BTCC returns to Thruxton for second instalment of high-speed thrills in 2019

Thruxton is set to host the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the second time in 2019 as the series once again heads to Hampshire for Rounds 19, 20 and 21 next weekend (17/18 August).

This season has been as spectacular and unpredictable as ever, producing seven winners and 17 podium finishers with four events to come. Reigning champion Colin Turkington tops the table ahead of Andrew Jordan, with Rory Butcher and Josh Cook flying the flag for the independent teams in third and fourth respectively.

The BMW drivers at the head of the championship have collected five wins apiece so far with Turkington scoring two further podiums to Jordan’s three. Jordan has recovered manfully since a nightmare Donington weekend – three non-scores earlier in the year – with a dominant double victory at BTCC’s first visit to Hampshire in May, but the Pirtek sponsored driver remains some 36 points behind the Northern Irishman.

At a track where the Hondas are regularly quick, there are plenty of on-form Civic drivers who will be looking for a strong result with the marque’s UK base residing in nearby Swindon. Fresh off the back of a win at Snetterton, Rory Butcher can be hopeful of a good weekend at Thruxton, backed by a podium finish during the first visit of the year. Bath-based Josh Cook is another Type R driver to have enjoyed exceptional weekends at both Thruxton and Snetterton. Likewise, Dan Cammish scored two podiums at each of those meetings.

Ash Sutton is sure to be fired up in his Subaru Levorg after a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle with ex-teammate Jason Plato at Snetterton, ultimately ending in disaster for the BMR driver. Sutton finished on the podium at Thruxton earlier in the year which bodes well in his bid to take to the top step in 2019. Team Toyota GB with Ginsters and Tom Ingram are another pairing to watch in the coming races after correcting a damping issue during the in-season test, followed by a lights-to-flag victory at Round 16.

Off-track, there will be something for everyone with a variety of activities around the venue including skid pan rides for all ages, an extensive display of Thruxton’s driving experience supercars and racing cars and a fantastic trade village to explore. There’s also evening entertainment in the Thruxton Centre on Friday and Saturday.

The fast and flowing ‘Hampshire Speedbowl’ is sure to provide even more spectacular racing up and down the field, with commitment and precision required at every corner – most notably ‘Church’ – to string together the perfect lap. The championship battle is primed to intensify at Thruxton next weekend.

“Snetterton went to plan for us,” commented championship leader Turkington. “It was always going to be a tough weekend given the official test day back in July, where everybody was able to get a feel of the circuit and get up to speed – we knew it was going to be ultra-competitive.

“It was great to win again, and win with a heavy car heading into the weekend as championship leader with the maximum complement of success ballast on-board. We were consistent over every session and we’re hoping for more of the same at Thruxton. We’ve a good knowledge of the circuit, this being our second visit of the year so it’ll make for a strong starting point.

“The BMW 330i M Sport was quick there earlier this season and looking back, we’d come out of the blocks fast. Now, as the season’s played out, people have closed that gap. The front-wheel drive cars went well at Snetterton last weekend and it’ll be even more difficult, for sure, this time around at Thruxton.

“The focus is firmly on myself at this stage of the season and maximising opportunities wherever I can. There’s a lot of competition from any number of drivers – not just the guys directly behind me. We’ve completed six of ten race weekends and there’s still a huge amount of racing left.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome BTCC for a second time in 2019,” enthused Pat Blakeney, Thruxton Group Operations Manager. “After such a successful event in May, we can’t wait for the return of the championship to the UK’s fastest circuit.

“As always, Thruxton produced some great racing earlier in the year and we’re hoping for more of the same next weekend, the nature of our track requires a lot of nerve from the drivers and I think the fans enjoy that. There’s also plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy away from the track!”

Tickets for the BTCC’s visit on 17/18 August can be purchased on the gate, starting at £17 for Saturday (qualifying) and £34 for Sunday (race day). Children aged 13-15 get in for £5 on Saturday and £10 on Sunday; accompanied children aged 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.

