Tiff Needell is living the dream in this video, taking part in the final round of the 1992 British Touring Car Championship at Silverstone and then hopping into each of the three championship-contending cars to go for a test drive.
“The bloody thing’s jumping out of bloody gear!”
At the start of the Silverstone round John Cleland, Will Hoy and Tim Harvey were all in with a shot to take out the title. Tiff kicks off the video in a Nissan Primera, which he qualifies in 13th and gets he gets up to 10th over the course of the race.
Further up the field and a bit of classic BTCC biffo between Steve Soper and John Cleland saw them coming together and taking each other out, John Cleland’s championship hopes dashed. Tim Harvey finished in fourth ahead of fellow championship contender Will Hoy, with Andy Rouse claiming victory. Having entered the round on a hot streak of five consecutive wins, that was enough to give Harvey the title.
“Of all the racing cars I’ve ever driven, this BMW is one of the most beautifully balanced and poised cars. It’s just.. total enjoyment.”
The three championship-contending cars were the Vauxhall Cavalier of John Cleland, the Toyota Carina of Will Hoy and Tim Harvey’s BMW 318is. Tiff takes them each out for a few hot laps, nailing some beautiful lines and keeping them on, or very close to, the limit. His commentary on the cars is nuanced, detailed and surprisingly technical, giving some interesting comparison between the three. Hit play, and enjoy!
MORE: Video: Testing with Tiff Needell in the Porsche 962
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