Northamptonshire’s cricketers were hit for six when Team RAC driver Colin Turkington paid a visit to the County Ground ahead of the Rockingham round of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship on Sunday (13 April).

Turkington met Northants stalwart David Sales, wicket keeper Niall O’Brien and all-rounder Steven Crook as he prepares to build on an encouraging start to the 2008 BTCC season.

The 26-year-old Northern Irishman is joint-fourth in the overall standings after the opening round at Brands Hatch in which he secured his first win of the season after a riveting tussle with Mat Jackson.

Turkington took Team RAC’s BMW 320si to the County Ground, where the Northants players were putting their final preparations together ahead of the opening round of the LV County Championship which sees the Midlands outfit visit Chelmsford to play Essex.

Colin Turkington, who was able to exchange sporting tips with Sales and Crook, said: “It was great to meet some of the Northants Cricket players ahead of this Sunday. The skills that the players possess are so impressive, with great hand to eye coordination and intense levels of concentration. These are skills and attributes also needed to be a top racing driver, so it was great to see how these are applied in a different sport. It was an enjoyable day and I’ll be looking out for Northants’ progress for the season ahead.”

David Sales, in his 14th season at Northants Cricket, commented: “It was fantastic to meet Colin and take a closer look at the Team RAC car. It was very interesting to hear about the preparation and demands involved in being a racing driver. I know the Midlands region loves motorsport so I’m sure fans going along to Rockingham on Sunday are in for a fantastic day of racing.”