Author: Chris Ashby

Fireworks to fly at Brands Hatch as BARC championships gear up to sign off 2019 season

Fireworks are set to fly both on and off the track at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 2/3) as the British Automobile Racing Club descends on the Kent venue with four championships set to bring the curtain down on their 2019 campaigns in spectacular fashion.

One of the headline events of the season, an awe-inspiring fireworks display on Sunday evening will be proceeded by a feast of on-track action from the MV Commercial BTRA Championship, Junior Saloon Car Championship, Pickup Truck Racing Championship and Super Silhouette Championship.

Weighing in at more than five tonnes and producing in excess of 1000bhp, the MV Commercial BTRA Championship will arguably take centre stage with eight blockbuster races.

In Division 1, Ryan Smith and David Jenkins will conclude their battle for the coveted crown. Bidding to clinch a four consecutive title, Smith finds himself in the box seat at the head of the standings however Jenkins can’t be discounted from overhauling the MAN racer.

Luke Garrett can rest easy after wrapping up the Division 2 title at Pembrey last time out however there is still plenty to race for. A five-way battle for second place remains keenly fought over so a watchful eye should be cast on Steven Powell, Brad Smith, Paul Rivett, John Bowler and John Powell.

Meanwhile, Miles Rudman sits on the cusp of a maiden Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres title as he heads a 30-strong entry list into the final event of what has been a momentous 25th Anniversary campaign for the popular pocket rockets.

Holding a substantial lead over his rivals, the former rookie champion will be keen to convert his advantage into championship silverware and with six races in which to do so, he has plenty of opportunities.

Rudman will have to wary of the likes of John Mickel, Sean Smith, Sy Harraway, Marcus Pett, Will Gibson and many more, all of whom will be undoubtedly in the mix to challenge towards the sharp end of the grid.

The destiny of the Junior Saloon Car Championship will be decided at Brands Hatch too, with three drivers in the mix and double points on offer. Showcasing themselves as the next generation of UK motorsport stars, the JSCC contingent will undoubtedly put on a show to remember.

Scott McIntyre, who at times has been in a league of his own, holds a 54-point advantage at the standings summit and looks on course to convert his lead into title glory. Both Alex Jay and reigning champion Lewis Saunders are the only two drivers to stand in McIntyre’s way.

A first-ever Pickup Truck Racing Championship is within touching distance of George Turiccki, however it isn’t job done just yet. Having been the epitome of consistency, tallying five wins along the way, Turiccki sits on the cusp of glory but he will need to be wary of the chasing pack.

Dale Gent and Michael Smith are the closest rivals to Turiccki as it stands but both will need fortune to fall their way if they are to complete a remarkable comeback.

Only the BARC Super Silhouette Championship is the only category to be settled heading into the weekend, with Malcolm Blackman having attained an unassailable lead last time out.

Having flourished under the stewardship of Sonny Howard, the spaceframe series has scaled new heights this year and a bumper entry list will round out what has been another superlative season of wheel-to-wheel action.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Brands Hatch, such as links to live timing and the timetable, click here.

BARC strengthens ties with British Hill Climb Championship

The British Automobile Racing Club is delighted to confirm that it will continue in its role of operating and promoting the British Hill Climb Championship in the coming years.

Following a tender process which was carried out by Motorsport UK, the BARC has been issued a new contract to remain in its current position of running the prestigious championship.

BARC General Manager Ian Watson, along with Championship Co-ordinator Tim Wilson and Championship Administrator Jackie Wilson will head up a committee that includes former Midland Automobile Club Operations Manager Robin Webb and ex Bugatti Owners’ Club General Manager Stuart Webster to steer the series moving forward.

In addition to the news that the BARC will remain associated with the British Hill Climb Championship for the foreseeable future, organisers have also unveiled an unchanged calendar for the 2020 season.

2020 British Hill Climb Championship Calendar

April 25/26 – Prescott

May 2 – Craigantlet

May 9/10 – Harewood

May 23/24 – Gurston Down

June 6/7 – Shelsley Walsh

June 13/14 – Loton Park

June 20/21  Doune

July 4 – Barbon Manor

July 5 – Harewood

July 15 – Bouley Bay

July 18 – Val des Terres

July 25/26 – Wiscombe Park

August 15/16 – Shelsley Walsh

August 29/30 – Gurston Down

September 5/6 – Prescott

September 19/20 – Doune

September 26/27 – Loton Park

To find out more information on the British Hill Climb Championship, click here.

