BTCC SETS COURSE FOR FLAT-OUT, FULL-THROTTLE THRUXTON WEEKEND
Thruxton Circuit is gearing up for an all-action weekend on 28/29 May as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship makes the first of two visits to the fastest circuit in the UK this season.
Having officially held the 2022 Season Launch back in April, the UK’s premier motorsport series speeds back down the A303 for Rounds 7, 8 & 9 of what is proving to be another sensational campaign.
The 2022 BTCC campaign has heralded the dawn of the new Hybrid Era with cars receiving up to 15 seconds of additional power per lap, so there’s every chance we could see one of the fastest-ever laps on record.
Coming off the back of two blockbuster events at Donington Park and Brands Hatch it is Tom Ingram who arrives in Hampshire as the driver to beat - holding an eight-point advantage at the summit of the standings.
The Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com ace kicked off 2022 with victory in the season-opener and since then he has been Mr Consistent; with two podiums and a further three top five finishes giving him the early bragging rights.
Local Interest
Toyota GAZOO Racing UK’s Ricky Collard will be banking on home support as the Hampshire driver targets an improvement on his solitary points finish so far, although the young charger continues to show solid promise.
Jason Plato moved to the county in recent years so Thruxton can be regarded as his local track during what is his farewell season in the BTCC. The tin-top legend has been in buoyant mood following his switch to Rich Energy BTC Racing, with the Honda Civic Type R often proving a potent weapon at Thruxton.
The main man to have benefitted from Honda machinery at Thruxton is team-mate Josh Cook who has blasted to seven career victories in the last six visits to the 2.4-mile circuit. With the Bath racer sitting second in the standings, Cook could be a good bet to leave the venue with the championship lead.
Jack Butel is another who may class Thruxton as his home race weekend, seeing as the circuit is the closest geographically to his homeland in Jersey.
Three-time reigning champion Ash Sutton sits third after a steady start, narrowly head of the two rapid West Surrey Racing BMWs of Jake Hill and Colin Turkington - who have scored a win apiece so far.
Headline names continue to roll off the tongue as you look further down the championship standings with three-time champion Gordon Shedden, Rory Butcher, Adam Morgan, George Gamble and Daniel Lloyd rounding out the top ten.
Other notable drivers that will be worth keeping an eye on in the battle for supremacy during Sunday’s three races include last year’s pole-sitter Dan Rowbottom, the returning Dan Cammish, Bobby Thompson, Tom Chilton and Michael Crees - along with many, many more.
support races
As always it won’t just be the BTCC that takes centre stage over the course of the weekend, with a bumper supporting cast revved up and ready to dazzle the thousands of fans that are expected to flock trackside.
The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge, Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy and Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB will all be in action and putting on a show.
off track entertainment
Away from the on-track entertainment there will be plenty to see and do around the venue with a busling trade village, supercar display, skid pan rides, food stalls, live music, mini karts, face painting and an interactive kids show, all providing fun for all the family.
One moment that is not to be missed is the return of the Pit Lane Walkabout and Autograph Session, which will take place at Thruxton for the first time since 2019. Fans will be able to meet their racing heroes from 10:00 - 10:30 on Sunday 29th May.
Official Race Programme
Look out for a very special race day programme. We've teamed up with PopBangColour, who has created the cover artwork in his distinctive style. Make sure you grab a copy before they're all gone! Available to purchase around the venue for £5.
Tickets
Tickets for this weekend’s BTCC spectacle are available to purchase on the main gate across both days. Children 12 and under go free.
Saturday
Adults - £19
Teens - £5
Paddock Pass - FREE
Grandstand Seats - £6
Sunday
Adults - £36
Teens - £10
Paddock Pass - £10
Grandstand Seats - SOLD OUT