Paul O'Neil returns to the BTCC
Discussion
At last something nice to read about with the BTCC and someone who's a racer not a banger too and clearly enjoys the racing.
Paul O'Neill will make his return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch after confirmation that he will race the Thurlby Motors Tech-Speed Vauxhall Astra Coupé for the remainder of the season.
O'Neill will replace Fiona Leggate in the bio-ethanol powered car after she elected to bring her season to an early close and he admitted it was ironic to be running in a car using a sugar-based fuel - with diabetes having forced him to stop racing in the series ahead of the 2004 season.
"It's crazy to think I'll be racing using sugar – something I'm not allowed to eat because of my diabetes!" the 26-year-old said. "I might have to race with a Mars bar strapped to the dashboard just in case I need a boost…"
Although he hasn't raced in the championship since 2003, O'Neill said he hoped to be able to fight for a place inside the top ten and repay those who haven't lost faith during his time away from racing.
"I haven't raced at this level for a few years," he said. "Returning to the BTCC is like getting back with your favourite ex-girlfriend. I love the BTCC and want to be here long-term.
"At Brands I want to qualify in the top ten at least although, realistically, I'd be disappointed if I wasn't close to the top six. I know the old Astra Coupé very well and really think it's still capable of a shock result or two. I won't be backing off, but I won't be doing anything stupid either.
"I want to prove a point and repay the faith that so many people have shown in me, whether it's Thurlby for letting me drive its car, the people inside the BTCC, EEMS or Tech-Speed which I think is one of the best teams out there. It'll also be great to race in front of the BTCC's fans – they're a brilliant bunch."
O'Neill has been acting as race engineer this year with Tech-Speed, who gave him his debut in the Production Class of the BTCC back in 2001. From there, he moved up the full Touring Class in 2002 with the Egg Sport Vauxhall team, claiming an emotional maiden victory at his home circuit of Oulton Park before being promoted to the full Vauxhall works team in 2003, securing another victory at Snetterton en-route to fourth in the championship standings.
Diagnosed with diabetes, he was forced to sit out the 2004 season and has worked hard since getting his race licence back to return to racing – competing as a guest driver in the Porsche Carrera Cup and in Ginettas earlier this season.
"We're pleased to find someone of this calibre who can bring sponsorship to complete the season and to help us fulfil our objectives," Thurlby Motors' Chris Roberts said. We're looking forward to the last two rounds, we're really excited about it."
Shame it's in Leggate's old Astra though.
Crash.net said:
Paul O'Neill will make his return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch after confirmation that he will race the Thurlby Motors Tech-Speed Vauxhall Astra Coupé for the remainder of the season.
O'Neill will replace Fiona Leggate in the bio-ethanol powered car after she elected to bring her season to an early close and he admitted it was ironic to be running in a car using a sugar-based fuel - with diabetes having forced him to stop racing in the series ahead of the 2004 season.
"It's crazy to think I'll be racing using sugar – something I'm not allowed to eat because of my diabetes!" the 26-year-old said. "I might have to race with a Mars bar strapped to the dashboard just in case I need a boost…"
Although he hasn't raced in the championship since 2003, O'Neill said he hoped to be able to fight for a place inside the top ten and repay those who haven't lost faith during his time away from racing.
"I haven't raced at this level for a few years," he said. "Returning to the BTCC is like getting back with your favourite ex-girlfriend. I love the BTCC and want to be here long-term.
"At Brands I want to qualify in the top ten at least although, realistically, I'd be disappointed if I wasn't close to the top six. I know the old Astra Coupé very well and really think it's still capable of a shock result or two. I won't be backing off, but I won't be doing anything stupid either.
"I want to prove a point and repay the faith that so many people have shown in me, whether it's Thurlby for letting me drive its car, the people inside the BTCC, EEMS or Tech-Speed which I think is one of the best teams out there. It'll also be great to race in front of the BTCC's fans – they're a brilliant bunch."
O'Neill has been acting as race engineer this year with Tech-Speed, who gave him his debut in the Production Class of the BTCC back in 2001. From there, he moved up the full Touring Class in 2002 with the Egg Sport Vauxhall team, claiming an emotional maiden victory at his home circuit of Oulton Park before being promoted to the full Vauxhall works team in 2003, securing another victory at Snetterton en-route to fourth in the championship standings.
Diagnosed with diabetes, he was forced to sit out the 2004 season and has worked hard since getting his race licence back to return to racing – competing as a guest driver in the Porsche Carrera Cup and in Ginettas earlier this season.
"We're pleased to find someone of this calibre who can bring sponsorship to complete the season and to help us fulfil our objectives," Thurlby Motors' Chris Roberts said. We're looking forward to the last two rounds, we're really excited about it."
Shame it's in Leggate's old Astra though.
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