BTCC Saturday Review: Dan Cammish charges to BTCC pole position at Thruxton

Dan Cammish produced a sensational lap in Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship qualifying at Thruxton today (August 27) to clinch his first pole position of the season.

The NAPA Racing UK driver - who has endured a rollercoaster campaign to-date - surged to the top of the times in the final third of the session to pip Thruxton specialist Josh Cook by just 0.017s.

Punching in a best lap time of 1:15.303 in the closing stages of the session, the Yorkshireman did enough to edge out Cook and put himself in the box seat for a strong three races tomorrow (August 28).

Behind the top two, title contenders Jake Hill and Ash Sutton locked out the second row of the grid. Sutton had looked on course to challenge for pole at one stage before a high-speed spin exiting Church put pay to his efforts.

Halfords Racing with Cataclean’s Gordon Shedden rounded out the top five whilst the Carstore Power Maxed Racing duo of Ash Hand and Michael Crees served up their best qualifying performance of the season to net sixth and seventh respectively. Daniel Rowbottom, Tom Chilton and Ricky Collard completed the top ten.

Championship leader Colin Turkington will have work to do on race day having only been able to set the 15th fastest time, just behind main rival Tom Ingram.

Dan Cammish: “What an amazing feeling to come away with pole position! It’s been tough at times this season but I always knew I could do the job. Massive credit has to go to the team because they’ve continued to believe in me and knew that things would eventually come good.

“Qualifying is only a smart part of the job this weekend but we’ve been making sure we’re in a good place tomorrow. We’ve got a strong race car and that puts us in a good place. Fingers crossed I can deliver some good results that have been long overdue.”

It wasn’t just the BTCC that had those in attendance on the edge of their seats as the championships that make up the TOCA support bill also took centre stage over the course of the day.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship - who is home to aspiring racers aged 14 to 17 - produced two action-packed contests. Will Macintyre fought his way to victory in a frenetic opening bout before Josh Rowledge triumphed in race two.

There was also a double dose of entertainment courtesy of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA. In what is the first step on the ladder to Formula 1, the single-seater series didn’t disappoint, with Alex Dunne and Oliver Stewart sharing the spoils.

James Kellett maintained his march towards the title in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, scoring his tenth win of the season. Having been the driver to beat this year, the Century Motorsport driver converted pole position into a commanding lights-to-flag victory.

Making its second visit to Thruxton and last appearance of the year on the TOCA bill, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy delivered sensational spectacle. Boasting a bumper 29-car grid, the tin top category, Tom Ovenden chalked up his first win of the season ahead of Matt Hammond.

Rounding out the first day of competitive action was a pulsating qualifying session for the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. Making their first appearance at the circuit since 2020, a number of drivers traded times at the top of the timesheets before Will Martin ultimately clinched pole position.

Racing continues tomorrow

Fans attending tomorrow (Sunday 28th August) will be able to get a first-hand look at the BTCC stars and their cars during the pit lane autograph session, which is scheduled to take place at 10:00.

The BTCC will headline Sunday’s bill with three blockbuster races whilst there will also be further action from the TOCA support package. Around the venue there is set to be fun for all the family with a trade village, big screens, supercar display, kids driving, bouncy castles, mini karts, food stalls, face painting and much more.

Tickets are available on the gate

Adults - £36

Teen tickets (13 to 15 years old) - £10

Chidlren 12 and under go free

Paddock tickets - £10.