Colin Turkington writes his name into the history books after clinching third BTCC title

Colin Turkington wrote his name into the history books at Brands Hatch after clinching his third Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title.

In the series’ 60th Anniversary season, the Team BMW driver kept his cool to join an illustrious list of three-time winners and with it, add his name to the trophy for a third time.

Turkington arrived at the Kent circuit with a 34-point advantage over Tom Ingram and outscored his rival by a handful of points in the opening encounter. Encountering issues in race two which saw him non-score, the Northern Irishman crossed the line with an unassailable lead.

BMW and West Surrey Racing enjoyed further success too as they successfully retained their BTCC Manufacturer/Constructor Championship and BTCC Teams’ Championship crowns.

Despite missing out on the overall title, Ingram still tasted championship glory as he successfully retained his Independent Driver’s crown. The Toyota Avensis driver wrapped up the championship with a race to spare, pipping season-long rival Tom Chilton.

Speedworks Motorsport also fended off Motorbase Performance to retain their Independent Teams’ Championship too.

Halfords Yuasa Racing’s signed off his maiden BTCC season in style around the iconic Grand Prix layout at Brands Hatch by storming to a breakthrough victory in race one. The Honda Civic Type R driver enjoyed further success later in the day as he scored a second lights-to-flag victory in race two, leading home a second Team Dynamics 1-2.

Cammish lifted championship silverware at the end of the weekend as he was crowned the new Jack Sears Trophy champion. Open to drivers who started the season having not scored an outright BTCC podium, the Yorkshireman built up an unassailable lead at the penultimate event of the season at Silverstone to lift the coveted trophy.

For the final standings in all BTCC championships, click here.

BTCC signs off from Rockingham in style with memorable weekend

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship signed off its time at Rockingham with a memorable weekend (August 11/12) with Adam Morgan, Ashley Sutton and Chris Smiley shared the spoils.

Following the announcement earlier in the year that the Corby venue would not be part of the 2019 calendar, the series’ latest visit added yet another plot twist in what is turning out to be an intriguing title battle.

Qualifying on Saturday proved to be a frenetic affair as a host of drivers all held provisional pole position at some stage during the 30-minute session. As the clocked ticked to zero however it was the MAC Tool with Ciceley Motorsport Mercedes of Morgan who scored his maiden pole in the series, setting a blistering time of 1:22.835.

Joining Morgan on the front row was the series’ top qualifier Sam Tordoff, whilst Dan Cammish, Mike Bushell, Daniel Lloyd and Chris Smiley rounded out the top six as the chequered flag fell to mark the end of the session.

Morgan converted his pole position in a comfortable lights-to-flag victory in the Rockingham opener; meanwhile behind there were plenty of major moments. The first came on the run down to the Deene hairpin as Cammish spun Tordoff, causing a chain affect that involved Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan, Ollie Jackson, Daniel Lloyd, Chris Smiley, Tom Oliphant and Sam Smelt.

Tordoff’s race was ended on the spot but Cammish continued, however his mirrors were filled by reigning champion Sutton following a brief safety car period. With Tom Chilton having rocketed into second, Cammish conceded third shortly after racing resumed but stayed on the back of the Subaru Levorg.

Catching the Ford Focus RS of Chilton, Sutton produced his latest spectacular move at the Tarzan hairpin – sending the Motorbase driver a dummy before diving down the inside of him. From there the positions remained as they were with Morgan scoring his third win of the season and Sutton and Chilton bringing themselves further into title contention with podiums.

Tom Ingram and Colin Turkington, the top two in the standings heading into race one, had been locked in an almighty battle towards the back of the top ten. Holding an advantage over the Team BMW driver, Ingram looked on course to extend his points lead until a throttle issue struck on the final lap, causing him to slow and ultimately cross the line in P24.

A heavy rain shower in-between races one and two added further spice to the action with many drivers questioning what tyres to go for, all of them in the end opting for slicks.

Launching off the outside of the front row, Sutton took the lead as the lights went out and was never troubled from then on. Despite having to manage two safety car periods, the Adrian Flux-backed driver controlled the race to notch his fourth victory of the season and bring himself firmly into title contention.