BTCC unveils minor rule changes for 2020 season

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that a number of minor regulation changes will be implemented for the 2020 season following the annual end-of-season meeting between organisers TOCA and teams.

One of the first changes for next year surrounds tyres and comes off of the back of an initiative that was successfully introduced in the summer. At Snetterton and Croft, drivers will now use all three Goodyear tyre compounds – hard, medium and soft.

The way in which tyres are nominated has been altered too, with drivers not specified to select what race they will use the ‘option’ tyre before qualifying. Instead, they will have free choice during the course of race day – thus providing an opportunity to modify their strategies.

Maximum success ballast will increase to 60kgs and then reducing in 6kgs increments down to tenth place. Success ballast for the forthcoming 2020 campaign will be as follows: 60-54-48-42-36-30-24-18-12-6.

Finally, a new qualifying format will be trialled at Snetterton. Instead of the traditional 30-minute session, a shorter 25-minute session will take place to allow drivers to set a lap time.

The fastest top ten competitors will then progress into a ten-minute shootout for pole position to determine the top ten positions on the grid for the opening BTCC encounter of that weekend.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Clearly, the regulations for the BTCC work tremendously well. That’s self-evident from the fantastically close racing and championship battles, but we’re always looking at ways in which they can be improved, so whilst these are fairly minor tweaks, they will certainly add some interesting new elements to next season’s championship.”

For more information on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, head to http://www.btcc.net/

Julian Godfrey clinches sixth British Rallycross Championship title at Croft

Julian Godfrey added another chapter to his illustrious racing history this past weekend (October 26/27) as he clinched a sixth Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship title at Croft Circuit.

Edging out season-long protagonist Derek Tohill at the North Yorkshire venue amidst challenging weather conditions, the Ford Fiesta driver reigned supreme to win his first title since 2015 by just two points.

Locked in a head-to-head fight for the coveted prize since the opening round of the season back in March, the pendulum between Godfrey and Tohill has swung both ways over the course of the year – however it all came to a head at Croft.

Saturday would see Godfrey power his way to a fourth victory of 2019 in sensational fashion; triumphing despite suffering from a transmission and engine issue which resulted in the team working through the night to ensure he could race on Sunday.

Dominating qualifying and starting from pole position in the final race of the season, Godfrey could do nothing to stop Ford Fiesta compatriot Tohill from bagging his fourth win of the season.

Second place on the road however as more than enough for the Heathfield-based racer to claim a record sixth crown and cement his status as one of the great British Rallycross Championship competitors.

“It’s brilliant to win the Championship for the sixth time. I didn’t make the best of starts in the last race so I tucked in behind Derek (Tohill), saw Tony (Bardy) hadn’t made a good start next to me so I had some space and was able to follow Derek round and play it safe,” said Godfrey. 

“I knew I just had to finish second, I pulled a bit of a gap from Steve (Hill) behind and just concentrated on getting to the end with no mistakes to take the Championship. It’s been a good close season, I’m really pleased.”

Elsewhere, Tristan Ovenden completed a third successive title-winning campaign with two more victories to ensure he maintained his unbeaten clean sweep in the two-drive category.

Luke Constantine secured the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship title by a single point over Patrick O’Donovan in the final weekend of the season.

One year on from winning that very crown, Tom Constantine savoured title success once again as he overcame the odds and three other drivers to lift the Swift Sport Rallycross Championship.

Drew Bellerby triumphed on home soil as she clinched the BMW Mini Rallycross Championship whilst Chrissy Palmer recorded an unprecedented fifth consecutive RX150 Rallycross title.

Rounding out the list of victors was Gary Simpson who won the final round of the Retro Rallycross Championship on Saturday to maintain his unbeaten run and claim the crown. 

To view the full classification of results from the weekend’s Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship action at Croft, click here.

