Photo: PSP Images

Ash Sutton extends BTCC points lead going into summer break

Ash Sutton heads into the British Touring Car Championship’s annual summer break sitting atop the standings after claiming a fourth win of the season at Oulton Park.

Arriving at the Cheshire circuit with a six-point advantage over Tom Ingram, the Alliance Racing driver produced a trio of hard-fought drives to leave with an 11-point lead.

The Ford Focus ST driver qualified in fourth on Saturday and that would be where he would finish in race one on Sunday as he dropped off the podium in the closing stages.

That gave the four-time champion a free choice on tyres and opting for the softer compound, he charged to a commanding victory in race two.

Sutton then closed out his weekend in style with a superlative performance in wet conditions to go from ninth on the grid to second.

“It’s been a good weekend,” said Sutton. “All the guys and girls at NAPA Racing UK have done a mega job once again to deliver me a brilliant car. We strategised our race day and executed it well so to now go into the summer break with an 11-point lead is great.”

Following his win in race one, Ingram remains in second place in the standings while Dan Cammish occupies third.

Alliance Racing / Ford lead the way in the Manufacturers/Constructors Championship and it is NAPA Racing UK that currently occupy top spot in the Teams’ Championship.

In the Independents’, Restart Racing and Chris Smiley continue to set the pace, while Daryl Deleon holds firm at the summit of the Jack Sears Trophy.