Matt Neal elated to equal Andy Rouse on 60 BTCC wins

Matt Neal was left over the moon after equalling Andy Rouse for second on the all-time BTCC winners list after triumphing in race one at Thruxton.

The Halfords Yuasa Racing driver converted pole position into a lead he would ultimately never lose as he led a Honda Civic Type R 1-2-3, with Gordon Shedden and Jack Goff trailing him.

Having sat on number 59 since Knockhill last year, the 50-year-old was elated to get back on the top step of the podium and in doing so, kick-started his championship charge.

“It feels great,” Neal told BTCC Crazy. “I wasn’t really thinking about equalling the record but now I have done it, I’m delighted. We have to remember that we are lucky to be here and doing what we’re given what happened at Donington Park.

“We’ll take a Honda 1-2-3 all day long. The cars are built just down the road in Swindon and this is almost like our home GP. There are lots of guys from the factory here so it is a great reward for all of them.

“The car felt really good. I was strong through the quick stuff but those behind me seemed to close up under the brakes – I think it was a case of them pushing a little bit harder than me. Six laps out I turned down my engine and looked after the car.

“We will enjoy this moment but won’t rest on our laurels – we’re back to work in a short while.”