For further information or to buy tickets, visit thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc-aug or call 01264 882222.

For more information on Thruxton’s race meetings and driving experiences, visit www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

Tom Ingram, Colin Turkington & Rory Butcher share action-packed BTCC spoils at Snetterton

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship roared back into life after its annual six-week summer break in sensational style this past weekend (August 3/4) at Snetterton with Tom Ingram, Colin Turkington and Rory Butcher sharing the spoils.

Kicking off the second half of the 2019 campaign at the Norfolk venue, Britain’s premier race series served up an action-packed two days of track action which culminated in a edge of the seat third encounter.

For the first time in BTCC history, all three tyre compounds (soft, medium and hard) were available to be used by teams and drivers on race day. Nominations were made just before the pit lane opened prior to each race, adding further intrigue and strategy to the spectacle.

Qualifying on Saturday proved to be a record-breaking affair as Ingram claimed the first pole position for Speedworks Motorsport’s new Toyota Corolla. Storming to the top of the times with a 1:54.737, last years runner-up edged out Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Dan Cammish by a slender 0.002.

Starting on the front row of the grid, Ingram converted his pole position into a commanding lights-to-flag victory on the soft tyre. Withstanding an early challenge from Cammish, Ingram soon began to stretch his legs out front an cantered to his second win of the season.

Cammish continued his rich vein of form with yet another podium whilst Sam Tordoff rounded out the rostrum in third.

Race two would see championship leader Turkington come to the fore as he powered to a fifth victory of the season ahead of Cammish and team-mate Andrew Jordan.

Launching into second place on the opening lap, the three-time champion took the lead away from Ingram at the halfway marker – with the Toyota driver suffering an engine issue. Once out front, the BMW 330i M Sport racer clinched a comfortable victory, a record tenth in a single season for West Surrey Racing.

The third and final race of the weekend from the Norfolk venue will likely go down as being one of the races of the season as Cobra Sport AmD AutoAid/RCIB Insurance’s Butcher scored his second win of the season – albeit his first on the road.

BTC Racing’s Chris Smiley started on pole position virtue of the reverse grid draw but his lead was short-lived as Jason Plato and Ashley Sutton got the better of him on the opening tour.

From there, a back-and-forth battle between the former team-mates ensued as they diced for the lead, leaving those in attendance on the edge of their seats. Going side-by-side on lap five, Sutton was unable to find a way past the Vauxhall driver but continued to press.

Two laps later, a daring move around the outside of turns one and two allowed Sutton to complete the move and take the lead at turn three. However, contact from Plato into the rear of the Subaru driver at Agostini forced him wide and back down to second.

By this stage a whole host of drivers had joined the fray for victory, many of them charging through the pack on soft tyres. The exciting climax to the battle came on lap eight as Plato, Sutton and Butcher ran three-abreast down the back straight and into Brundle.

Scything his way down the inside, Butcher took both Plato and Sutton and powered into the lead as they both made contact once more; this time leaving Sutton spinning onto the grass and dropping to 20th.

Once the melee had finished, it was Butcher that stormed to victory whilst the BTC Racing pairing of Josh Cook and Smiley were second and third respectively.

Come the end of the weekend, Turkington had extended his advantage at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship to 36 points, with Jordan in second and Butcher jumping back up into third place.

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

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is back in action in under two weeks’ time on August 17/18 when it makes it second visit of the year to the fastest circuit in the UK and the home of the British Automobile Racing Club, Thruxton Circuit.

Advance tickets to the seventh event of the season are available to purchase by heading to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc-aug or by calling 01264 882200 (Option 1).

BTCC battle heads to Snetterton as second half of the season kicks into life

Britain’s premier motorsport series the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns to action this weekend (August 3/4), with Snetterton playing host to Rounds 16, 17 & 18 and reigning champion Colin Turkington holding the initiative at the standings summit.

