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LAST GASP POLE FOR ALEX MACDOWALL & SILVERLINE CHEVROLET

04/09/2010

LAST GASP POLE FOR ALEX MACDOWALL & SILVERLINE CHEVROLET

Alex MacDowall has stormed to pole position ahead of tomorrow's first Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race at Knockhill in a dramatic 'last chance' run on his last set of tyres.  With the call from his engineer to 'find the 53.00s lap that is in there somewhere', Alex quickly responded, not only securing his second pole position of the season, but also breaking the qualifying lap record here, set by Darren three years ago – Alex's second BTCC record this year.

On his second pole of the season, Alex said:  "The Cruze is great to drive here.  We have a really strong package - a good engine, chassis and base setup.  We know the car is performing well, but I can't believe I got pole here!  Gordon was looking in good shape and benefits from local knowledge but we just pushed ahead when it counted most.  I think we'll be strong in the race; I just need to keep a cool head and put on a good show.  We should be challenging for the podium tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to getting back out there in the Silverline Chevrolet Cruze."

Race Engineer, Graham Norden, added:  "Alex certainly delivered.  We know the pace is in the car, so I told him he can achieve a 53.00s lap, which he did on his last set of tyres.  It really was his final chance to go for it and he put in a great lap to beat Shedden.  Alex hasn't raced here for a while, so we spent the practice sessions getting reacquainted ahead of this session.  Now we need to focus on tomorrow's strategy and get him on the podium."

Team-mate, Jason Plato, will start just behind on the second row of the grid, in 4th place, sandwiching the Honda duo of Shedden and Neal.  Despite narrowly missing out on the front row, Jason is optimistic for a good race, despite the addition of success ballast, which puts the Silverline Chevrolet Cruzes on target for an enthralling first race and as history shows, BTCC racing at Knockhill does not disappoint with thrills and spills promised in each of the three races. 

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