Howell returns as championship hots up

Just as in 2005, Gareth Howell has been drafted into Team Halfords’ squad to boost its title chances over the remaining rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

Howell will contest the championship’s final 12 rounds of 2006 in a third Halfords Honda starting at Snetterton, Norfolk on 13 August alongside current series leader and reigning champion Matt Neal and third-placed Gordon Shedden. Last year, Howell joined the outfit for the last nine rounds.

Howell’s car will be laden with maximum success ballast for all three rounds at Snetterton – the penalty for starting the season late. It will also carry additional weight in the following Knockhill and Brands Hatch meetings.

But Howell is still expected to be a contender for race wins – at Silverstone last year, a fine drive led to him achieving his first BTCC race victory.

“We are delighted that Gareth is able to rejoin us for the last four meetings of this season and we are optimistic that his contribution will help us in our attempts to retain the Teams’ title,” said team principal Steve Neal.

“We shall be the ‘heavy brigade’ at Snetterton, with Matt and Gareth both carrying 45kgs of ballast and ‘Flash’ (Gordon Shedden) 27kgs, but this is an indication of the success of our cars and drivers.

“I am actually happy that we are carrying 45kgs as any less would mean that we are not the leaders of the pack!”

Halfords currently lead the outright Teams’ championship by 42 points from SEAT Sport UK and Independents Trophy’s Team’s standings by 57 points from Team RAC.

Howell said: “This was always the game plan. The team entered a third car at the start of the season and now it’s come to fruition. My car is ready and so am I. I’ve never been up for it as I am now.

“Watching the races on television is incredibly difficult for any driver, but for Steve to give me the chance to join Matt and Gordon and Team Dynamics (which runs Team Halfords’ BTCC programme) again is yet another dream come true. These people are true professionals, but above all they are great friends.”
Source: www.btcc.net