Tom Chilton vows to “go for it” at Brands Hatch

Rank outsider Tom Chilton has vowed to ‘go for it’ in the battle for the BTCC title at Brands Hatch.

The Motorbase driver would need to produce the greatest comeback of all time on Finals Day to secure the title, with a gap of 64 points to current leader Colin Turkington and just 67 left to play for.

A more realistic goal for Chilton is the Independents’ Championship, where he trails Tom Ingram by 20 points, with the former WTCC racer insisting he would be pushing hard from the outset on track.

“It’s going to be a very exciting end to the season,” he said. “I think the BTCC will see the best of me this weekend. I’m going for it. As soon as I get a sniff of something I’m gone, and although it’s a long shot I can see the overall title within reach so I’ll be pushing hard.

“This is my twelfth year in the BTCC and 16th year in touring cars so I know exactly where I need to be and what I need to do so I’m feeling confident. I’m looking forward to spraying champagne on that podium on Sunday night!”

Team manager Oly Collins meanwhile said the Motorbase squad was eager to impress in the final outing this season for the new Focus RS.

“We’re excited to be one of only three cars in the title fight,” he said. “It may be a long shot but we’ll be giving it our all and as we know, anything can happen in the BTCC. We’re in a very good position in the Independent Titles’ fight and can hopefully bring some home advantage to the final round this weekend in our own backyard!

“It’s been a great debut season for the RS this year and 2018 has been a year the whole team can be very proud of. A season of highs and lows and key turning points has become typical in the BTCC and this year has delivered exactly that!”