Lines and Spires recover to take TCR podium during opening BEC encounter at Silverstone

Stewart Lines and teammate Anton Spires took a hard-earned podium in the first round of the brand new British Endurance Championship.

Competing in a Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR in Class E on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, seat time for both drivers was limited due to various red flag interruptions during practice.

Starting second in class and seventeenth overall in what was a twenty-eight car field, the Motus One with Maximum Motorsport entry was hampered early on after being delayed for over a minute in the pitlane.

Once underway, Lines was able to make good progress despite driving a heavy car, due to the various Balance of Performance measures.

During his stint which lasted for two hours, the Maximum Motorsport Team Principal was able to make up ground despite these setbacks and handed over to Spires running second in class.

Once onboard the Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR, Spires was able to get his head down and show his pace by moving through the field and making up time in class.

As the reliable TCR machine was put through its paces, it was clear that Spires was soon at ease with the Golf and was on the pace that kept the pair in the hunt for a class podium.

More troubles were ahead as the pair were hit with a forty-second penalty for speeding in the pitlane and this would mean that the pair would finish third in class and in fifteenth place overall.

After their first round together, Lines was impressed with his new team-mate’s performance:

“By missing on seat time from Friday, we both knew that the Motus One with Maximum Motorsport Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR would need to have good race pace.”

“Despite the extra weight on board, Anton was able to adapt to the car quickly in race conditions and show good pace on his first time in the car. I look forward to the next round of the championship where we aim to move forward.”

Reflecting after his first competitive outing in a TCR car, Spires is already looking ahead to the next round:

“Considering my first time in the Golf TCR was during Friday practice, I had no expectations going into race day other than just enjoying it. However, thanks to the help from Stewart and the team, I got to grips quite quickly with the car and felt comfortable after the first couple of runs.”

“During the race, my aim was to be as consistent as possible as I knew we had the potential for a class podium, and I’m glad that we got that result. Massive thank you to everyone within the team, I’m really looking forward to the next round.”