Returning favourites
The 2020 season has been a strange one to say the least, not least of all with some top names having to step aside as a result of the ongoing economical struggles. Where Andrew Jordan and Jason Plato have left, though, some old hands have found their way back in the paddock. When Power Maxed Racing announced they were to bring one car back, it was originally tipped to be used to give up-and-coming drivers a shot in the premier league. However, with Mike Bushell sidelined after his Knockhill shunt, and Jade Edwards not scheduled to join the team until Silverstone next week, Adam Weaver and the PMR squad had an empty seat in need of a driver. Step forward Rob Austin. The three-time BTCC race winner has been out of the championship since HMS Racing withdrew at the end of 2018, but still has a legion of fans desperate for him to return. Despite not having competed for almost two years, Austin impressed himself by qualifying 16th on Saturday, and did enough to secure 13 points come Sunday evening and sit in 21st in the standings.
Elsewhere, Tom Onslow-Cole, who finished fourth in the 2010 standings, was unable to replicate Austin’s form as he returned to the championship for the first time in seven years. Driving for TeamHARD, he secured a best result of 19th in race three, and left Thruxton without a point to his name.