Touring car star Gordon Shedden has consigned a “freak” weekend to the motorsport memory bank ahead of Knockhill’s biggest weekend of the year.
The BTCC boys and a bumper crowd are poised to converge on the Fife circuit for the latest 2015 championship action on Saturday and Sunday, and, after a nightmare Snetterton round last time out, 2012 champ Shedden is hoping to deliver something special for home fans.
His championship lead evaporated in the Norfolk nightmare where a third race fastest lap was the sole crumb of comfort for the Honda Yuasa racing driver.
He is now chasing Jason Plato and Colin Turkington in the drivers’ standings.
“I think Snetterton was the worst weekend I’ve ever had in touring cars in terms of points scoring but I know it was just one of those freak weekends which happen in motorsport every now and then.
“The team worked so hard and while luck wasn’t on our side, the car was still great.
“For me this weekend is really special each season, it’s the only time I get to come home and race in front of what is always a fantastic crowd,” said the 36-year-old.
“Being at Knockhill always gives you a bit of an extra bounce but what you always have to remember is that you’re not going to win the championship here the points won or lost are just the same as at every other circuit.
“I’ve got a job to do to the best of my ability, but it’s a long season and the end game is what you always have to think about.”
Shedden has also given his good wishes to a fellow Courier Country racer hoping to put a miserable Snetterton firmly behind him.
Angus youngster Sandy Mitchell is already a double race winner in the MSA Formula support series and the tin-top star believes the 15-year-old has made his mark in the new single-seater class.
“Sandy’s a great prospect coming through what is a very competitive new championship,” he said.
“Every time he sits in that car he will be learning so much. He’s a clever kid and will want to have a great run at Knockhill, so I hope he’ll do well.”