Following the traditional six-week summer break, the battle for supremacy in the BTCC is set to ramp up as the second half of the 2019 campaign kicks into life around the ultra-challenging Norfolk venue – and it is all to play for.

Such is the competitive nature of the championship this year, seven different drivers representing six different marques have triumphed with five events in the books whilst a further 19 drivers have stood on the podium.

Four wins have gone the way of three-time and defending champion Turkington, who holds a 33-point advantage as it stands. Armed with the new BMW 330i M Sport, the Northern Irishman has been on top form and is good value for his lead, however given that things can change quickly in the BTCC Turkington will be wary of maintaining his points buffer.

West Surrey Racing’s new car has been the machine to beat this year with BMW Pirtek Racing’s Andrew Jordan sitting second, having tallied five wins himself. Gunning for a second title, Jordan has been a tour-de-force since Donington Park and will likely be in the mix once again at Snetterton.

Beyond the top two sit a wealth of contenders all focused on closing the gap as the series heads to the business end of the season. Josh Cook, Rory Butcher, Ashley Sutton (winner at Snetterton last year) and Dan Cammish have all been regular front-runners and will have their sights set on wrestling back control from the rear-wheel-drive pace-setters.

Matt Neal – winner of the Diamond Double at Snetterton last year – has been in the thick of the action too and he, Tom Chilton, Tom Ingram and Jason Plato round out the top ten in the overall championship at the half-way marker.

Chilton will be one to watch over the course of the weekend after setting the pace during the two-day tyre test at Snetterton last month.

Renowned for producing unpredictable twists and turns on a regular basis, several drivers outside of the top ten could well make their mark in East Anglia. Tom Oliphant, Jake Hill, Sam Tordoff, Stephen Jelley and Adam Morgan, amongst many more, have all enjoyed varied success this year and will have the target of adding to it across Sunday’s three encounters.

Aiden Moffat will garner plenty of attention too as he has his first race from behind the wheel of his Laser Tools Racing Infiniti Q50 after electing to move away from his Mercedes Benz A-Class during the summer break.

One of the highlights of the BTCC calendar each season, the annual trip to Snetterton always serves up a feast of entertainment and this weekend is set to be no different.

For more information on this weekend’s event, including links to timetables and live timing, head to https://www.barc.net/event/btcc-snetterton/

Cosworth Electronics awarded BTCC Hybrid System contract

British Touring Car Championship organisers TOCA have confirmed that Cosworth Electronics have been awarded a contract for the design, supply and servicing of the BTCC Hybrid System, which will be introduced for the 2022 season.

The first major touring car championship in the world to announce the move to hybrid technology, Britain’s premier race series

Following the tender process for the contract, Cosworth Electronics met the challenging specifications  – particularly those regarding packaging, performance and low-cost – that TOCA had outlined. 

The additional hybrid power will be used by each driver for either passing or defending and will introduce new competitive strategies and opportunities during each BTCC race.

Performance simulations carried out by Cosworth show that the most significant gains will be achieved at the low engine RPM ranges; the hybrid power burst bringing the engine up into the turbo ‘window’ more quickly. This will provide drivers deploying the system the chance to pull alongside or gain ground on the opposition.

After the opening lap of a race drivers will have control over the amount of their hybrid energy they use or regenerate – and when – during the course of each race.

Drivers will have a steering wheel mounted button to engage the hybrid once full traction has been achieved whilst the system will deactivates on a second button press, the use of brakes, on reaching the time or energy limit, a reduced throttle pressure or sudden acceleration/deceleration.

Prior to be introduced to the championship, rigorous testing and simulations will refine the more exact nature of the driver-selectable hybrid power delivery (i.e. how many seconds per lap, when/how it can be used etc.) as well as configuring the varying amounts of regeneration and hybrid power that will be used to replace the current success ballast system.