Behind Sutton, race one winner Morgan enjoyed a quiet race as he managed 75kgs of success ballast to second place. It was to be the battle for third that would captivate everyone however as Ingram produced another scintillating performance to charge scythe through the field and collect more silverware.

Just as he did at Snetterton, the Speedworks Motorsport driver started P27 and over the course of the next 18 laps he picked his way through the field, ultimately deposing Senna Proctor of third to reclaim his championship lead toward the end. Proctor finished fourth whilst Turkington was the footer of the top five.

BTC Norlin Racing’s Smiley became the latest driver to enter the winners circle in the reverse grid encounter, producing a perfect drive to become the 12th different victor of the year. Starting fifth, the Northern Irishman survived an early scare in mixed conditions on the opening tour to jump into the lead. From there he was never headed and powered his way to a popular win, joining his team-mate Dan Lloyd who won at Croft.

Behind, Turkington used all of his experience to get the better of Matt Simpson on the final lap to steal second, the Honda driver settling for third having pipped a charging Tordoff and Ingram for it on the line.

In the wake of Rockingham’s three high-octane races, Turkington returns to the summit of the standings although just four points separate himself and Ingram. Sutton remains in contention albeit 32 points further back.

BMW and Team BMW continue to lead the BTCC Manufacturer/Constructors Championship and BTCC Teams Championship respectively whilst Ingram and Speedworks are doing the same in both Independent categories. Smiley’s breakthrough win draws him closer in the Jack Sears Trophy standings although he continues to trail Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Cammish.

Junior Saloon Car Championship scholarship returns for 2019 with Croft event

The Junior Saloon Car Championship has confirmed that its Scholarship programme will once again return for the 2019 season, this time taking place at Croft Circuit.

Taking place on October 25th, the one-day event will bid to find the latest teenage star and give them the opportunity of a lifetime by racing in the 2019 Junior Saloon Car Championship.

Running for a third year, the event has elected to switch from Silverstone to Croft however the elements of the scholarship programme will remain the same.

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 dow the competition to select a winner.

Registration for the 2019 scholarship will be open soon. For more information, stay on top of things with via the JSCC website here.

Three drivers set to represent UK Clio Cup in International Final

Max Coates, Jack Young and Brett Lidsey are set to represent the Renault UK Clio Cup at Paul Ricard on November 3/4 as they take part in the International Renault Clio Cup Final.

Bringing together the leader competitors from all Clio Cup categories, the battle to be crowned the best driver in the series will take place around the circuits full-length Grand Prix layout in a 25-minute plus one lap race.

In addition to the UK Clio Cup, other championships being represented include France, Italy, Spain, Germany, ‘Central Europe’ and China – all of whom are putting some of their fastest drivers forward to duke it out for a brand new 280hp MĂ©gane Renault Sport.

Winning four races on his way to narrowly missing out on the 2018 UK Clio Cup title, Pyro Motorsport’s Coates is raring to take on the competition and sign off his year in style with yet more silverware.

In an interview with the Arabic news outlet 7alal he said: “I’m just very excited to be going to Paul Ricard – what an awesome event! This will be my second race overseas in 2018 which started in a Clio Cup car in the 24 Hours of Dubai endurance event.

“It’s going to be a challenge against other drivers from mainland Europe who will already know the circuit, but I’m going to give it my best shot and hopefully I can come away with a shiny new MĂ©gane R.S!”

MRM Racing duo Lidsey and Young both enjoyed strong campaigns over the past year, each scoring a best result of fifth place.

“It’ll be nice to race on the continent again after getting some strong results in the Benelux and Central Europe Clio Cup championships in the last few years,” Lidsey said.

“There are going to be a lot of good drivers going to Paul Ricard but I want to use the event to show what we are capable of – we were strong in the UK this year but results didn’t always go our way. This is a chance to end 2018 on a high before we look to 2019.”

Young added: “It’s going to be a very hard event to win – we don’t know the track whereas the Italian, Spanish and French drivers certainly do!

“However the UK championship I believe is the hardest of all the Clio Cups out there so, after being on the pace in the four events I did do, I’d like to think that we have the pace to be right at the sharp end at Paul Ricard.”