BARC makes a splash at Oulton Park title-decider

The British Automobile Racing Club and four of its championships battled treacherous conditions at Oulton Park this past weekend (October 26) for what proved to be a blockbuster title-decider around the challenging Cheshire venue.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the one-day meeting was greeted by heavy rain throughout the day – adding further spice to the on-track excitement and entertainment.

In the Michelin Clio Cup Series, spoils were shared between Ronan Pearson and Ben Colburn; however Pearson had much more to celebrate as he wrapped up the Race Class title due to main rival Simon Freeman not being in attendance.

James Colburn and Nic Harrison had both secured unassailable leads in the Sport and Road classes respectively prior to the event, therefore bringing the curtain down on another memorable year for the one-make category.

The Dunlop Endurance Championship took centre stage for its penultimate event of the 2019 season and it served up two pulsating one-hour encounters.

Valluga Racing’s Ian Humphires was the driver to beat in the opener as he powered his Porsche 991 to a comfortable victory before JPR Motorsport’s Steve Harris and Chris Hart came to the fore to win race two in their Sakar RAPX.

There was title celebrations in the Mighty Minis Championship too, which delivered a show-stopping performance around the flowing bends of Oulton Park.

Neven Kirkpatrick converted his healthy points lead into title glory in the Super Mighty Mini category by romping to a pair of outright race wins and putting himself out of touch of his nearest challenger.

In the Mighty Mini class, the battle for supremacy went down to the wire but in the end it was Greg Daw that reigned supreme to be crowned champion by just a handful of points.

Rounding out the day’s action were two races from the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship; the North West Centre’s flagship racing series.

Open to a variety of different cars, another bumper entry list went wheel-to-wheel for the final time this year with Paul Dobson winning both in his Locost 7.

In terms of the overall championship, Robert Burkinshaw maintained his place at the summit of the standings to triumph in his trusty Honda Integra.

To view the full classification of results from all of the sessions at Oulton Park, click here.

British Rallycross Championship title-decider to take centre stage at Croft Circuit

The destiny of the Toyo Tires Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship title will be decided at Croft Circuit this weekend (October 26/27) with the North Yorkshire venue staging what promises to be a blockbuster double-header season finale.

In what is set to be an action-packed final chapter of 2019, Julian Godfrey and Derek Tohill will go head-to-head one more time to decide who will reign supreme and walk away as champion.

Setting their stalls out at the Silverstone opener in March as the ones to watch, both Godfrey and Tohill have proven to be the class of the field this year and have each tallied three wins apiece.

Whilst Godfrey is bidding to become a six-time British Rallycross champion, Irishman Tohill is aiming to lift the coveted title for the first time – adding the crown to what is already an impressive resume.

Just two points separate the Ford Fiesta duo at the head of the standings and with it all to play for, edge-of-the-seat entertainment is all-but guaranteed around the challenging croft configuration.

Although the title fight will captivate most peoples attention over the course of the weekend, a host of other drivers will be aiming to sign off their 2019 campaigns on a high in the Supercar category too.

Local drivers ‘Mad Mark’ and Tony Bardy will make a popular return to action whilst the likes of Steve Hill, Andy Grant, Simon Horton and Steve Mundy will all be in the mix for the podium too.

It won’t just be the Supercar title that will be decided at Croft either; with the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship, Swift Sport Rallycross Championship and BMW Mini Rallycross Championship crowns all being settled.

Sideways thrills and spills will also be provided by the Motorsport UK Supernational Rallycross Championship – which includes an eclectic mix of two-wheel drive machinery – as well as the Super Retro Rallycross Championship and RX150 Rallycross Championship.

To find out more information on this weekend’s season finale, click here.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate, priced at ÂŁ15.00, on both Saturday and Sunday. Head to https://www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/british-rallycross for further event information.

Three championships set for Oulton Park title showdown

The British Automobile Racing Club will pay its final visit of the 2019 season to Oulton Park this weekend (October 26) with three out of four championships revved up and ready for a title-deciding day of full-throttle action.

Organised and run by the Club’s North West Centre, the Cheshire venue is set to play a host to a memorable day of ultra-competitive racing which will see champions crowned at the very end.

