Epps overcomes adversity to claim first points of the season

Michael Epps secured a breakthrough first points finish in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship with a hard-fought performance in the final race of the weekend at Donington Park.
Michael Epps picked up his first British Touring Car Championship points of the season with a battling display at Donington Park. Picture (c) Darren HurrellMichael Epps picked up his first British Touring Car Championship points of the season with a battling display at Donington Park. Picture (c) Darren Hurrell
Michael Epps picked up his first British Touring Car Championship points of the season with a battling display at Donington Park. Picture (c) Darren Hurrell

A sensational drive in his RCIB Insurance Racing Toyota Avensis saw Epps scythe his way through the order, gaining 11 places en route to a 13th placed finish – the perfect conclusion to a trying weekend in Leicestershire.

Epps’ opening two encounters proved to be tough affairs as he battled with an increasing loss of power that was eventually diagnosed as a cracked intercooler, but once resolved the 24-year-old was able to showcase the true pace at his disposal.

With that fixed, Epps swiftly worked his way into the top-20 within the first five laps, before passing a number of established names on his way to a superb 13th.

Epps’ first points finish immediately moves him into the top-20 of the overall drivers’ championship and the top-10 of the Independents Trophy, leaving him confident of challenging for top-10 finishes next time out at Thruxton.

Looking back on his performance at Donington, Epps said: “It’s been a steady climb across the weekend, overcoming the various problems and a below-par qualifying to finish off with a first points finish.

“That was the ultimate aim of the weekend, to get in the points, so I’m really happy to have achieved that.

“The power loss problem was increasing across the meeting, which we finally found to be a crack in the intercooler and was able to fix before race three.

“It showed straight away as we were much, much faster in that race and I was able to power through the order.

“Between myself and my team-mate Jake Hill now, we’ve proven that these cars are quite quick and are capable of featuring inside the top-10.

“We go to Thruxton with a car that we know is fast, and we’re confident of a strong weekend.”

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