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BTCC Driver Profiles - Gareth Howell
Born:
6 January 1981
Lives:
Bromley, Kent
A determined and dedicated driver, Gareth worked his way up through karting into the Fiesta championship and enjoyed enough success to net him a place in the BTCC's now-defunct production class. A move to the Atomic Kitten backed MG squad, run by WSR, proved his worth as he often outraced his highly regarded team mate Colin Turkington. The lack of a serious backer looked like scuppering Gareth's further progress, but drives with GA and Team Dynamics reminded people that he still had talent. In 2004 the hard work looked like it was going to pay off with a full time Dynamics drive, and indeed Howell tested at the launch day in Donington. However Dan Eaves got the nod and Gareth was destined to spend a year on the sidelines, keeping busy by working in the advertising department of Autosport. Looked destined to suffer the same fate in '05, but luckily he has a good relationship with Team Dynamics boss Steve Neal and returned with a Castrol-backed third Honda Integra for the final three weekends.
Career highlights:
2006 Linked to Team Dynamics and at one time rumoured to be in contention for a seat WSR, but started the season on the sidelines again. Remained loyal to the Neal family and was justly rewarded when he rejoined the series at Snetterton - although the weekend was marred by technical problems and being forced to carry 45 kilos of "late entry" ballast. At Knockhill he was twice on the podium, once as part of a historic 1-2-3 for the team.
2005 Contested the last three BTCC rounds with Team Dynamics (entered as Team Halfords) in their third Integra. His comeback was short lived as he got punted by Colin Turkington in the first Knockhill race, and he didn't fare much better for the remainder of the weekend especially when Plato appeared to nudge him out of the way in the final race. Silverstone was a much happier affair as he not only qualified on pole but wnt on to score his first BTCC win in the third race. Brands saw him in trouble with the stewards: first he was given a six place penalty for spinning Rob Collard out of the race at Paddock Hill, then excluded entirely from race two after a coming together with James Pickford. Starting from the back of the grid for race three he worked his way up to P4, bringing his season points total to 54, good enough for 12 place in the championship with only three meetings contested.
2004 Tested for Team Dynamics and was confident of a race seat but lost out at the last minute to Dan Eaves.
2003 Joined GA Motorsports Touring Class team at Silverstone for rounds 7&8.; raced with Team Dynamics from round 13 onwards. Also commentary duties for Motors TV and a guest race in the Porsche Carrera Cup. Despite the on/off nature of his season Gareth took 80 points in the Independents' cup.
2002 BTCC MG ZS with Team Atomic Kitten -12th overall
2001 BTC-P, Ford Focus with GR Motorsport - 5th
2000 Ford Credit Fiesta Zetec Championsip. 2nd overall. 1 win, 10 podium finishes.
1999 Ford Credit Fiesta Zetec Championsip. Ford Fiesta winter series. Winner Round 1.
1998 Ford Credit Fiesta Zetec Championsip - Minister Engines 'Driver of the Day' award at Thruxton.
1997 Ford Fiesta si National Championship - 5th
1996 RACMSA Jnr. Intercontinental A British Championship.
1995 Works Tonykart team in Junior Intercontinental A.
1994 Inaugural RACMSA Jnr. Intercontinental A British Championship.
1993 British Junior TKM Champion; British Open Championship (4th).
1990 Cadet Club champion at Buckmore and Rye House.
1989 Started karting.
Links:
Website: http://www.gareth-howell.com/
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