Headlining the day’s timetable will be two pulsating one-hour encounters from the Dunlop Endurance Championship. Showcasing an eclectic mix of jaw-dropping machinery across multiple classes, the series has continued to grow in stature throughout the year and after a gruelling season, Saturday marks the penultimate event of the year.

Paul Bailey and Andy Schulz hold the initiative at the top of the standings, the pair having been in superlative form at the wheel of their Ferrari 488 Challenge since the get-go. Behind, Tim Docker trails by 19 points whilst the Porsche pairing of Mark and Peter Cunningham can’t be discounted either.

Like the Dunlop Endurance Championship, it is all to play for in the Michelin Clio Cup Series. After 12 frenetic races, both Ronan Pearson and Simon Freeman enter the season finale tied on points and ready to duke it out one final time to decide who will be champion.

James Colburn and Nic Harrison have already secured unassailable leads in both the Sport and Road classes; but don’t expect either of them, along with a host of others, to not make their mark too.

Double points across the final two races of the BARC North West Centre’s flagship category, the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship, will added further spice what is already a captivating series.

Open to all manner of machinery, the multi-class championship has seen its fair share of excitement and drama this year, and Saturday could see Robert Burkinshaw covert his healthy points lead into a title victory.

Rounding out the day’s action at Oulton Park will be a pair of races from the Mighty Minis Championship. Small in stature but packing a punch under the bonnet, this iconic series has served up a feast of entertainment

The Mighty Mini class will see Greg Daw and Paul Ogborn go wheel-to-wheel for the coveted crown whilst Neven Kirkpatrick and Steven Rideout will do the same in the Super Mighty Mini class.

With champions to be crowned and the challenging demands of Oulton Park set to play its part as well, this Saturday’s race day is set to be an unmissable event.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event at Oulton Park, head to https://www.barc.net/event/barc-race-meeting-oulton-park-2/.

Goodyear to make UK motorsport return with BTCC

Goodyear will make a return to UK motorsport in 2020 as it becomes the new sole tyre supplier for the British Touring Car Championship.

Sister company to Dunlop, Goodyear’s decision to bring the brand back to the UK racing landscape comes after the brand announced a return to the international arena – providing tyres for a number of LMP2 teams in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2019/2020.

The new agreement will run until the end of the 2021 season, with discussions set to take place before then on the tyre requirements that will be needed ahead of the BTCC’s move to hybrid technology in 2022.

Ben Crawley, Goodyear Motorsport Director, said: “The recent launch of Goodyear’s Eagle F1 SuperSport range and relaunch into motorsport shows how the brand is applying itself to a broader range of initiatives within the ultra-high-performance automotive sector.  

“The BTCC is one of the best-loved, most famous motor racing championships in the world and it will provide a great opportunity for Goodyear to get close to the hearts and minds of motorsport enthusiasts. We are thrilled to be partnered with the championship from 2020.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added:  “Goodyear has a proud and proven history in motorsport, spanning multiple decades and championships. They provide knowledge from a global programme of racing experience making them a strong partner for the championship going forward.

“It also gives Goodyear the ideal opportunity to further increase their brand awareness via the UK’s largest motorsport championship. We are looking forward to welcoming the brand into the championship from 2020.”

The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will begin at Donington Park on March 28/29. To view the full calendar, head to https://www.barc.net/btcc-reveals-fresh-look-to-2020-calendar/

Junior Saloon Car Championship launches 2020 Scholarship

The Junior Saloon Car Championship will once again look to find the next teenage sensation behind the wheel and provide the opportunity of a lifetime as it stages its Scholarship programme for the 2020 season – taking place at Croft Circuit on Saturday 22nd February,

Drivers competing for the prize will take to the circuit, face the media, have a fitness test and also take part in an auto test. A judging panel made up of the championships organisers and partners will then whittle down the competition to select a winner.

The winner will receive a fully-funded season for the 2020 Junior Saloon Car Championship along with team support and a season-long supply of Dunlop tyres.

Previous winners include Emily Glanvill, current championship leader Scott McIntyre and 2019 victor Harry Rice.

On winning the Scholarship last year, Rice said: “I was totally speechless and reality only set in once I sat in the car for the first time at Oulton Park. I was a late entry onto the Scholarship tying the day in with my Dad’s birthday.

