Last minute turbo record

Tony Gilham is hoping to set a new record at Brands Hatch this weekend by becoming the first driver to compete in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in a BMW powered by a Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) engine.

Dartford’s Gilham returned to the BTCC during the Rockingham rounds at the start of the month, with new team Geoff Steel Racing (GSR) with Collins Contractors. The distinctive lime green and pink livery was assigned to an S2000 BMW 320SI at Rockingham, but since returning from the Northamptonshire circuit less than two weeks ago, the team have been working around the clock to fit the new NGTC turbo engine in time for Brands Hatch.

The new turbo charged, two litre, 16 valve, all aluminium, direct injected, petrol engine has been received from Swindon Engines and has since been fitted by the GSR team. The crucial procedure and most frustrating task of mapping the electronics to the new engine is currently underway.

As it stands, the odds are stacked at 50/50, to whether this will be ready in time, but with Brands Hatch being Gilham’s home circuit, it would make breaking the record taste even sweeter. Gilham said: “We are all really excited by the prospect of being the first ever team to compete in a BMW powered by a NGTC engine. “It’s a bit hit and miss at the moment, but the team are working extremely hard to make it happen.”

The team have until Thursday of this week to ensure everything is fitted, as the plan is to take the new car to a circuit on Friday in order to complete a full “shakedown” and a quick test before having to return to Brands Hatch for Saturday’s BTCC practise and qualifying sessions. “This week will be testing us to the limit,” Gilham continued. “If we arrive on track with the same looking car as last time around, you’ll know it hasn’t quite gone to plan.”