Bentwood still optimistic after Rockingham crash.

Michael Bentwood is still optimistic he can regain his lead at the top of the British Touring Car Championship table despite a dramatic crash in Round 11 at Rockingham last weekend.

With Luke Hines in the Honda Civic clear in the lead, Bentwood, in the Edenbridge Racing BMW 320i, was having a terrific tussle with Tom Boardman in the Peugot 307, fighting it out for second spot. Bentwood overtook Boardman having bided his time patiently for 15 laps, but shortly afterwards, was struck on three occasions from the rear by Boardman at speeds in excess of 120mph.

The BMW spun, clipped the back of the Peugeot before careering into the concrete perimeter wall, leaving Bentwood with bruising to his neck but thankfully no lasting damage. The race was immediately put under the safety car while Boardman was later excluded from the result, fined ?1,000, and docked four penalty points on his licence.

"I was frustrated because I had been going well and what Tom did was foolish and dangerous," said Bentwood. "However, I am fine, thank God, I felt a few pins and needles in my neck but I have not sustained any other injuries.

"I'm still very optimistic that we can turn things round in our favour once again. The car is good, my confidence is still high and Edenbridge are a great team to drive for."

Earlier in the day, Bentwood had fought bravely to claim fourth spot in the first race, despite finishing with a bent trackrod and the car dragging severely to the left.

Having qualified in second position, Bentwood gained the lead, but dropped to fourth after Paul Wallace in the Alfa out-breaked himself on the inside of a bend, causing Bentwood to take evasive action on the grass, and slipping down the order as a result.

A lap later, having caught Wallace back up, Bentwood overtook on the inside, but Wallace tried to slam the door on the hairpin having lost the bend, hit the BMW's wing and bending the steering rod beyond repair. He was later fined ?500.00 for the manoeuvre.