“There were many elements of the selection process and after all the elements had completed I couldn’t believe I had made it through to the final five.

“To win was an absolutely life changing opportunity, which enabled me to race the year. It has allowed me to develop my driving skills on the track, my confidence; my self belief has soared on and off the track.

“All this is down to Dave Beecroft, Vickie MacClinton and the rest of the support team.”

The Scholarship is limited to 30 entrants, aged between 14-17 years old, and entrants do not need to have an ARDS license or any previous race experience. Entrants must ensure they are available for the competition date.

The prize will be awarded at the close of the competition. Entrants aged 14 and under may be considered if they are 14 at the start of the 2020 season, or they wish to practice for a future scholarship entry. 

More information and registration for the 2020 Junior Saloon Car Championship Scholarship can be found at https://www.juniorsalooncars.co.uk/2020-scholarship

TOCA extends Ginetta partnership for further three years

TOCA have confirmed that Ginetta will remain on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for a further three years, extending the successful partnership between both parties.

With 2019 marking the 12th consecutive season that Ginetta has been a part of the BTCC support package, the Yorkshire company will continue to take centre stage until the end of the 2022 season at the very least.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship has been a mainstay since 2008, while the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 SuperCup joined a year later in its former incarnation, the Ginetta G50 Cup. This year, the two series have had the largest average grid numbers on the support bill across the season.

Since 2016, the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge has also made regular guest appearances. Next season, all three championships will once again entertain the BTCC crowds around the best circuits in the UK including Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Silverstone.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to have extended our partnership with Ginetta for a further three years. Its entertaining and fiercely-fought support championships are a longstanding and valued fixture on the TOCA package.

“The career ladder from the Ginetta Junior Championship into the GT4 SuperCup and beyond is proven and unique in British motorsport, with a host of former Ginetta drivers now competing in the BTCC – it is fantastic to see.”

Lawrence Tomlinson, Ginetta Chairman, added: “Ginetta has been the biggest presence on the BTCC support bill for over a decade now and we are delighted to extend our partnership with TOCA for a further three years.

“With the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge and Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 SuperCup all in action across the season, we’re able to showcase to everyone the Ginetta career ladder we offer drivers.

“Competing on the TOCA package offers our drivers unrivalled broadcast and print media coverage, as well as great exposure to thousands of fans at each of the race meetings for themselves, the teams and their sponsors.

“We are looking forward to seeing our championships continue to flourish on the TOCA package in 2020 and produce captivating racing for the trackside crowds and the live ITV4 television audiences.”

Provisional calendars for the 2020 Ginetta season can be viewed here: https://www.ginetta.com/news/provisional-calendars-announced-for-2020-ginetta-season

Colin Turkington ‘stunned’ after clinching record-equalling fourth BTCC title in dramatic fashion

Colin Turkington admits he has been left stunned after securing a record-equalling fourth Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title in a dramatic final race of the season at Brands Hatch this past weekend.

On what is set to go down as one of the most memorable finales in history, the Team BMW driver overcame the odds in sensational fashion to retain the biggest prize in UK motorsport by just two points.

Entering the weekend holding a 16-point lead, Turkington was in superlative form behind the wheel of his WSR-built BMW 330i M Sport during Saturday’s qualifying session to clinch pole position; and the all-important bonus point that comes with it.

Seeing his advantage cut after a battling opening encounter around the Grand Prix layout of the Kent venue, the Northern Irishman’s world came crashing down around him in race two following contact with Matt Neal which tumbled him down the order and out of the points.

Trailing Dan Cammish by eight points and starting 25th on the grid for the final contest, Turkington produced what he described the race of his life to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Carving his way through the field, progressing ten spots on the opening lap alone, the 37-year-old fought his past Cammish and then Ollie Jackson to begin closing the gap to the top of the standings.

However, with less than two laps to go Cammish speared off at Hawthorns Bend after suffering a brake failure at high speed – ending his race and championship challenge on the spot.

With Cammish out, Turkington moved back to the summit of the championship and crossed the line to become a four-time champion; drawing level with Andy Rouse and becoming the first person since Rouse to win back-to-back titles in different cars.

