Touring cars top massive Bank Holiday bill

The superfast Thruxton Circuit is ready to host its biggest motor racing meeting of the year as the hugely popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship roars into the daunting Hampshire venue for three spectacular showdowns over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (3-4 May).

The annual arrival of the action-packed BTCC always draws a massive crowd and next month's triple-header promises to be bursting with drama and excitement.

Incredibly the opening six races of the season have already produced no fewer than five different winners and just a single point separates the top three drivers as the teams prepare for Thruxton's infamous flat-out sweeps.

Reigning champion Andrew Jordan (Honda Civic) and two-time former champ Jason Plato (MG6 GT) are tied at the top of the standings with 2012 titlist Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic Tourer) hot on their heels -- just one point behind -- after a sensational last gasp win in the previous encounter staged at Donington Park on Easter Sunday.

Adding to the stunning edge-of-your-seat excitement, two more proven BTCC champions Colin Turkington (BMW 125i M Sport) and Matt Neal (Honda Civic Tourer) also are in close contention for further honours.

With a capacity 31-car grid and international stars Fabrizio Giovanardi (Ford Focus ST) and Alain Menu (VW CC) rejoining the fray in 2014, it all adds up to an amazing feast of high-speed thrills and spills.

Thruxton is the fastest track on the BTCC calendar and, as such, one of the year's most exhilarating and utterly unmissable events. It's also a stand out favourite among the drivers.

"It's just such a high-speed circuit with great old school character -- I just love the place," enthuses Jordan. "It's great as you're really hanging on during the lap and it's a lot of fun."

Fellow championship leader Plato is another massive fan. "I just love Thruxton -- it's a mega track and it's the one that gets your heart racing the most," he grins. "It's also a huge challenge for the drivers and engineers."

With no fewer than 15 races over the two days including the three headlining BTCC contests on Sunday, Thruxton will certainly be the most action-packed place to be on 3-4 May. Tickets are on sale at the official http://www.thruxtonracing.co.uk/ website or by calling the ticket office on 01264 882200. Big savings are on offer for those booking in advance (before mid-day on Tuesday 29 April) with prices starting from just £10. Accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free of charge.