Gone in a Flash! Gordon Shedden sets the grid alight as BTCC resumes at Snetterton

It’s a measure of the strength of Honda Team Dynamics, that within the space of a few hours, Gordon Shedden was back out and ready for Saturday qualifying after his car burst into flames during the first practice session for this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship round at Snetterton.

The Scott was returning to the pits when he heard a pop, like a misfire and then shortly after saw flames engulf the front of his Honda Civic. The Snetterton marshals and members of rival MG team did a great job in getting Shedden clear of the car and putting out the flames.

“My first reaction was to get it to the team’s garage as quickly as possible so we could get it extinguished”, said Shedden, but once the fire had been extinguished it seemed likely that his weekend was over. Apparently the fire was triggered by a broken fuel line set alight by the car’s red-hot brakes.

But a little over 4 hours later and the car was back out on track ready for qualifying.

Prior to the fire Shedden had set the second fastest time in the session as the team geared up to defend its championship lead from the fast charging Jason Plato in the MG.

Just one point separates Shedden from his team mate Matt Neal at the top of the table, with arch rival Jason Plato a further 29 points behind.

Images: Steve Hindle & Team Dynamics