A full technical and performance overview of the system can be found at http://www.btcc.net/2019/07/23/cosworth-electronics-awarded-btcc-hybrid-system-contract/

Stars of two wheels and four Hampshire-bound for Thruxton’s spectacular summer of motorsport

Over the next four weeks, the UK’s fastest riders and drivers will be Hampshire-bound for a double bill of entertainment in the form of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in association with Pirelli and Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – as Thruxton’s sizzling summer of high-octane action enters full swing.

The British Superbike Championship (2-4 August) is Thruxton’s busiest race meeting of the year, with a capacity field of beefed-up production bikes tackling the track’s legendary curves at speeds approaching 200mph – mere inches apart.

Piloted by some of the world’s most talented riders – including former MotoGP podium-finisher Scott Redding and local favourite Tommy Bridewell from nearby Devizes – the spectacle of almost 30 Superbikes slipstreaming one another through the Hampshire circuit’s flat-out sweepers is always an awe-inspiring sight. Indeed, more than anywhere else, Thruxton truly showcases the BSB heroes’ supreme skill, pinpoint precision and razor-sharp reactions.

Just a fortnight later (16-18 August), the stars and cars from the country’s biggest motorsport series – the fast-and-frantic BTCC – will race into Thruxton for the second time in 2019. The championship’s first visit of the season here back in May delivered thrills ‘n’ spills aplenty, doorhandle-to-doorhandle duels and seven different podium-finishers, underscoring its famously close-fought and unpredictable nature.

With the title battle reaching fever pitch, the racing looks set to be even more on-the-edge next month, and with 30 of the world’s pre-eminent tin-top protagonists all disputing the same piece of tarmac, fireworks are guaranteed.

“August certainly promises to be a busy and tremendously exciting month for all of us here,” acknowledged Thruxton Operations Manager, Pat Blakeney. “There’s no question that BSB and the BTCC are the UK’s two major motor racing series, so fans are in for a real treat with both of them dropping by in the next few weeks – a double bill of fast-paced entertainment.

“As a track, Thruxton always brings the best out of competitors, demanding maximum commitment and favouring the brave. To succeed here, you need to be smooth, consistent and precise, with absolute focus and nerves of steel and be willing to push the limits without overstepping them – and the ultimate winners are always the fans.”

Advance tickets for the BSB race meeting are available from just £5 for Friday (free practice), £13 for Saturday (qualifying) and £29 for Sunday (race day). All those purchasing (or who have already purchased) advance race day, advance weekend or advance family tickets will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a unique and exclusive pillion ride around the track on race day.

Advance tickets for the BTCC event are on sale from £13 for Saturday (qualifying) and £29 for Sunday (race day). All those purchasing (or who have already purchased) advance race day, advance weekend or advance family tickets will be in with a chance of waving the chequered flag at the end of the first race.

Accompanied children aged 12 and under will be admitted free of charge on both occasions.

For further information or to buy tickets, visit thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/bsb (BSB) / thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc-aug (BTCC) or call 01264 882222.

For more information on Thruxton’s race meetings and driving experiences, visit www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

TOCA extends contract to operate BTCC until the end of 2026

The British Touring Car Championship will continue to be operated and run by TOCA until at least the end of the 2026 season after signing a contract extension with UK governing body Motorsport UK.

Motorsport UK had previously appointed BARC (TOCA) Limited as the organiser and promoter of Britain’s premier race series for five years from 2017, with the option to extend for a further five years from 2022.

With the championship continuing to reach new heights, TOCA has extended the agreement early in order to provide for the organisation to enter into major obligations beyond 2021.

BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, said: “It’s important for the long-term stability of the BTCC for us to be able to confirm that we will continue to operate this great Championship until at least the end of 2026.

“This enables us to now embark on firm planning and making those extended commitments – including the introduction of hybrid energy – that are vital to ensure the continued growth of this fantastic championship.”

David Richards CBE, Chairman of Motorsport UK, added: “The British Touring Car Championship is one of the best-loved and most successful Championships in the world, let alone the UK, with packed grids, high profile manufacturer support, live television coverage and crowds of up to 40,000 attending every event.

