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Grit Over Glory: Motor Parts Direct with PMR Show Strength at Thruxton: Doble and Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing Extract Positives from Challenging Thruxton BTCC Weekend
Thruxton, Hampshire – It was a weekend that tested the grit and determination of Mikey Doble and the Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing (PMR) squad, as technical issues interrupted what promised to be a standout round at Britain’s fastest circuit. Despite two non-finishes due to an engine failure and a broken oil pipe, the team leaves Thruxton focused, unified, and optimistic for Oulton.
A Flying Start - P4 Qualifying Statement
Mikey Doble showcased raw pace on Saturday, securing a phenomenal P4 in qualifying and in torrential rain! The Vauxhall Astra proved exceptionally well-balanced in high-speed conditions in the wet, reflecting the team’s hard work and ever-improving synergy with the Motor Parts Direct-backed machine. Mikey didn’t put a foot wrong and delivered in qualifying yet again.
“To qualify fourth at Thruxton is no small achievement,” said Mikey. “To also do it in such wet conditions is a credit to the car and team,
It’s a confidence boost for the whole team and shows we’re developing as a real threat for the second half of the season.”
Race 1 - Blistering Pace Ends in Engine Misfortune
After a storming start in Race 1, Mikey was holding his own making it up to 3rd before a sudden engine failure cruelly ending his charge.
“It’s gutting, of course,” Doble reflected, “but the car felt amazing before the failure. We’ve proven we can fight with the front-runners on pure pace.”
Race 2 - Early Promise Halted by Oil Pipe Issue
Just as the team prepared a comeback, having changed engines, incredibly in under 90 minutes! A broken oil pipe in Race 2 forced another early retirement. Despite the setback Mikey had made incredible progress from almost last up to 16th before the failure forced him to pit
Race 3 - Mikey storms through the field from last to finish 7th on track.
Starting last yet again due to not finishing the previous race. Mikey demonstrated both his and his Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing Astra. Gaining several places off the start he cut through the field quickly, making his way up to 7th on track. Unfortunately, whilst trying to pass the car of Dan Lloyd he ran wide and incurred a track limits penalty with 10 seconds being added to his race time. This then sadly put him back to 14th after the finish.
Team Principal Adam Weaver commented:
“Yes, it was a tough weekend results-wise. But we saw the pace, the teamwork, and the spirit that define us. Mikey’s qualifying lap was sensational. And even in the face of back-to-back mechanical issues, the garage atmosphere remained focused and positive. That’s the mark of a true team and I could not be prouder of them.”
Looking Ahead to Oulton Park – June 21–22
With the technical issues identified and confidence in the car’s outright speed, the team now shifts focus to Oulton Park. The Cheshire circuit rewards driver bravery and car control – qualities both Mikey and the PMR machine have in abundance.
