RORY BUTCHER is hopeful that previous success at Silverstone can help him accelerate to more podium appearances when the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) returns this weekend.
The 2023 series heads to the iconic venue, home of the Formula One British Grand Prix, for its second last stop of the season following a four-week break.
Kirkcaldy native Butcher, who has worked as an instructor at Knockhill Racing Circuit, heads into rounds 25, 26 and 27 of the championship fresh from picking up his first win of the year last time out at Donington Park.
That was the 36-year-old's 11th in his career so far - three of which have been achieved at Silverstone.
A double triumph in 2021 was followed by another last year, which also saw the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK driver claim pole position at the legendary Northamptonshire venue for a second successive year.
With one race win, as well as one second place and one third, Butcher also outscored his rivals 12 months ago, and he is eager for more of the same as he bids to end the season on a high.
Currently 10th in the overall drivers' standings, the Fife star maintained his form from Donington Park at the famous Goodwood Revival meeting earlier this month, when he jointly piloted a 1965 Porsche 911 to third place in the Fordwater Trophy.
"Silverstone has been good to me in recent years," Butcher commented. "I think I’ve only missed the podium once in the last six BTCC races there, and it’s a circuit that really seems to showcase the Toyota’s strengths. As a proud member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, it’s always enjoyable to compete at the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’, and to go there off the back of opening our victory account for 2023 fills us with confidence for another strong set of results.
"It was great fun stepping back in time to drive the Porsche at Goodwood earlier this month, but I have to admit that I’m looking forward to getting back into my cutting-edge Corolla. It was also nice to pick up another trophy at the Revival, to add to the one we achieved at Donington Park, and the target is to keep that run going this weekend."
Qualifying, on Saturday afternoon, will be streamed on ITV Sport's YouTube channel from 3.30pm, with every moment of Sunday's race action live on ITV4 from 11am.
Following this weekend's racing at Silverstone, the 2023 season concludes at Brands Hatch GP on October 7-8.
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