BTCC Knockhill: Phoenix Fire Team's Resurgence
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) witnessed a remarkable comeback at Knockhill, as Power Maxed Racing (PMR) claimed a stunning 1-2-4 finish in the free practice session. This achievement marks a year since the team emerged from the ashes of a devastating fire that destroyed its premises. With a mix of loaned and hastily prepared Cupra Leons, PMR defied the odds and finished the 2025 season.
Fast forward to 2026, and PMR's transformation is evident. Three of their new Audi A3 Saloons showcased incredible speed, with Aiden Moffat leading the pack. The Scottish 1-2 finish, achieved with a mere 0.080-second gap, was a testament to PMR's resilience and strategic prowess. Mikey Doble, the top PMR driver in the points standings, secured fourth place, further solidifying the team's resurgence.
This landmark weekend for PMR saw the return of Nick Halstead, who made his first BTCC appearance of the year with the team. The expanded four-car entry marked a significant milestone for PMR, as they aimed to make their mark in the championship.
Among the Audis, Plato Racing's Mercedes A35 Saloons also shone, with Dan Rowbottom claiming third place. However, the session was not without its challenges. Rowbottom's performance was marred by track-limits offences, resulting in a sin-binning. Lewis Selby, James Dorlin, Dan Cammish, Nic Hamilton, and Ricky Collard were also black-flagged or pulled in, adding an element of unpredictability to the proceedings.
The Hyundai i30 N Fastbacks of Chris Smiley and Tom Ingram from Restart Racing and Excelr8 Motorsport, respectively, secured sixth and seventh places. Daryl De Leon's West Surrey Racing BMW 330i M Sport finished eighth, ahead of Aron Taylor-Smith's Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Corolla GR Sport. Collard's Excelr8 Hyundai secured a solid position, celebrating the extension of his deal with the team.
In contrast, championship leader Ash Sutton and his team, Alliance Racing's NAPA Ford Focus Titanium squad, struggled in the midfield. The team's performance was marked by a string of 13-14-15-16 placements, indicating a challenging season for the runaway leader. The BTCC Knockhill event showcased PMR's remarkable comeback, leaving fans eager to see their continued success in the upcoming races.
