Ash Sutton in the box seat ahead of Silverstone BTCC showdown
Ash Sutton could re-write the record books at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, this coming weekend as he bids to clinch what would be an unprecedented fifth British Touring Car Championship title.
Currently tied on four titles with Andy Rouse and Colin Turkington, the Alliance Racing driver has the opportunity to make history on Sunday as he looks to secure an unassailable lead at the top of the standings.
In what has so far been a sublime season, one that has included eight wins and nine second-place finishes, the Ford Focus Titanium driver heads into the penultimate event of the campaign holding a 115-point lead over his nearest challenger.
Therefore, providing that he leaves Silverstone with an advantage of 77 points, the 32-year-old will be crowned champion for a record-breaking fifth time. In doing so, he’ll also become the first driver since Alain Menu in 1997 to win the coveted prize before the final round of the season.
Sutton’s path to championship superstardom is poised to be challenging however as he will have to contend with little to none TOCA Turbo Boost during the Race To Pole and race one, which will be a key component to succeeding around a track that boasts three long straights.
While many eyes will be on Sutton’s pursuit of the title, the battle for second place is set to further intensify with Dan Cammish and reigning champion Tom Ingram heading into the weekend separated by just eight points.
Little has split the two race winners in recent rounds and both will be aiming high as they look to put themselves in the best position possible ahead of next month’s finale on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
The battle for fourth place in the standings is also set to be hotly contested, with Ricky Collard’s unfortunate departure from the series opening the door for any one of six drivers being able to stake their claim.
Arriving at Silverstone, just 21 points is all that blankets Adam Morgan, Dan Rowbottom, Josh Cook, Mikey Doble – who is also the current Independents’ Trophy pace-setter – Charles Rainford and Gordon Shedden.
Other drivers that will be worth keeping an eye on as they look to close out their respective campaigns on a high includes WSR’s Daryl De Leon, EXCLER8’s Tom Chilton and Power Maxed Racing’s Dexter Patterson.
Track action at Silverstone begins with practice at 10:05 local time/11:05 CEST on Saturday morning before qualifying and the qualifying race commence at 14:05. Sunday sees three races staged; the first at 11:15, followed by race two at 14:30 and race three at 17:20.