“I can’t believe what has happened!” Turkington said. “It was just shock when I crossed the line and they told me that I was champion. I knew that Dan was out of the race but I couldn’t see Andy (Jordan) and didn’t know where he was – that was the race of my life!

“After race two I felt my chances were over given that we were starting at the back and had eight points to make up. I didn’t give up, the team didn’t give up and I am just stunned. It is a bitter pill for those guys and they gave me one hell of a fight.

“When I won last year I won it in race two, when I won in 2014 I won in race one, 2009 was obviously a big final but like I said I couldn’t see Andy so it was just a shock when I crossed the line. This is the first year with this car and it has been brilliant all year. We’ve had our ups and downs but we never stopped fighting.

“To match Andy Rouse’s record of four titles is obviously really cool too. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would get close to that, you don’t really think too much about records.

“All I wanted to do was win this year. It is like a drug; I was chasing that feeling that can’t be replicated when you’re stood on that champions podium and soaking up everything up – four titles, wow!”

BTCC delivers high drama on finals day as Colin Turkington becomes four-time champion

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship produced one of the most dramatic final days of the season in history at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 12/13) as Colin Turkington sensationally retained his title to become a record-equalling four-time champion.

Going down to the wire, the Team BMW driver overcame the odds in a Round 30 showdown with Dan Cammish and Andrew Jordan to complete a remarkable comeback; drawing level with Andy Rouse on four titles in the process.

Turkington arrived at the Kent venue in the pound seat with a 16-point lead and extended his advantage in qualifying as he stormed to pole position, clinching an additional point.

However, a frenetic opener in challenging conditions blew the title race wide open as Cammish stormed from 12th on the grid to his second win of the campaign. The Halfords Yuasa Racing mastered the wet track on his slick tyres to pick his way through the pack, leading a Honda 1-2.

With the standings even close heading into the penultimate race of the season, drama ensued further as Turkington was involved in a first-lap incident with Matt Neal – sending him into a spin and out of the points, finishing P25.

The Northern Irishman’s demise opened the door for Jordan and Cammish to power their way into contention, crossing the line second and third behind the dominate Ashley Sutton, who clinched his first win of the season in emphatic fashion.

Cammish’s second visit to the podium of the day propelled him to the top of the standings and with an eight-point lead over Turkington with one race to go. Jordan would make it a three-way fight by needing to make up 13 points if he was to become champion.

Virtue of the reverse grid draw, the top 11 were reversed – setting up a final race that will live long in the memory. Starting in 25th, Turkington’s hopes of retaining his crown looked slim whilst it was all to play for for Cammish and Jordan.

Launching off the line as the lights went out, Turkington’s charge to stay in contention began with ten places gained by the end of the first lap. Up ahead whilst Jason Plato led the way to the flag, Jordan muscled his way into the top five, with Cammish finding himself in the thick of the action inside the top ten.

As the laps ticked by, both Turkington and the Toyota of Tom Ingram were on the attack and the pair soon swarmed the back of Cammish. Finding a way past into Druids, Turkington was picking points off the series leader but it still wasn’t enough.

Knowing that eighth position was good enough to secure him a maiden BTCC Drivers’ crown, Cammish suffered heartache a lap and a half away from the chequered flag. Speeding towards Hawthorn Bend, the Yorkshireman’s Civic Type R suffered a brake failure and hit the barriers.

In an instant, his title dreams were over and suddenly Turkington found himself back on top of the pile and powered his way to the chequered flag to become a four-time BTCC champion.

Jordan and Cammish finished the season tied on points however it was to be the BMW Pirtek Racing driver that ended the year in second after winning more races.

BMW successfully retained their BTCC Manufacturer/Constructors’ Championship whilst Halfords Yuasa Racing regained the Teams’ title.

Rory Butcher clinched both the Independent Drivers’ Championship and the Jack Sears Trophy, with Cobra Sport AmD AutoAid/RCIB Insurance scooping a first-ever Independent Teams’ title.

To view the full classification of results from Brands Hatch, click here.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will return in 2020 with the opening event of the season taking place at Donington Park on March 28/29.