Photo: PSP Images

Ash Sutton: ‘We’ve proved a real point’

Ash Sutton admitted he was thrilled to hit top spot in the BTCC standings following another strong weekend at Snetterton.

Having scored a record-breaking 62 points at Brands Hatch in the previous meeting, Sutton headed to the longest circuit on the calendar in confident mood and showed his pace in qualifying – where he grabbed a first pole in the series since 2021.

Despite running the medium compound tyre in race one whilst his rivals behind went with the soft, Sutton stormed to victory and then took victory again in race two having switched the softs – making him the first driver to win four in a row since Alain Menu in the opening four races of 1997.

Even with the less favourable hard tyre in race three, the NAPA Racing man was able to bring home a fifth-place finish before inheriting a further position post-race when team-mate Dan Cammish was excluded.

It means Sutton how leads the way by seven points ahead of Tom Ingram going to Thruxton for round four.

“I feel we’ve really proved a point this weekend and the car has been absolutely mega,” he said. “I’m pleased with that and with the results we’ve had this weekend considering we had to run the three compounds across the day. To come away with 55 points when you think about is really pleasing, and another big haul.

“We left Donington Park and round 36 points down in the standings and are seven ahead now, so we’re in good form now and have some momentum and confidence. But we don’t know what is going to happen going forwards and have to make sure we score big when we can as we could easily have a weekend where things don’t go to plan.

“To win four races in the NGTC era is no mean feat, and all credit to the team for their effort.”

Sutton’s impressive run of form has coincided with him becoming a father for the first time, with new son Sunny present trackside across the weekend – even though he slept through all three races.

“He’s been like my lucky charm and spending half an hour with him after qualifying was the best thing ever,” he insisted. “There’s another two trophies to go on his bedroom window!”