WITHAM GROUP NEWS

Ricky Collard: “It’s my time now, and BTCC is where I want to be”

Ricky Collard BTCC Driver Interview

I’m Ricky Collard, I race for Toyota Gazoo Racing UK. So as many of you may know, it’s no secret that my dad used to race in British Touring Cars, I’ve grown up around the paddock ever since I was 3-4 years old, been dragged around the country supporting my dad. So now its his turn to be dragged around the country supporting me! That’s what got me into motorsport, my granddad raced as well, he was a World Champion in hot rods. So I’ve had a good stable to be brought up in, my family have been really helpful and supportive obviously, I feel like its my time now and British Touring Cars is where I want to be.

Ricky Collard at BTCC

COULD YOU GIVE US AN INSIGHT INTO THE BTCC?

The BTCC is the wildest, craziest racing you’ve ever seen. You’re going to see a lot of action, a lot of chaos, it’s awesome, makes good TV. Personally, I think this is one of the most difficult championships, it’s great that I’ve got previous experience from multiple other championships around the world – maybe I’m an old head on young shoulders. But I do think that this is one of the hardest championships, I love the fact that the racing is so close, that we still have proper gear shifters, we heel and toe, blip the throttle, the spectators can get so close to the action too. It’s what makes British Touring Cars unique. It’s going in the right direction as well with sustainable fuels and hybrid systems, it’s a really good championship to be in at the moment.

WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM THE BTCC THIS SEASON?

The fans can expect a lot of action, I want to be in the action, so please back and support me, but its going to be all about close racing and for sure its going to be entertaining.

NAME THREE THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN THIS SEASON?

It’s going to be carnage, there’s going to be chaos, but hopefully I can give you guys something to cheer about and I can give you guys this win that Toyota Gazoo UK really deserve.

Toyota Corolla BTCC car

WHAT ARE YOUR OBJECTIVES FOR THIS YEAR?

My objectives for the year are, if I’m honest, just to go out there and have fun. I am so relaxed, I have no expectations, but this is one of the hardest championships, not just in the country but in the World. My ultimate objective is just to have fun, learn the new FWD touring car, learn how the race craft works, yes I’ve already had a podium in BTCC and started on the front row but this is a new challenge for me. The level has increased as it does every year so for sure I want to get podiums, for sure I want to win, I’m not here to make up the numbers, but I am going to go out there every time, put my helmet on and have a smile on my face while racing.

WHO’S GOING TO WIN MOST RACES IN 2022?

I would love for it to be me, between myself and Rory Butcher we’re going to give it a hell of a ding-dong to be at the front. It’s a million-dollar question, so I have no idea that’s what’s great about touring car racing.

HOW DOES MOTUL’S BACKING HELP?

I’m super grateful that Motul are back for 2022, they’ve really helped me in securing the drive for 2022 as well. I’m a massive believer in their products, I actually race Motocross bikes as well, so I use Motul oils in all my bikes. Having them in the car and branded on the side of the car, shows what a great product it is, and to have them on-board I’m hugely grateful for.  The Motul products are essential for the British Touring Car. We have to use the highest grade oil, whether that’s with the lubrication or the oil for the engines, and Motul are the ones that work to the highest standards. Like we say we use them in the touring car, I use them personally on my Motocross bikes as well,  so we all know that they are a good product, a well-known brand and it’s a pleasure to use their products.

DOES JOINING SPEEDWORKS COME WITH ANY EXPECTATIONS?

The reason they’ve always been at the front is because they’re a great team. To join the alliance with these guys is an absolute honour. I do believe that we will get there, I will get there. The car is a proven product, so I just want to show the potential of what Speedworks are doing behind the scenes because it is great. I’m trying everything I can and I believe together we will get there!

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW 

See how Ricky Collard ventured into BTCC and what makes British Touring Cars so unique…

 

 

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