Colin Turkington, Josh Cook and Tom Chilton were victorious at Croft Circuit this past weekend (July 27/28) as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship kicked off the second half of its 2024 season in blockbuster fashion. 

Blasting back into life at the British Automobile Racing Club’s North Yorkshire venue following a five-week hiatus, the UK’s premier motorsport series delivered three captivating contests for the bumper crowd that was in attendance. 

Qualifying on Saturday saw Turkington live up to his name of being the ‘King of Croft’ as he paced the opposition on his way to claiming pole position. The Team BMW driver was in formidable form as he upped the ante as the sessions progressed before setting a best time of 1:21.072.

Behind, NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish secured the remaining spot on the front row while Tom Ingram and the hugely impressive Aron Taylor-Smith claimed third and fourth respectively. Rounding out the top six was the lead Toyota of Rob Huff and reigning champion Ash Sutton.

Race one belonged to Turkington as he led from start-to-finish on his way to a 70th career victory in the BTCC. Blasting away from pole position, the four-time champion driver withstood early pressure before soon breaking free and comfortably triumphing.

Ingram would lead the chase for the Northern Irishman after getting the better of Cammish however he could do nothing to overhaul him. Completing the podium – fresh off of signing a new multi-year deal – was the aforementioned Cammish in his Ford Focus ST. 

With the front-runners being forced to run the hard tyre, race two provided unmissable viewing as LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ driver Cook produced a stunning move late on to clinch his second win of the season. 

Running on the faster soft tyre, the Toyota driver battled his way up to second place before then overhauling stablemate Rob Huff with a breathtaking move around the outside of the Jim Clark Esses. 

It was an overtake that had everyone glued to the action but thankfully both drivers emerged unscathed. Cook then powered clear to take victory while Huff and Dan Rowbottom each made a welcome return to the rostrum in second and third. 

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Chilton concluded the action by taking a hugely popular win in a frantic reverse grid contest. Drawn onto pole position, the Hyundai driver put in a sublime performance with Cammish and Ingram rounding out the podium.

Leaving Croft, Ingram leads the way from Hill in the Drivers’ Championship whilst Ford and NAPA Racing UK top the Manufacturer-Constructor and Teams’ categories respectively with four events now remaining. 

Elsewhere, Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing comfortably remain out front in the Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ standings, with Mikey Doble holding the advantage in the Jack Sears Trophy.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Croft, CLICK HERE.

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season continues in less than two weeks’ time when the series travels north of the border to Knockhill for Rounds 19, 20 & 21 on August 10/11.