Clio Cup International Final spaces up for grabs at Brands Hatch

The Renault UK Clio Cup title won’t be the only prize up for grabs at this weekend’s (September 29/30) Brands Hatch season finale, with the top six drivers in the championship standings and the Graduates Cup champion set to secure entry to the prestigious International Renault Clio Cup Final event at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

Taking place on November 3/4, the event will bring together the best drivers from Clio Cup championships France, Italy, Spain, Central Europe, the UK and China for a thrilling end of season winner-takes-all race run over 25 minutes plus one lap. The winner of the race will receive a brand new 280hp MĂ©gane Renault Sport.

As it stands, the trio of Max Coates, Paul Rivett and James Dorlin have all secured their spots virtue of sitting inside the top three whilst Bradley Burns has also done the same after clinching the Graduates Cup at Silverstone.

Daniel Rowbottom, Michael Epps, Jack McCarthy, Lee Pattison, James Colburn and Dan Zelos could all still have their say on booking their spots too.

Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager, Will Fewkes, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for up to seven of our drivers to take on the best of the best in Clio Cup competition from across the world. Given the UK Clio Cup’s track record for producing the very best touring car stars of the future, we are confident we will be very well represented.

“This event rekindles the spirit of the famous Renault Finals of old and we very much look forward to discovering at Brands Hatch who will be going to Paul Ricard. We also have at our discretion the option to send an additional driver to represent the UK Clio Cup.”

Tarik Ait Said, Sporting Manager, Renault Sport Racing said: “Gathering all the Clio Cup championships that Renault holds worldwide, the Clio Cup International Final will not only be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enduring success of Clio but also a stage where the cream of the crop of each national Cup will be pitched against each other to crown the best among the best.

“Given the level of competitiveness that the UK Clio Cup has shown over the years, we expect the British contingent to be on the pace straight away. And don’t forget, a brand new MĂ©gane R.S. awaits the winner at the end of the weekend for the taking!”

Qualifying for the Renault UK Clio Cup weekend of the season is scheduled to take place at 10:55 on Saturday before race one beginning at 16:00 later that day. The final round of the season will be screened live on ITV4 on Sunday, with lights out set for 13:30.

Matt Neal wins the BTCC Diamond Double

Matt Neal has written his name into the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship history books at Snetterton after winning the Diamond Double.

As a way of marking 60 years of the BTCC, round 18 of the series was a 60-mile, 20-lap race instead of the customary reverse grid format. In addition, and more importantly, double points were on offer for it too.

Following on from storming to pole position in the first qualifying session on Saturday, WIX Racing with Eurotech’s Goff produced another stellar performance to make it two pole’s from two sessions – underlining his superiority at the Norfolk venue. The cherry on top for Goff was that he also smashed his own lap record that he had set just a few hours before.

Joining Goff on the front row of the grid was Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Matt Neal, whilst Tom Chilton and Tom Ingram filled the second row of the grid in their respective machines.

With mixed weather conditions battering the circuit throughout the day, all eyes were fixed on the skies to see if it would be a wet or dry race. With the rain holding off, all cars started on slicks and Goff launched from pole position into an early lead.

Behind, Tom Ingram hounded the back of Neal during the early running whilst Andrew Jordan vaulted himself into fourth. Towards the rear of the field, Aiden Moffat and Rory Butcher saw their races ended on the spot at the exit of Wilson.

Further back reigning champion Ashley Sutton found himself in strife as he was hit with not one but two 30-second stop-go penalties. The race two winner was issued the penalty on the opening lap but was adjudged to have not served it in the correct way the first time, forcing him to visit the pit lane for again a lap later.

As the laps ticked by Goff’s early lead was beginning to be whittled down as Neal and Ingram gave chase, especially after a brief safety car caused by Brett Smith and Tom Oilphant. Lap nine proved to be a decisive moment in the Diamond Double as light rain hit the circuit and Neal made his move. Running into the Wilson hairpin, Goff was unable to stop his Civic Type R and slithered wide, giving Neal the lead.

The splattering of rain ended soon after however Neal was unable to pull away from Goff. From lap nine onwards, Neal was chased by Goff and Ingram with no more than a second ever separating them.

