BTCC Preview: BTCC speeds back to Thruxton as title race gets set to intensify
The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns to Thruxton this weekend (August 27/28) for three blockbuster races that could prove pivotal in deciding who walks away as champion come the end of the season.
Now on the home stretch of what has been an action-packed campaign, the UK’s premier motor sport series returns to the fastest circuit in the country for the second time in 2022 and it's all very much still to play for.
Team BMW’s Colin Turkington arrives in Hampshire as the driver they’re all vying to catch after enjoying a weekend to remember last time out at Snetterton. Pole position, two wins and two fastest laps allowed the four-time champion to open up a 15-point advantage over his rivals.
Having seemingly found his groove in recent rounds, the Northern Irishman will be keen to extend his lead this weekend, however he’ll be well aware he needs to be at his brilliant best as a long list of contenders are hot on his heels.
Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com's Tom Ingram leads the chase for Turkington ahead of Jake Hill and reigning champion Ash Sutton; all three of them having been in fine form since the get-go - in particular since the turn of the summer.
Back in May Rich Energy BTC Racing’s Josh Cook made history as he became the most successful ever driver at Thruxton in the BTCC, winning for the eighth and ninth time. The Bath racer left with the championship lead but he now returns sitting fifth, 72 points shy of Turkington.
Engine performance has hampered the Honda Civic Type R driver recently however if there was anywhere Cook would want to get things back on-track then his home circuit Thruxton would undoubtedly be his first pick.
Other drivers that will be banking on local support include Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Ricky Collard and Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 TradePriceCars.com’s Jack Butel. Collard will be keen to make his mark after he came oh-so close to a podium two weeks ago.
Jason Plato moved to the county in recent years so Thruxton can be regarded as his local track during what is being touted as his final season in the series. At Snetterton, the double champion showed his class as he clinched a podium in what was his 650th BTCC race.
Headline names continue to roll off the tongue as you look further down the championship standings with Rory Butcher, three-time champion Gordon Shedden, Daniel Lloyd, Adam Morgan and Stephen Jelley rounding out the top ten.
Throw into the mix the likes of Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom, George Gamble and Bobby Thompson, amongst many others, and you begin to see why the BTCC continues to be as competitive as ever.
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, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy and Porsche Carrera Cup GB will all be in action and putting on a show.
Away from the on-track entertainment there will be plenty to see and do around the venue with a bustling trade village, supercar display, junior driving, food stalls, live music, mini karts, face painting and a kids zone, all providing fun for all the family.
Fans will also be able to meet the stars and their cars of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship during the Pit Lane Autograph Session on Sunday morning between 10:00 - 10:30.
Discounted advance tickets are on sale now here until Thursday 25 August. After which, tickets will be available to purchase on the main gate across both days with children 12 and under admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Official programmes and FM receivers will also be on sale around the venue.