eighth carrying 75kg maximum success ballast.

    “In race three, starting in the middle of the pack with maximum ballast and on the soft tyres was always going to be a struggle,” Shedden admitted.

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    “I was hoping for a little more action to kick off in front of me, but we made the very best of the situation. I think this must be my best ever start to a BTCC campaign, so we’re clearly going in the right direction.

    “I’m absolutely chuffed – a very happy Scotsman heading back north tonight!”

    The Scot heads to the next round at Donington in a fortnight leading Ingram by six points in the championship, with Jordan one point further adrift.

    Related: Sheddden starts third for BTCC opener

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    Jim McGill

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