I think some drivers get slower as they get old, but I think dad is getting quicker and has had a great couple of years after leaving British GT. After that, I think he was a bit down as he was racing against the
Ferrari which no-one could beat and he came into the BTCC and really shone.
Obviously I want to beat him as he is one of my competitors but he is still my dad! When I beat him I beat him, and when I don’t, I’ll be disappointed but we have talked about it and he thinks I’ll out-qualify him early on but he’ll then out-race me for the first few meetings. But he’ll race as hard with me as he will with anyone else and that is how you have to learn, you have to do it the hard way. But I’ll be doing just the same with him.
I can’t express how much I’m looking forward to it, but for sure I am going to be a bit nervous on the grid for the my first race. It’s going to be a big culture shock I think, as Clios were feisty but this is a whole different level and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
As the season goes on I’d hope to be one of the drivers who people feel can fight for a top six. I want to earn respect from people first, as some of the guys like Fabrizio Giovanardi,
Matt Neal and
Jason Plato are huge names who have been doing this for years. I want to get respect from them and then be seen as someone who could be a front-runner.
Dad said there are eleven or twelve drivers who could win a race this season, and if I could be viewed amongst those drivers then it would be great.
Until next time
Andy
Team Eurotech was formed in 1987 and has since gone on to win more than 30 championships, including the British GTO crown and the Porsche Cup. 2008 will see Eurotech expand its long-running partnership with sponsors John Guest as the team expands to a two-car BTCC effort for the first time.
For more information, visit www.teameurotech.co.uk.
