BTCC: Thurxton: VX Racing preview

Thursday 1 April 2004-- VX Racing is ready to commence battle and defend its triple-triple BTCC titles in the opening round of the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton on Easter weekend, with VX Racing driver James Thompson set to compete in the London Marathon a week later.

The team and drivers have worked hard in the off-season to develop the Vauxhall Astra Coupes, and sustain race-winning pace for the new season, but Thompson has been focusing on another project as well as his racing -- his fitness.

Thompson will run the 26-mile race with his former engineer, VX Racing's John Morton, in order to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. However, Thompson is beginning to feel the pressure. "I did the marathon a couple of years ago", Thompson explains, "but it was a last minute thing and no one knew I was doing it. This time everyone knows about it, so I have to do well! I completed it in around three hours and 27 minutes, so I'm aiming to beat that.

"Marie Curie is such a worthwhile cause, the nurses have helped my family, and many others, and this is a great way of giving something back. I'm forfeiting all my chocolate Easter eggs this year and asking for Marie Curie donations instead!"

Current BTCC champion driver, Yvan Muller, will compete alongside Thompson for VX Racing, with young gun Luke Hines in the third Vauxhall Astra Coupe. The defending champions are prepared for strong competition from other teams, but also from within the three-car squad. At a recent test at Donington Park Thompson topped the time sheets, but Muller finished the test less than two tenths of a second behind.

-vxr-