Tom Ingram: “It’s been one hell of a season”

Tom Ingram was left to reflect on “one hell of a season” after pushing Colin Turkington close in the fight for the 2018 BTCC title at Brands Hatch.

The Speedworks driver went into the season finale more than 30 points down on his WSR rival and dropped two points further back following the opening race of the weekend.

When Turkington then failed to score in race two, Ingram came agonisingly close to the podium finish he needed to keep the title fight alive, although he did pick up the points required to defend his Independents’ crown.

Another solid points finish in race three saw Ingram ultimately end the year just twelve points behind Turkington and he admitted to being proud at the way his campaign had panned out.

“We’ve had one hell of a season and to just miss the championship crown, and to retain our Indy titles, is something we can look back on with our heads held high,” he said.

“All season I’ve said that what we have done this year has been sublime as we have taken the challenge to the bigger teams and we have beaten them on a consistent basis. That is credit to the hard work that has gone in from everyone involved with this team and I have to thank them all, and my sponsors and my family, for everything they have done.

“It’s been an incredible year and now we have to look at the bigger picture for 2019 and trying to take that overall title too. That is the dream and the goal but we know it will only get harder. However, after everything we have achieved this season, I wouldn’t put it past us…”

Speedworks team boss Christian Dick was also delighted to end the season with more silverware, even if the overall crown proved to be illusive.

“We have to be made up with this season,” he said. “We have shown immense pace, good strategy and whilst we have missed out to a real class act in Colin, WSR and BMW, we have run them close.

“Of course there is disappointment to have not done it, but retaining the Independent titles and finishing second overall is something we can be immensely proud of.

“We will sit down now and look at this year and make sure we come back stronger, but we have the confidence to know that we can do it. Bring it on.”