Try as he might, Goff struggled to find a way past his Type R compatriot and he soon had his mirrors filled with the Toyota Avensis of Ingram. On lap 20, Ingram showed his nose at the Wilson hairpin but had the door shut. From there

Behind the top three, Andrew Jordan and Tom Chilton enjoyed a feisty battle with the BMW driver getting the edge over the Motorbase racer, taking fourth.

The scrap for sixth was where everyone had their attention drawn towards as Chris Smiley defended the position. With a bumper queue building up, Smiley came undone after the multiple laps of scrapping with Colin Turkington, Josh Cook, Senna Proctor and more.

Smiley became undone near the end of the race, joining the long list of retirements with damage. That departure gave Turkington sixth with Cook, Matt Simpson, Daniel Lloyd, and Proctor rounding out the top ten.

In the wake of the Diamond Double, Ingram now leads the BTCC Driver standings by six points over Turkington. Neal’s victory brings him closer in third whilst Goff and Cook round out the top five.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship returns in two weeks time with rounds 19, 20 & 21 taking place at Rockingham on August 11/12.

For the full classification of results and championship standings, click here.

Championship protagonists ready for BTCC title showdown

The 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title is set to go down to the wire at Brands Hatch this weekend (September 29/30) with Colin Turkington, Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton left in the running battle it out for the biggest prize in British motorsport.

Celebrating its 60 Anniversary this year, the BTCC has served up a record-breaking season which has been headlined by 16 different drivers winning a race. Now, three races and a maximum of 67 points remain before the curtain falls and it is still all to play for.

With the title pendulum having swung back and forth, Team BMW’s Turkington heads to Brands Hatch as the man to beat, holding a 34-point advantage over Speedworks Motorsport’s Ingram.

Despite only scoring a solitary victory at Oulton Park, the double champion has been consistent throughout, picking up a further nine podiums along the way. Admitting that the pressure is on his main title rival, the BMW 125i M-Sport driver is looking forward to the prospect of what is to come.

“I’m really looking forward to Brands Hatch,” Turkington said. “It has been a happy hunting ground for us in the past and I’m confident that we will have a strong car going there. We were in the thick of the battle at Silverstone last time out so it was pleasing to come away from there with a podium.

“I don’t see myself as the one who is under pressure. I much prefer to be in the position that I am in because I’ve got the points in the bag. Last year the pressure was on straightaway because I was the driver chasing and trying to claw back points wherever I could.

“I’ve already got the points and that won’t change, I go into Brands Hatch ready to do my own thing. I have a lot of reasons why I want to win this title and I’m hungrier than ever to clinch a third BTCC championship.”

Continuing to go from strength-to-strength as each year has passed, Ingram finds himself in the hunt for a maiden BTCC title for the first time. At the wheel of his Toyota Avensis, the reigning Independent champion has been a force to be reckoned with all season and is up for the challenge of overhauling a 34-point deficit.

Ingram stated: “With the lead that he has, the pressure is on Colin because the title is his to lose. I’m going into Brands Hatch with no pressure and I’ll be on maximum attack; we’re the hunters and Colin is the hunted.

“We need to beat Colin every single time we go out on track to stand a race of winning and I’ll be bringing the fight to him. Everyone at Speedworks has done a mega job this season and we are going to be in good shape around the Grand Prix circuit, the Toyota should work well around there.

“Yes 34 points is a big ask but it isn’t impossible; I don’t think it’s been won from that far back
.yet!”

Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher’s Chilton is the third driver that finds himself in mathematical contention for the championship, albeit 64 points off the summit. Realistic of his chances, Chilton has his own aspirations heading to Motorbase Performance’s home circuit.

“Although mathematically we are still in contention, realistically the overall title is out of reach for me,” Chilton said. “My championship is focused on Ingram to try to overhaul him for second in the standings and win the Independents title.

“Myself and Motorbase have clawed our way up the during the year and we’re not done yet!”

With one final race day left to play out in the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Brands Hatch looks set to once again play host to another pulsating and thrilling season finale – with further twists and turns set to come.

All event information such as links to live timing, commentary and timetable can be found by clicking here.

