STCC - Karlskoga, race report

24 May 10

Rounds four and five of the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) took place at Karlskoga, Sweden, on 22-23 May 2010. Fredrik Ekblom claimed his first win of the season in race one behind-the-wheel of his Volkswagen Scirocco, after securing pole during Saturday’s qualifying session.

After a strong start in the first of the weekend’s races, Ekblom pulled away and led from start to finish. From second on the grid, Polestar Racing’s Robert Dahlgren managed to maintain his position until the chequered flag, followed by Jan Nilsson, who crossed the line third after taking advantage of an incident that forced then third-place man Thed Björk to retire.

"It has been a tough ride for the team. We finally got something back for the hard work we have done. First pole position and now a victory! Very nice!" said Ekblom.

Nilsson dominated race two from sixth on the grid; the BMW driver fought his way through the field to take the lead and claim victory, extending his STCC victory record to 33.  Dick Sahlen finished the race second, after a fought battle with Richard Göransson, who crossed the line third.

"This race went just according to plan and I am so happy.  As for the victory record, I have beaten Göransson to 31, 32 and 33 STCC wins: I will make sure I get to 34 wins before him as well,” said Nilsson.

Rounds six and seven of the Swedish Touring Car Championship will take place in Göteborg, Sweden, on 4-5 June 2010 as part of the new Scandinavian Touring Car Cup.