Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill claimed a brilliant double triumph, whilst Team VERTU’s Tom Ingram took the other win, as Rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship took place in glorious conditions at Knockhill today (17 August).
The WSR BMW stable has endured a mixed campaign thus far, with a treble win at Brands Hatch earlier in the season being a standout high. Signs of improvement were shown at Croft last time out, before the Bavarian marque blasted its way to the front in some style at the Fife circuit.
Often a layout suited to rear-wheel drive machinery, the multiple champion squad claimed a 1-2-3 during qualifying before Hill’s double success on race day.
The title race also continued to take shape around 1.27-mile circuit as Ingram’s win helped extend his advantage over four-time champion Ash Sutton to 17 points, with NAPA Racing UK team-mate Dan Cammish moving up to third in the current standings.
Alliance Racing/Ford and its NAPA Racing UK outfit hold a slender lead in both the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ and Teams’ orders, whilst Chris Smiley and Restart Racing continue to top the Independents’ tables.
A titanic tussle for the Jack Sears Trophy is brewing between WSR’s two young drivers, with Daryl DeLeon just one point ahead of stablemate Charles Rainford.
There was another incredible story that dominated race week of course as Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing took to the track following the devastating fire that destroyed its facility just one week ago.
The team – with support from the magnificent motorsport community – readied two new Cupras in time for the event, allowing drivers Mikey Doble and Nick Halstead to compete and fight for points.
Off-track it was the first show debut for ITV Sport’s Nicki Shields, as the experienced presenter takes up the lead role of ITV’s BTCC coverage following Steve Rider’s recent retirement.
The BTCC returns at Donington Park in two weeks’ time (30/31 August).
