BTCC Driver Profiles - Paul O'Neill
Born:
31 Dec 1979
Lives:
Liverpool, UK
Paul is one of the sport's most popular characters and is usually spotted with a huge grin spouting a witty one-liner. The brother of singer Mel C (and a mean drummer in his own right!) Paul has sometimes been accused of only being in the sport thanks to his family's money - a claim dismissed as "bollocks" by the man himself. Strong performances in 2002-2003 went a long way to silencing his critics. His tearful first victory won him an army of fans, and when he won again in 03 he topped it off by emulating Michael Jackson's dance moves on the podium. Proper Bo! Career highlights: 2006 Started the season without a BTCC drive but at Oulton Park he was invited to drive the guest car in the Porsche Carrera Cup support races. Finished Saturday's race a fine 5th in unfamiliar machinery, but was desperately unlucky to get involved in someone else's accident on Sunday, breaking a driveshaft and ending a promising weekend. Got his wish of a BTCC return at Brands Hatch, the penultimate round of the season, where he took over Fiona Leggate's car. Qualified 13th and kept up with the rapid Integra of Dave Pinkney to score a point on his first race back. 2004 Struggled for budget despite his talent, and unable to find a drive. News that he had diabetes meant that he was forced to take a break, but he's been working on getting his racing licence back and securing a drive. The breakthrough came in July when he was granted his racing licence, and Paul came to Knockhill to negotiate with some of the teams. At Brands he trailled round at the back of the field - but for good reason: Paul was driving the medical car! 2003 BTCC with VX Racing, Vauxhall Astra Coupe. A run of four 3rd places at the start of the year but deprived of a certain win on the last lap at Brands Hatch by former team mate Matt Neal. Reached the top step at Snetterton and finished 4th overall with 138 points. 2002 BTCC - Team Egg Sport Vauxhall - 8th place and an emotional first touring car win at Oulton Park. 2001 BTCC Production Class - Peugeot - 8th 2000 MGF Cup - 7th 1999 MGF Cup - 16th, Rookie of the Year; National Saloon Car Cup - one race Links: VX Racing | Triple Eight Website: http://www.owyracing.com/ |