Knockhill returns to Renault UK Clio Cup calendar for 2019

The Renault UK Clio Cup has confirmed that it will make a welcome return to Knockhill next year after unveiling its 2019 calendar.

Having not staged an event at the picturesque Scottish venue since 2015, the popular TOCA support series will descend on battle it out around the undulating Fife circuit on September 14/15.

In addition to the return of Knockhill, the Clio Cup will instead compete at just one of the two Thruxton events that are pencilled in as part of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship’s schedule.

The championship will instead descend on the fastest circuit in the UK on August 17/18 whilst there will also be trips to Brands Hatch top and tailing the calendar and visit Donington Park, Croft, Oulton Park, Snetterton and Silverstone.

Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager, Will Fewkes, said: “We are very pleased that Knockhill is back on our calendar for 2019 following a four-year absence.

“Knockhill has produced some of the Clio Cup’s most exciting moments throughout the years – its circuit lay-out is like no other and the welcome the championship has always received there means it is also much liked by our teams and drivers.

“Furthermore, Scotland has historically been an important marker for Renault and also boasts an enthusiastic community of Renault Sport owners. We look forward to seeing many of them at Knockhill next year.

“Another reason for moving away from a spring date at Thruxton creates an ‘early breather’ in the calendar for teams and drivers – importantly this gives them an opportunity to spread their costs further across the season.”

2019 Renault UK Clio Cup Calendar

Rounds 1 & 2 – Brands Hatch Indy – April 6/7

Rounds 3 & 4 – Donington Park – April 27/28

Rounds 5 & 6 – Croft – June 15/16

Rounds 7 & 8 – Oulton Park – June 29/30

Rounds 9 & 10 – Snetterton – August 3/4

Rounds 11 & 12 – Thruxton – August 17/18

Rounds 13 & 14 – Knockhill – September 14/15

Rounds 15 & 16 – Silverstone – September 28/29

Rounds 17 & 18 – Brands Hatch GP – October 12/13

Jack Goff and Ashley Sutton share BTCC spoils in contrasting Snetterton races

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship has marked its 60th anniversary at Snetterton in fine style so far this weekend (July 28/29), with Jack Goff and Ashley Sutton scoring wins in races one and two respectively.

In what is a totally unique meeting for the series, the opening two 12-lap encounters around the Norfolk venue are likely to live long in the memory.

Qualifying for race one of the weekend proved to be a record-breaking affair as Goff scorched his way to pole position in the searing heat. Powering his WIX Racing with Eurotech Honda Civic Type R to the top of the times at mid-point in the session, his 1:55.556 wasn’t to be bettered, giving him a second pole of the season.

Joining Goff on the front row was Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Dan Cammish in second whilst row two was made up of two more Civic Type R’s, Matt Simpson and Brett Smith.

Torrential rain and a bumper trackside crowd greeted the drivers on Sunday, with the weather adding further spice to the already unpredictable track action.

With all cars on wet tyres, Goff turned his front row start into a race lead that he ultimately would never lose, however it wasn’t easy. As the Honda driver enjoyed a strong start, reigning champion Ashley Sutton had an even stronger one as he scythed his way through the field, going from ninth to second on the opening tour.

Losing ground in the early stages to Goff, Sutton soon began to set fastest lap after fastest lap, closing the gap to Goff in the process. With just a handful of laps to go, Goff’s mirrors were soon filled with Subaru Levorg of Sutton, shades of 2017 where the pair diced for a victory at Snetterton then.

Having defended for a majority of the final lap, Goff found himself having a lary moment through the Bombhole, allowing Sutton to close the gap. Attempting to go around the outside of the Honda driver at Coram, Sutton was on the inside and in the lead exiting the final corner and onto the straight. In a drag race to the line, Goff and Sutton went door-to-door in the run to the line, with Goff emerging as the victor.

Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Dan Cammish rounded off the podium with a measured drive in third place; Josh Cook and Sam Tordoff capping off the top five.

The second encounter of the day saw drama before the race had even begun. Following on from his earlier victory, Goff missed the window to leave the pit lane and was forced to start from the back of the grid, automatically ending his hopes of scoring a second win.

