News: Competing in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup GB

The fastest track on the British racing calendar is the next challenge for Kent-based Motorbase Performance as the focus of British motor racing moves to the Thruxton circuit in Hampshire this weekend (5/6 May).

While Gareth Howell and Matt Allison handle the team's SEAT Cupra Toledos in rounds seven, eight and nine of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Sam Hancock, Steven Kane and Andy Britnell will contest rounds five and six of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Already this season, the superb Motorbase line-up has been making its mark and a fabulous weekend last time out at Rockingham for Steven Kane put the team onto the very top of the Carrera Cup podium.

Now comes the unique high-speed challenge of Thruxton, a circuit famed for fantastic racing and some frenetic slip-streaming battles as the cars reach 140mph on the rush up Woodham Hill to the chicane. None of the BTCC teams have tested at Thruxton this season, so the free practice sessions on Saturday morning will be vital and will provide the first clues on Thruxton form.

Howell and Allison will be taking on the might of the works supported teams in three BTCC races and both drivers have shown tremendous potential at Brands Hatch and Rockingham. Howell is a proven winner and will be eager to exploit his experience of Thruxton, while Allison is fast becoming one of the finds of the season. He is mixing excellent pace with maturity beyond his years and both drivers will be bidding for top six finishes at Thruxton. A victory in the Independents Trophy is also within their grasp.

Meanwhile, all three of the Motorbase Carrera Cup GB cars will be aiming for podium. Kane shot to the fore of the championship at Rockingham with a maximum score, including a resounding victory in round four, and is now the biggest rival to championship leader Tim Harvey. Kane can win again this weekend.

Hancock, meanwhile, is working hard with the team to fully exploit his pace and ran second fastest to Harvey in testing at Thruxton earlier in April. He will be aiming for a first Carrera Cup podium after a string of top six finishes. Britnell, too, should be a podium visitor as he challenges pro-am leader Nigel Rice. Andy is determined to stop Rice winning again!

With five cars competing in five races, it is going to be another busy weekend for the team at Motorbase Performance. For those not able to be at Thruxton, the full Sunday race programme will be screened on the Setanta satellite channel. In addition, the third BTCC race of the day will also be broadcast live on ITV3, starting at around 4.30pm.