SALISBURY racing driver Alan Blencowe is counting down to victory in the British Touring Car Championship.

The young GA Alfa Romeo 156 driver, who competes in the Production Class of the BTCC, took third place at Oulton Park, second at Thruxton and admits: "It might be tempting fate but I'm hoping the countdown ends in my first win in the Jubliee Holiday weekend race at Silverstone."

Blencowe led the Feature Race at Thruxton for 14 glorious laps before being overhauled by Hampshire's James Kaye in a new and highy competitive Honda Civic.

The GA Alf team has a strong south coast flavour to it now that Gavin Pyper has rejoined the ranks. Pyper, who has taken time getting his racing budget together after a strong finish to last season with the team, is from Haslemere on the Hampshire/Surrey border.