Jack Sears Trophy win on debut for Jake Hill

Croft’s first race saw a dream debut for series newcomer Jake Hill, as he took a brilliant victory in the Jack Sears Trophy.

The 19-year-old, standing in for Liam Griffin in the Motorbase Performance Ford Focus, finished 10 seconds clear of his nearest rival David Nye.

Hill, who finished 18th overall, also set fastest lap in his class.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Hill said: “I am over the moon. It has gone so well – I couldn’t ask for a better way to start really.

“I managed to get David Nye down the inside into Tower, and that was it. I had a little bit of trouble with the NGTC cars, but once they had sorted themselves out and got up the road a bit, it was very controllable.

“I managed to keep a gap from [Lea] Wood, and at the midway point he dropped away.”

Speaking about his graduation to the BTCC, Hill added: “I didn’t think I would be here this year. I thought maybe two years I might be. But to be here this year, and to do so well, I am really chuffed.

“The car is absolutely brilliant. I get on with it really well with no dramas at all.”