NEW York City chairman John Batchelor is finally hoping to get behind the wheel this weekend when the third and fourth rounds of the British Touring Car Championship slip into gear.

Oulton Park in Cheshire is the venue with Wilmslow-based Batchelor anxious to make up for lost time on his 'home' circuit.

His hopes of driving in the opening rounds at Brands Hatch earlier this month were dashed due to the late delivery of one of the York City Racing Team's new Honda Accord cars.

The new car has now arrived but it will be driven by Batchelor's team-mate, Jim Edwards Junior.

Batchelor will be left to drive the older Accord Edwards Jnr drove at Brands Hatch with some success.

Despite failing to finish the feature race last time out due to fuel problems, Edwards Jnr remains in sixth place in the championship's production class standings after finishing a creditable fourth in the sprint race.

Apart from a handful of practice laps, Batchelor has not got behind the wheel of a race car since October last year so admits a podium finish for himself may have to wait.

"I am extremely anxious to get in the car and just bed myself in in these races," explained the City chairman.

"I've not done much more than three laps in the car and it's a left-hand drive too so that will take some time to get used to. It is amazing how your brain works the wrong way.

"So if I can get round and finish in the top ten then that would be superb."

However, while Batchelor is playing down his chances of picking up some championship points he believes Edwards Junior and the new car prove formidable.

"York City could be on for a win as far as the other car is concerned," said Batchelor.

"The car has been tested and it's going extremely well.

"Jim has not been out with the car but he is a lot more familiar with the Accord and I think he will do well."

Updated: 11:03 Saturday, April 20, 2002