Ash Sutton vows to build on Jack Sears success

Ash Sutton says he is keen to build on his Jack Sears Trophy success after wrapping up the title on BTCC Finals Day at Brands Hatch.

Despite being the dominant driver amongst the rookies, with 18 victories from 30 races, a series of no-scores meant Sutton had to wait until the final race of the campaign before being able to secure the title – following in the footsteps of MG team-mate Josh Cook.

It was a particularly poignant success for the youngster following the death of Jack Sears earlier in the year, and the 22-year-old said he was proud of his achievements in his debut campaign.

“I’d have loved to wrap the title up sooner, but we got involved in a few incidents that allowed Michael Epps to stay in with a shout,” he said. “However, we got the results when it mattered and wrapped it up.

“I’m absolutely over the moon that we’ve secured the title. The season may have had its ups and its downs, but I started it with four goals – to take a pole, a podium, a win, and to take the rookie title.

“I’m delighted to have achieved them all.”

Sutton will now hope to return with the Triple Eight-run MG squad again next season, when he admitted his target would be on fighting for overall honours.

“The team has made me feel so welcome this season and I feel at home,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for more from my debut year and I’d love to come back and go for the main title; that would be the dream result for me, the team and for MG. We’ll have to see how it pans out.”