“TOCA has done an exceptional job in organising and promoting the Championship, which continues to deliver exceptional, action-packed racing at circuits throughout the UK. Motorsport UK is delighted to be extending its agreement with them until at least 2026.”

Colin Turkington scores 50th BTCC win on dramatic BTCC weekend at Oulton Park

Colin Turkington produced a stellar performance at Oulton Park this weekend (June 29/30) as he tallied a half-century of Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship victories, extending his advantage in the standings in-doing.

Marking the final stop on the calendar before the annual six-week summer break, the picturesque Cheshire venue served up a blockbuster race day with Turkington and Stephen Jelley sharing the spoils.

Reigning champion Turkington entered the fifth event of the season ladened with success ballast but that didn’t stop him from scorching his way to pole position in qualifying. The Team BMW driver powered his way to the top of the times early in the session and was ultimately never headed.

Turkington converted his front row start into a flawless victory in the opening encounter as he dominated proceedings, leading lights-to-flag. Despite being kept honest by the Honda of Dan Cammish throughout, the Northern Irishman had enough in hand to record his third win of 2019.

Andrew Jordan, the form man of recent events, continued his impressive run of results with a third place finish to round out the podium.

The latest chapter of Turkington’s storied career was written in the second race of the day as the triple champion swept his way to a milestone 50th BTCC win.

Storming off the line, Turkington hit the front and despite two safety car periods, the 330i M Sport driver commanded every lap to lead Jordan across the line for West Surrey Racing 1-2 – whilst Dan Cammish just prevented Tom Oliphant from making it a clean sweep on the podium.

Race three around the 2.23-mile circuit proved to be action-packed from start-to-finish with Team Parker Racing’s Jelley triumphing for the first time since his last BTCC win ten years ago.

Trade Price Cars’ Jake Hill took the chequered flag however a post-race penalty for the Audi driver saw his maiden victory in the series taken away.

Hill started on pole position virtue of the reverse grid draw but came under early pressure from Matt Neal. The pivotal moment in the race came on lap three as the Halfords Yuasa Racing driver passed Hill into the first turn. As Neal tucked ahead, contact was made and the triple champion was sent spinning across the grass and track.

Several cars took avoiding action and when the dust settled, Rory Butcher and Jelley found themselves in second and third. With a gap of more than five seconds to close down, Butcher soon began to eat into Hill’s advantage and by the penultimate lap had caught him.

Pushing hard, Butcher overcooked it into the hairpin and dropped down the order – all but confirming Hill’s victory with Jelley and Oliphant rounding out the rostrum. Hill’s celebrations were short-lived after the race as he was handed a 20-second time penalty for his part in the Neal incident, thus handing Jelley a first win since Rockingham 2009 and the team its first-ever in the series.

Leaving Oulton Park, Turkington holds a 33-point advantage at the top of the BTCC standings ahead of Jordan and Josh Cook.

To view the full classification of results across all sessions during the fifth event of the season, click here.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will now pause for six weeks before the kicking the second half of the season off at Snetterton on August 3/4. Before that, a majority of teams will venture to the Norfolk venue on July 16/17 for the annual two-day in-season test.

BTCC set for scorching weekend as series reaches halfway marker at Oulton Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will speed into its annual summer break this weekend (June 29/30) at Oulton Park with three races set to bring the curtain down on the first half of the season – and it is all to play for in the battle for the UK’s biggest motorsport prize.

In what has been an ultra-competitive campaign to date, the picturesque Cheshire venue is set to add more fuel to the title fire as all 30 drivers bid to head into the six-week break on a high.

Following a pulsating event at Croft earlier in the month, reigning champion Colin Turkington finds himself in the pound – topping the standings by 11 points. West Surrey Racing’s new-for-2019 BMW 330i M Sport has been a potent weapon this year and Turkington has already reaped the benefits.

Doing the double at Donington Park, the three-time champion has been the epitome of consistency as always, banking solid points at every turn so far. With a proven track record around Oulton too, the Northern Irishman could well be in contention for more success too.

