The race driver competes in the MSVT series in her Apollo Big Brake Kit-fitted Honda
Following a sensational overall win in the 2024 MSVT Trackday Championship, Irish race driver Nicole Drought recently unveiled a new EBC Brakes livery on her EP3 Honda Civic Type R, which she’ll use to defend her title in the 2025 season.
Drought has been running an EBC Brakes Racing Apollo Big Brake Kit for some time now, which was recently upgraded with the firm’s SR-11™ sintered endurance race pads – components which have helped her yield some great results in recent years.
The first round of the 2025 season took the roadshow to Norfolk’s Snetteron Circuit, where Drought made her intentions for the year clear with an outright win, as well as fastest lap across the weekend.
You can hear how it all panned out in the team’s own words below…
“2024 Trackday Championship Champion Nicole Drought began her title defence in an exemplary fashion at Snetterton this weekend. By qualifying in pole position, setting the fastest lap, and securing victory in the opening race of the season, Nicole showcased her prowess and determination.
“In preparation for the race, Nicole collaborated with four-time BTCC Champion Colin Turkington during Friday’s testing session. This all-Irish partnership resulted in critical setup changes to her EBC Brakes Honda Civic, enhancing its performance.
“The adjustments paid off during a closely contested qualifying session, where Nicole emerged in the vital pole position, ready to lead the 27-strong field.”
“As the lights changed, Nicole faced immediate competition from Matt Swaffer’s rear-wheel-drive BMW, which narrowly beat her off the line. However, a skilful manoeuvre out of the final corner allowed Nicole to pull ahead and slice down the inside at turn one, reclaiming the lead as they commenced the second lap. From this point, both drivers distanced themselves from the pack, with Nicole comfortably leading while vigilantly monitoring her mirrors.
“Upon the opening of the pit stop window, the BMW opted for an earlier pit stop while Nicole maximised her stint on the track. When she eventually pitted and re-joined the race, the BMW challenged the Civic once more, heading towards turn one side by side. Nicole, holding her inside line decisively, retained her lead. Demonstrating her driving finesse, the Tipperary native steadily extended her advantage, ultimately crossing the finish line nearly four seconds ahead of the BMW, with the rest of the field trailed an additional 40 seconds behind.”
“Colin Turkington, reflecting on the performance, remarked on the staggering braking capabilities of Nicole’s EBC Brakes Honda Civic. He noted, “I was completely taken aback by just how good Nicole’s EBC Honda Civic was under braking. Snetterton has always been a great test circuit, so an ideal venue for me to fully understand the car’s capabilities. I immediately had confidence in the big brake zones, enabling me to push the limits and lower lap times with each session.’’
“Nicole Drought’s exceptional start to the season sets a promising tone for her championship defence, demonstrating her skill, strategic acumen, and potential for continued success in the 2025 TDC Championship.
“Nicole Drought reflected on the weekend with great enthusiasm, stating: “Pretty much the perfect start to the season. Everyone has worked so hard over the winter to ensure we hit the ground running. We struggled a little at Snetterton last year but a recent test at Oulton showed we had improved the car since then. It was great to work with Colin on Friday. He knows the track so well and the changes he made to the setup were great.”
“Big thanks, as ever to our sponsors and supporters; EBC Brakes, Siltex Safety, Gem Oils, Mondello Park, Joe Mallon Motors, ITM Digital and Roberts Air Conditioning for their support to make this all possible. Motion Motorsport were fantastic running the car faultlessly.”
SR-11™ Endurance Pads
A medium-friction sintered endurance motorsport compound that’s targeted for front of street base cars where high ABS effect exists on the car or for the front and rear of race cars with bias controls.
Apollo Balanced Big Brake Kit
EBC Brakes’ new Balanced Big Brake Kits represent the ultimate upgrade in braking performance, offering significant reductions in stopping distances whether used on road or on track.
