After two good practice sessions on Saturday, Fiona Leggate's Thurlby Motors Boston Bowl Astra run by Tech-Speed suffered engine damage during the later qualifying session and will not take part in the three races today.

The team called in the car when the engine note changed to a misfire, and when the engine was checked with engine builder Raphael Caillé of Triple Eight, the damage was obvious: a large crack through the head. Without a spare engine set up for the E85 bio-ethanol - petrol blend, the team had to pack up for the weekend.

Fiona Leggate: “It's SO disappointing. The car was running really well and we had a plan for the session. I had just come in for fresh tyres when the engine went. It's so noisy inside the car that I could not hear the change. I've won my class and come third overall here before in the MG in Britsports, so it was looking good for the weekend. I will stay on as I have promotional commitments and we would not miss the pitlane walkabout for the fans.”
 
The Tech-Speed mechanics set about removing the engine immediately to be sent for rebuilding, as there is not much time before the next round at Snetterton on 12-13 August.
 
“Engine failures do happen,” said a philosophical Marvin Humphries, Tech-Speed Team Manager. “The engine has not been over-revved, it's one of those things, it came in running on three cylinders. This bio-ethanol engine is a one-off, we have no spare. We've done well to go through two half seasons, last year and this year, without a problem at a race. The Vauxhall engine this year is a different specification so we can't borrow one of theirs and use our ECU. It's very disappointing - this circuit suits the car, too. The only slim chance was an engine in an Astra on display at The Motor Show in London!
 
‘In all the 30 or so years we've been racing, I can only remember 2-3 times when we've been at a circuit with no car in the race because of an accident or car problem.”
 
The car will be on track again for Snetterton on 12 and 13 August.

-ends-
 
For more information contact Janice Minton, tel 01787 880820, mobile 07803 050266
Email janice.minton@eemsonline.co.uk
See more information on www.eemsonline.co.uk

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EDITOR'S NOTES

See our facts about bio-ethanol on the EEMS website.

Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS) is one of five programmes sponsored by Motorsport Development UK to sustain and develop the UK's world-leading motorsport sector. Programme funding comes directly from the DTI and four regional development agencies. See more on www.motorsportdevelopment.co.uk

EEMS seeks to encourage the development of alternative fuels and powertrain technologies and put energy efficiency at the heart of modern motorsport - without comprising the sporting spectacle. There is a widely held belief that energy efficiency and green technology are not compatible with exciting motorsport. This is simply not the case - in fact the UK motorsport industry stands to benefit by adopting EEMS concepts and taking a leading global role.

See also www.fionaleggate.co.uk and www.btcc.net

Motorsport Development UK is a partnership of public and private sector organisations that is leading a five-year investment programme to sustain and develop UK motorsport. Its backers include the four regional development agencies at the heart of Motorsport Valley - Advantage West Midlands, East of England Development Agency, East Midlands Development Agency and South East England Development Agency - together with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The overall objective of Motorsport Development UK is business and economic development for the motor sport sector. The programme stimulates action in several key areas, by working with and part-funding programmes delivered by motorsport stakeholders. Examples include Energy Efficient Motorsport, support for the training of volunteer officials, programmes aimed at widening participation in the sport and a ‘Learning Grid' of education initiatives.