BTC Racing’s Josh Cook is Turkington’s nearest challenger and he too has impressed, scoring two wins and a podium at every weekend thus far. Ashley Sutton – who is yet to win a race this season – has been steadily accumulating the points and could well strike this weekend in his Subaru.

Andrew Jordan is arguably the form man heading to Oulton Park having won five races already this year. Following a trip to the hospital at Donington the 2013 champion has done the double at both Thruxton and Croft – throwing himself back into title contention.

Honda duo Matt Neal and Rory Butcher have been firmly in the mix too whilst Motorbase Performance’s Tom Chilton scored victory last time out to boost his title chances.

Dan Cammish, Tom Ingram and Jason Plato have all also enjoyed success this year and can’t be discounted out from the weekend’s trio of encounters around the challenging Island layout.

Beyond the championship top ten sit a host of drivers that are all keen to not only throw themselves into contention further up the standings but also cap off the midway marker in style.

Adam Morgan, Rob Collard, Sam Tordoff, Aiden Moffat, Jake Hill and Senna Proctor are just a handful of drivers to keep a keen eye over the course of Sunday’s race day.

With events at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Thruxton and Croft already in the books, this weekend’s triple-header at Oulton Park is set to play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of where this year’s title will end up.

To find out more information on the event, including links to timetables, live timing and commentary, click here.

Andrew Jordan and Tom Chilton triumph in action-packed BTCC encounters at Croft

Croft Circuit played host to an action-packed Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this past weekend (June 15/16) as thousands flocked to the North Yorkshire venue to see Andrew Jordan and Tom Chilton share the spoils.

Faced with challenging weather conditions on both Saturday and Sunday, Britain’s premier race series served up a feast of entertainment as records tumbled around the newly resurfaced 2.12 mile circuit.

In qualifying, BMW Pirtek Racing’s Jordan set a new lap record to score his first pole position since 2014, despite plenty of disruption throughout the session. No less than five red flag stoppages, the last of which was caused by Jordan himself, truncated the session.

Launching off the line, the 2013 champion continued his rich vein of form as he took a lights-to-flag victory. Dealing with race-long attention from BTC Racing’s Chris Smiley, as well as a lengthy safety car period, the 30-year-old proved to be in a league of his own as he powered his way to the chequered flag.

The battle for the final spot on the podium fell the way of Tom Chilton after he held off the advances of Colin Turkington and Tom Oliphant for the entirety of the 18-lap encounter.

Race two proved to be a similar story for Jordan as he converted pole position into his fifth win of the season, replicating his double-winning performance at Croft last time out.

Making a good getaway, Jordan pulled out a comfortable gap in the opening stages as the chasing pack battled with second place Smiley. Turkington finally got the better of his Northern Irish counterpart but by that time the gap to Jordan was too big.

Reeling him in over the course of a handful of laps, the West Surrey Racing duo held station to record their latest 1-2 finish of the season. Yorkshireman Dan Cammish gave locals plenty to cheer about as he continued his recent run of form with a podium on home turf.

BARC Chief Executive Ben Taylor carried out the reverse grid draw live on ITV4 and pulled number nine out of the bowl, promoting Chilton onto pole position.

With heavy rain falling before the race the question on everybody’s lips was what tyres to go for – wets or slicks. As the sun broke through the clouds, a majority of the field opted for wet tyres with Tom Ingram, who was starting third, rolling the dice and gambling with slicks.

As the lights went out, Ingram tumbled down the order as those on wets got the best of the conditions. At the front, Chilton held the lead and fended off the advances of Josh Cook whilst Jason Plato joined remained with touching distance of the pair too.

Laps ticked by however Ingram’s progress didn’t come into effect until the final stages of the race, by which time he was too far back to challenge those in the points. Chilton meanwhile held on to record his first win of the season whilst Cook kept his championship challenge going with a second place finish.

