BTCC supports road safety initiative ahead of Forth Road Bridge crossing

Four Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship drivers have supported Road Safety Scotland’s ‘Race on the Track, Stay Safe on the Road’ initiative, crossing the Forth Road Bridge ahead of this weekend’s event at Knockhill.

2012 BTCC Champion and homeland hero Gordon Shedden led proceedings in the Honda Civic Type R where he was joined by fellow countryman Derek Palmer in his racing Infiniti. Multiple race-winner and fans’ favourite Rob Austin was another to enter proceedings in his Audi A4 along with the car of Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship leader Tom Oliphant. Aiden Moffat – the youngest driver in the history of the BTCC – was also present as the drivers lined-up with Michael McDonnell from Road Safety Scotland to sign the Road Safety pledge and pose for photos.

Nearly 30 cars will compete in Rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at tight and twisty Knockhill.

Alan Gow, BTCC series director, said: “It was a brilliant event with a very important message behind it. As the biggest motor sport series in the UK it’s vital that we support such road safety campaigns, and it’s hugely significant to join forces with local and national government initiatives. This has also been a fantastic way to start our action-packed weekend in Scotland, where we expect to welcome a great crowd to Knockhill for what I’m sure will be some unforgettable racing.”

Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “Spectators and racing enthusiasts travelling to Knockhill this weekend are sure to enjoy the thrill of watching the touring car drivers negotiate the circuit at speed, as some of the world’s best drivers demonstrate their expertise on the race track. But that’s where speed must stay.

“While we want the public to enjoy this event to the fullest, they must remember racing is for the track. Travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed is reported as a factor in too many accidents on our roads, and with higher speeds comes an increase in both the number and severity of accidents.

“That is why we welcome the great support of such vastly experienced drivers and their pledge today. Remember, leave the racing at Knockhill, race on the track, stay safe on the road.”

Stuart Gray, Knockhill events director, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our association with Road Safety Scotland with the action by the BTCC drivers. We have long supported many road safety campaigns at the circuit for both car and bike riders, and a number of RSS trackside banners will remain up around the track for the rest of the year to ensure that all our visitors see the message.”

Gordon Shedden, Honda Yuasa Racing, said: “I am hugely passionate about the BTCC, Scottish motor sport and indeed road safety, so what better way to bring them all together than driving across the iconic Forth Road Bridge. The media and public reaction has been fantastic and now I’m looking really looking forward to racing at Knockhill this weekend.”