The 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is set to go down to the wire at Brands Hatch this weekend (October 8/9) with no less than four drivers in contention to lift the most coveted prize in UK motorsport. 

In what has been another blockbuster season for the BTCC, a gripping showdown is set to play out around the legendary Grand Prix layout of the Kent venue in three highly-anticipated encounters.

Seven points separate the top three – the closest margin since 2011 – and at the top of the pile is reigning champion Ashley Sutton. Aiming to clinch what would be a record-equalling fourth crown, the NAPA Racing UK driver is relishing the prospect of writing another piece of history in his already illustrious career.

“I’m absolutely buzzing and can’t wait to get to Brands Hatch this weekend!” Sutton stated. “If you’d have told me early on in the season that we’d be heading into Finals Day leading then I’d have bit your hand off. 

“Seven points between three of us is nothing; you really couldn’t script it. Anything can and usually does happen at the final round but I’m feeling very comfortable with the situation I’m in as I know the demands that come with the finale, both in and out of the car. 

“I love the Grand Prix circuit and I’m confident the car will be really strong. I’m just ready to go now!”

Sitting second in the standings is ROKiT MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill. Having been one of the standout performers this year, the West Surrey Racing driver enters the weekend riding a wave of momentum and full of confidence he can capture what would be a maiden title.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the BMW driver said: “I’m immensely proud to be in the position I’m in and have the team I have around me. I’ve chipped away during the second half of the season and now we’re within a few points of the top now.

“I’ve got to be open-minded and be prepared for all eventualities, it is the BTCC after all. Qualifying – like it has been all year – is going to be so important. Hopefully we can be up near the front on Saturday and then go from there on Sunday.”

Two points adrift of Hill is the Bristol Street Motors with TradePriceCars.com entry of Tom Ingram. Making history by becoming the first race-winner of the hybrid era, the Hyundai i30N racer has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the year and heading into the weekend, he’s feeling relaxed. 

“I feel really well placed and excited going into the weekend,” Ingram said. “I’ll be going there off the back of a win and with a decent amount of hybrid too. I’ve been in the position of going into the finale in contention before so it’s nice and familiar.

“There’s seven points with three races to go – I don’t know a year like it. This is going to the last lap of the last race. I don’t think you can rule any of us out from lifting that title come Sunday night.”

Colin Turkington is the fourth and final driver to enter the weekend with a mathematical chance of being crowned BTCC champion for what would be a record-breaking fifth time. 

After enduring a frustrating three races at Silverstone last month, the Team BMW trails Sutton by 27 points and the contender with the most to do – however he can’t be discounted at all. 

“I’ve got to just get my head down and make the most of what I’ve got,” Turkington stated.  “At this stage that’s a chance at winning, but that’s all I need to keep me focused on delivering my best.

“The strategy for me as 4th in the standings is really simple – drive as hard and as fast as I can – let’s aim towards the 67 points and see where it gets me.  I’ve got nothing to lose!”

With a total of 67 points on offer across the weekend at Brands Hatch, the battle for supremacy is likely to throw up plenty of thrills and spills; and go all the way to the 30th and final round of the campaign. 

It won’t just be the BTCC Drivers’ Championship that will be settled either as champions will be crowned in the BTCC Teams’, Manufacturer/Constructors’, Independent Drivers’, Independent Teams’ Championship’s, as well as the Jack Sears Trophy.

To find out more information on this weekend’s season finale, CLICK HERE.