Double champion Plato was back on the rostrum after a year-long drought, getting a big cheer as he made it onto the podium. Ashley Sutton and Matt Neal rounded out the top five with Sutton producing a string of mesmerising overtakes heading into the hairpin.

Leaving Croft, Turkington is now the sole leader in the standings – holding an 11-point advantage over Cook whilst Sutton remains a further two points back.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship now heads to Oulton Park at the end of the month on June 29/30 for Rounds 13, 14 & 15, before then heading into the annual summer break.

BTCC reveals fresh look to 2020 calendar

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced its calendar for the 2020 season, boasting a revised order of events with Silverstone taking on a second race meeting in place of Thruxton – which has done so this year.

Confirmed by Series Organisers TOCA, the 2020 campaign will once again comprise of 30 races across ten weekends – three per event of equal distance.

Donington Park will lift the curtain on the new BTCC season in late March before the series then descends on Kent for the second meeting of the year as Brands Hatch plays host to Rounds 4, 5 & 6.

The first of two visits to Silverstone will follow just a couple of weeks later with the National circuit being used before the championship then heads to the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton.

Oulton Park will round out the first half of the season in mid-June before the annual summer break comes into effect, with Snetterton remaining as the starting point for the second of the year.

Having traditionally been a fixture during the first of the year in recent times, Croft is set for a BTCC summer spectacular as it hosts the seventh meeting on the calendar – with Knockhill swiftly following a fortnight later.

The penultimate event of the 2020 season will see Silverstone take up its usual spot on the schedule however unlike previous years, the International layout of the Northamptonshire venue will be used.

Brands Hatch will bring the curtain down on the year with three title-deciding races around the iconic Grand Prix circuit in October.

2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Calendar

Rounds 1, 2 & 3 – Donington Park – March 28/29

Rounds 4, 5 & 6 – Brands Hatch (Indy) – April 11/12

Rounds 7, 8 & 9 – Silverstone (National) – April 25/26

Rounds 10, 11 & 12 – Thruxton – May 16/17

Rounds 13, 14 & 15 – Oulton Park – June 13/14

Rounds 16, 17 & 18 – Snetterton – July 25/26

Rounds 19, 20 & 21 – Croft – August 15/16

Rounds 22, 23 & 24 – Knockhill – August 29/30

Rounds 25, 26 & 27 – Silverstone (International) – September 26/27

Rounds 28, 29 & 30 – Brands Hatch (Grand Prix) – October 10/11

The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s Season Launch is set to be announced at a later date.

To keep up-to-date with all of the latest BTCC information, head to btcc.net.

BTCC battle heads north to tackle recently resurfaced Croft

The battle for supremacy in the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will see the series head to North Yorkshire this weekend (June 15/16) as Croft Circuit plays host to Rounds 10, 11 & 12 – and it is all to play for at the top of the standings.

Coming off the back of a scintillating weekend of racing at Thruxton in mid-May, Britain’s premier race series ventures to the north-east for a pivotal three encounters around the 2.13 mile layout.

One major change to take place at the venue since the BTCC’s last visit in 2018 has been the resurfacing of the entire circuit, meaning the drivers could be facing a different feel on-track altogether.

Historically, Croft has been better suited to rear-wheel-drive machinery down the years – with BMW and Subaru amassing 11 victories from the past 15 races – and many eyes will be fixed on those two outfits to reign supreme once again.

Dubbed the ‘King of Croft’, reigning champion and joint championship leader Colin Turkington will be looking to extend his impressive win tally around the BARC-run venue as he aims to put clear distance between himself and the chasing pack.

Ashley Sutton meanwhile has forged a path as Turkington’s main challenger to the ‘King of Croft’ mantel having enjoyed plenty of success in recent years. At the wheel of his Subaru Levorg, the 2017 champion has emerged as a consistent challenger already this season, notching four podiums so far.

Throw into the mix three-time 2019 winner Andrew Jordan, Tom Oliphant and local man Senna Proctor, and the potential of further rear-wheel-success could well continue.

