Luke Hines – “I’ve only come to do two things - chew bubblegum and kick ass” - 18/03/04

The new recruit at VX Racing in 2004 is Luke Hines. Having won the Production class last year in his first season in saloon car racing, there is no doubt about Luke’s potential, but this year he has a pair of champion team-mates to compare himself to in Yvan Muller and James Thompson. Driving a car that has proven itself the class of the field over the last three years, Luke could prove the surprise of the season.

Off the track, Luke has his own unique style and this was certainly true when we caught up with him recently for a Q&A session about the forthcoming season. Check out the answers to our questions below!

BTCCPages.com : What does it mean to you to be driving in the Vauxhall works team this year?
LH : Driving for Vauxhall really is a dream come true. However I’ve only come to do two things, chew bubblegum and kick ass and I haven’t got any more bubblegum left!

BTCCPages.com : How do you expect racing in the top class of the BTCC to compare to your experiences in the Production class last year?
LH : The Production class was a great step, a new challenge and a superb result for me. I’m sure 2004 will be no different working with such a great team on my side.

BTCCPages.com : What were your first impressions of the Astra Coupé when you got behind the wheel?
Luke Hines: The car goes like mustard and has a great history. I love it.

BTCCPages.com : How are you getting on with new team-mates Yvan and James?
LH : Yvan and James are great blokes and have already helped me loads with the car. I’m learning a lot from them as well.

BTCCPages.com : How has testing gone so far?
LH : Have you seen my bubblegum yet, I’m within half a second on my team mates, it’s all good.

BTCCPages.com : What do you think of the three race format of the BTCC weekends this year?
LH : It’s going to be great. Brings me back memories from my karting days, loads of races. It’s going to be top notch!

BTCCPages.com : What are your hopes for the forthcoming season?
LH : To win, win, win...

BTCCPages.com : What are you most looking forward to about 2004?
LH : My first race with Vauxhall because when I was a kid, that was one of my dreams and to roll that car on the grid for the first time will pop my dreams. Also to have loads of trophies with No.1 on them.

Related links:
www.lukehinesracing.com