Turkington suffers British season setback

A Team BMR statement described “safety precautions” as the reason behind the decision to wipe out rounds seven, eight and nine across all four cars.

“Following an incident with the car of James Cole at Donington Park, where there was a failure of the high-pressure fuel rail, a re-designed and re-manufactured component was fitted to all cars for the Thruxton event,” confirmed the team statement. “A thorough review of the new design took place after qualifying and it was discovered that the new part is showing signs of fatigue.

“If this is left unchecked there is a risk of future failure.

“On an area as critical as the fuel supply and with the safety of each driver paramount; the Team came to the very difficult decision NOT to race the cars until a further solution has been manufactured and most importantly tested.”

Turkington expressed his disappointment but backed the team decision.

“I am deeply disappointed that I will not get to compete today, and it is a very difficult blow to swallow,” said Turkington in support of the team statement. “Nobody wants to be in this situation but, at the end of the day, safety is the most important thing.

“The guys at Silverline Subaru BMR Racing did an incredible job in building these cars and this is just a small hurdle that we will certainly overcome.

“I’m confident a newly-manufactured and tested solution will be found.

“I would like to express my sincere apologies to my sponsors and my fans but we have made the right call.

“Thank you for your support.”

Turkington switched focus prior to Thruxton from the British Touring Car Championship to take a seat at Donington Park across the Historic Festival.

The holiday meeting featured Turkington posting a class win for Brackley-based Team Amspeed in the ex-DTM BMW E30.

STOCKS

Portadown-based Jordan Rochford finished on the podium at Tullyroan Oval within the Lightning Rods class.

Another driver from the area, Mark Corry, clocked up a win in the second heat - with Rochford picking up points over the other two races.

In the Classic Hot Rods class, Clive Richardson from Annaghmore finished as runner-up across both heats and a thrilling final.

Racing will run at Tullyroan Oval on Saturday, May 21 from 6.30.

Portadown’s Noel Robinson enjoyed top-two weekend placings across two different meetings at Bishopscourt.

Pic by Tom Maxwell\Raceline Photography.

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