Rory Butcher finds himself sharing the points lead with Turkington and he could well spring a surprise as he bids to lead the front-wheel-drive challenge. Having notched a breakthrough win at Brands Hatch, the Scotsman has been a tour-de-force in his Honda Civic Type R and could well continue his rich vein of form in the north east.

Two more Yorkshire home heroes pilot Civic Type R’s and both will be keen to make their mark on home soil. Sam Tordoff and Dan Cammish were in the thick of the action at Thruxton last time out and both will be hoping they’ll be in the mix at Croft.

The likes of Josh Cook, Tom Ingram, Matt Neal, Tom Chilton and Jason Plato, amongst many more, are also likely to be in the battle at the sharp end of the grid – making it a weekend that is not to be missed.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event, including links to live timing and the timetable, click here.

BTCC stars to raise vital funds for charity with online auction and track walk at Croft

Stars from the UK’s premier motorsport series will put their best foot forward at Croft Circuit this weekend (15/16 June) for a public track walk jointly in aid of Children with Cancer and the Alzheimer’s Society – and many have also donated signed merchandise and exclusive experiences to an online auction that launched last night.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Croft, presented by Tarmac is the blue riband event on the popular North Yorkshire circuit’s calendar, as 30 of the finest racing drivers in the country get set to go doorhandle-to-doorhandle for glory in front of capacity crowds.

Last year, an impromptu track walk on the Saturday evening raised more than £550 for nearby Butterwick House Children’s Hospice, inspiring an even bigger push 12 months on, with BTCC title partner Kwik Fit’s dedicated charity Children with Cancer and Croft’s own chosen charity for 2019, the Alzheimer’s Society both set to benefit from the money collected.

The track walk will begin as soon as racing finishes on Saturday (c.18:15), with drivers and fans invited to gather at the end of the pit garages near to the pit-lane exit. Drivers currently confirmed to take part include joint championship leader Rory Butcher, Yorkshire’s own Dan Cammish and Senna Proctor, two-time Independents’ Champion Tom Ingram, race-winners Stephen Jelley and Matt Simpson and Team HARD rookie Michael Crees. Fans are asked to donate what they can to join the stars of the show on a lap of the circuit on foot.

Additionally, a variety of BTCC-related items and experiences are going ‘under the hammer’ to add to the fundraising total. All of them can be viewed and bid for on the Croft Circuit Facebook page (www.facebook.com/croftcircuit/), with the following all on offer to the highest bidders:

  1. A Tom Ingram T-shirt, hoodie and cap bundle
  2. Three opportunities to join Tom and the Team Toyota GB with Ginsters crew for afternoon tea and a garage tour at Croft on Sunday*
  3. Signed PopbangColour prints of Rory Butcher and Dan Cammish
  4. The race boots set to be worn at Croft this weekend by Dan Cammish (autographed)
  5. Michael Crees-signed caps
  6. A meet-and-greet plus grid walk with Ciceley Motorsport*
  7. Five limited-edition commemorative 60th anniversary BTCC posters (only 100 ever produced)
  8. Two 2018 BTCC season review DVDs (signed by defending champion Colin Turkington)
  9. Saturday garage tour and Sunday grid walk for two with Power Maxed Racing at Croft this weekend*

The auction will end at 8pm on Monday, 17 June, with the two starred items above ending earlier at 8pm this Thursday (13 June). The Team Toyota GB with Ginsters and Ciceley Motorsport lots do not include circuit entry.

Tickets to the BTCC’s only north-eastern event of the year are still available to purchase on the gate, priced at just £15 for Saturday entry (BTCC Qualifying), £30 for Sunday (BTCC Race Day) or £39 for the full weekend. Accompanied children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge, with tickets for 13-to-15-year-olds beginning at £5. Further details can be seen at: www.croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc


More information on all of Croft’s driving experiences and racing events can be found at www.croftcircuit.co.uk