With the rain having eased off, slick tyres were chosen by everyone and Sutton took advantage of the clear road ahead of him to storm to his third victory of the year. Despite coming under early pressure from Cammish, the 23-year-old was able to pull away from the Honda driver as the laps ticked by.

Further back, Tom Ingram proved to be the one to watch as he threaded his way up the order having started in P27. Championship leader Colin Turkington meanwhile endured a torrid time, suffering contact on the first lap that ended his race early.

Following a brief safety car period late on, Sutton attempted to make his escape but soon found himself defending on the final lap to Power Maxed TAG Racing’s Cook. Despite the best efforts of Cook, Sutton maintained his lead to thrust himself into title contention.

Ingram meanwhile continued to pick off his rivals and clinched third place on the line, taking his overtaking tally to 24 in race two.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will cap off the weekend at Snetterton with the Diamond Double, a 60-mile race with double points on offer. Scheduled to start at 17:15, Goff will once again start on pole position with Matt Neal joining him on the front row.

For the full classification of results from rounds 16 and 17, click here.

Champions crowned at Oulton Park as the curtain falls on further BARC categories

The British Automobile Racing Club crowned more champions this past Saturday (October 20) as Oulton Park played host to a pulsating final day of the 2018 season for six championships.

As the sun shone over the Cheshire venue, those in attendance were treated to a feast of edge-of-the-seat thrills.

Lewis Saunders held his nerve in the Junior Saloon Car Championship to convert his points lead into title glory, narrowly pipping Joel Wren and Steven Chandler. Entering the event with an 11-point advantage, Saunders scored a fourth and a third place finish respectively to lift the coveted crown.

The 14 to 17-year-old series welcomed a new winner too as Scholarship winner Scott McIntyre capped off his maiden season with a pole position and first race win.

Ben Kasperczak then rounded out the year as the final victor of 2018 in the JSCC ranks, however it came following a red flag where a mere two laps were completed.

In the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship, Paul Rose was at his brilliant best to wrap up the title at the wheel of his Saker. Having been a tour-de-force throughout the year, Rose arrived at Oulton Park with a slender lead in the multi-class series over Jamie Cryer.

Notching two lights-to-flag wins, Rose put himself out of touch to be crowned champion once again.

There were celebrations in the Mighty Minis Championship too as a pair of champions were decided in both the Mighty Mini and Super Mighty Mini classes. Whilst former BTCC driver Jeff Smith stormed to overall victory in both races, all eyes were on the main title protagonists.

Despite Lee Poolman’s best efforts as he scored two wins in the Mighty Mini class, Stuart Coombs emerged as champion of the category – albeit by a single point. Elsewhere in the Super Mighty Mini category, Connor O’Brien produced a measured drive to be crowned champion.

The Classic VW Cup also brought the curtain down on their season with Ken Lark once again underlining his credentials as the man to beat by sealing two wins in his Volkswagen Corrado.

Rounding out the action at Oulton Park were a pair of races from the BARC Saloon Series and Dream Automotive Honda VTEC Challenge. Alexander Owen and Ben Rushworth were ultimately too much for the competition in their Honda Civic Type R and Honda Integra machines, taking two wins apiece.

For the full classification of results from all sessions, click here.

Brands Hatch braced for unmissable BTCC finale

After nine events and 27 races, the destiny of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will be decided around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit this weekend (September 29/30) – and the fight is still very much on.

Since roaring into life at the Kent venue in early April the BTCC’s Diamond Jubilee year has been one to remember, with records tumbling on a consistent basis. Boasting an impressive 16 different race winners, the series has hit new heights and that is set to continue as the final chapter of the current campaign is written.

Colin Turkington heads to Brands Hatch as the man to beat holding a 34-point advantage over Tom Ingram at the top of the standings. Chasing a third BTCC crown, the Team BMW driver has once again underlined his class with a consistent season to-date.

A single victory, taken at Oulton Park, has been backed up by an additional nine podiums to leave the Northern Irishman with a clear road to the biggest prize in British motorsport.

Standing in the way of Turkington however is reigning Independents champion Ingram, who at the wheel of his Speedworks Toyota Avensis has pieced together a mesmerising championship challenge thus far.

