Briggs Engineer Thomas Wixley wins exclusive prize to be part of BTCC pit crew
As the enthralling British Touring Cars season made its way to Oulton Park last weekend, there was a new member of driver Árón Taylor-Smith’s pit crew. Briggs Equipment engineer, Thomas Wixley won an exclusive prize to have access to the paddock and work with Árón and the team throughout the day. Thomas was able to see first-hand the intricate and detailed work that goes into preparing a British Touring Car for competition.
Throughout the day the intensity of the team’s preparation work gathered pace, culminating in the ‘Shakedown’ session, which is several laps designed to test the car’s performance before free practice, qualifying and the main races. During these laps, Thomas was handed a headset and following a briefing from the crew, was in charge of communicating directly with Árón, providing him with vital information to safely complete the session. There was also chance for Thomas to meet the crew, hear about the behind the scenes work, and even discuss some of the differences between touring car and forklift engines!
Thomas commented: “It was great to be a part of the action at Oulton Park this weekend. Árón and the team were incredibly accommodating and it was fascinating to get a real behind the scenes insight into what goes in to making a BTCC car tick.
“It was particularly enjoyable to be a part of the radio team during the shakedown laps, and to experience the all action nature of the BTCC first-hand. From an engineering point of view, the precision and accuracy that the team displayed whilst working on the car was outstanding and is relatable to the standards we set when working with our customers.
“I’d like to thank Árón and the team for their hospitality throughout this unique experience and I’m hoping to get along to more of the events this season!”
Árón Taylor-Smith, Briggs Equipment’s sponsored driver for the 2021 BTCC campaign, commented: “It was great to welcome Thomas as part of the team on Friday as we prepared for the action this weekend. He did a fantastic job on the radio and helped communicate clearly with me as I took part in the Friday ‘shakedown’ laps.
“Our partnership with Briggs extends beyond a sporting venture and the engineering element of their business is a key reason why they are a great fit for what we’re trying to achieve. There are many shared values and skills between my team and the Briggs engineers and it’s that attention to detail that can make all the difference out on the track.
“Now we’re able to welcome spectators back to the BTCC venues, we’re very much looking forward to seeing more Briggs people through the doors for the rest of the season. A huge thank you to Thomas for his co-operation on the day and for stepping up to the plate, communicating clearly and guiding me through the session.”