Producing standout performance after standout performance, Ingram descends on Brands Hatch as the hunter and focused on overhauling the 34-point deficit he has to make up over the double champion. Renowned for his overtaking prowess and ability to rise to the occasion, the 25-year-old is expected to be on maximum attack from the get-go.

Tom Chilton also enters the final weekend of the year in mathematical contention for the title but with a gap of 64 markers to make up over Turkington, the Motorbase Performance driver’s chance of overall glory looks to be an unrealistic one.

Whilst the battle for the title will take centre stage, several other drivers will be keen to sign off their season’s in style. Having seen his aspirations of his retaining crown slip away, outgoing champion Ashley Sutton will be on the march for silverware and bidding to finish in the top three.

In addition, the likes of Andrew Jordan, Jack Goff, Adam Morgan, Josh Cook, Matt Neal, Aiden Moffat and Sam Tordoff, to name just a few, are also likely to be in the mix for silverware over the course of the weekend too.

Dan Cammish’s quest for a breakthrough BTCC victory will continue however the Halfords Yuasa Racing driver won’t need to worry about the Jack Sears Trophy after building up an unassailable lead at Silverstone last time out.

The remaining championships see Ingram and Chilton as well as Speedworks and Motorbase locked in a battle for both Independent titles whilst Team BMW will look to successfully retain their BTCC Manufacturer/Constructor and BTCC Teams Championship crowns too.

With a maximum 67 points up for grabs and three high-octane BTCC encounters set to take place around the 2.43 mile circuit, the final chapter of the Britain’s premier race series’ Diamond Jubilee is set to be an enthralling one – and it is not to be missed.

The all-important final qualifying session of the season will take place on Saturday at 15:20 before rounds 28, 29 & 30 take place on Sunday at 11:35, 14:25 & 17:15 respectively.

For more information in the event including links to the full timetable and live timing, click here.

Special BTCC liveries unveiled to mark 60th Anniversary at Snetterton

Several cars on the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship grid will sport different liveries at Snetterton this weekend (July 28/29) as part of the series’ 60th Anniversary celebrations.

In what is set to be a milestone event at the Norfolk venue, the second half of the 2018 season will kick into a life with plenty of Diamond Jubilee commemorations, including a reformatted race three titled the Diamond Double.

Instead of the traditional reverse grid encounter will be a 60-mile contest, which is almost double that of the customary BTCC race distance at Snetterton, run over 20 laps. In addition, double championship points will be on offer whilst all cars will run on base weight and the same tyre compound.

Honouring the BTCC’s Diamond Jubilee, reigning champion Ashley Sutton’s Adrian Flux Subaru Racing is adorned in black, grey and white, instead of its usual striking blue for the weekend’s trio of races.

Commenting on the livery, Sutton said: “Seeing as it is the BTCC’s 60th years felt right that we had to do something. I’ve had this idea in my head since around about Oulton Park so to now see it in the flesh is brilliant.

“I’ve always loved the BTCC; I looked up to it when I was growing up so to be in it, let alone a champion is something that is very special to me. Going black, grey and white fitted in with the theme of going back in time and looking at some of the iconic moments.

“I think it looks fantastic. When you look at it alongside Jason’s (Plato) car you almost have to look twice, it really throws you. When it is on track alongside everyone else it will really stand out.”

Sam Tordoff meanwhile will add an extra splash of colour to the grid by hitting the track in his now bright pink Motorbase Performance Ford Focus RS.

“We had such a great reaction to the JCT600 70th anniversary platinum livery that we ran at croft in 2016,” Tordoff said. “As soon as I had signed the contract with Motorbase to return to the BTCC this year, I was adamant that we should do something similar once again. The 60th BTCC anniversary celebrations at Snetterton seemed the perfect time to do it.

“We wanted to choose a colour that really made an impact on the track and also on TV. Bright pink has become my signature colour over recent years. My pink helmet attracts a lot of attentions and comments – as you’d expect – and we wanted something special for the car, so it was a no-brainer to run it.

“It’s definitely going to grab people’s attention – who knows, we may even decide to keep it.”

Rob Austin’s HMS Racing Alfa Romeo Giulietta will also carry a special roof design this weekend, with the colour matching the same paint that adorned the title-winning Alfa Romeo 155 of 1994.