Ricky Collard remaining upbeat despite losing maiden BTCC win

Ricky Collard says that the British Touring Car Championship finale this past weekend was one of the best he’s had in motorsport, despite the fact that he had a maiden race win taken away from him.

After missing the penultimate round at Silverstone, Collard returned to the EXCELR8 fold and made an instant impression at Brands Hatch by firstly charging onto the third step of the podium in race one.

The Hyundai driver then fended off a wave of challenges from the likes of Dan Cammish and five-time champion Ash Sutton to win the final race of the year, which in-turn was his first-ever triumph in the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Unfortunately, the 30-year-old was soon hit with a five-second time penalty for not following procedure at the second safety car restart. Collard and the team appealed the penalty, however stewards upheld the decision.

Despite dropping to eighth in the race three classification, the front-wheel-drive was buoyant about what he had achieved not only over the course of the weekend, but the season as a whole.

“I can honestly say this has been one of the best weekends I’ve ever had in motorsport,” said Collard.

“Regardless of the final result, I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it. Of course, we all race to win, but sometimes the memories, the people and the journey mean far more than any trophy ever could.

“This season has been an incredible chapter in my career. To think I wasn’t even expecting to be on the grid at the start of the year, to then come back and fight at the front with some of the best drivers in the country, is something I’m incredibly proud of.

“I’ve had the biggest smile on my face all weekend, and that’s how I want to remember it. I love what I do, I love racing. I’m excited for whatever the future holds.”

Collard also gave recognition to team-mate Tom Chilton, who bowed out of the championship having first made his debut back in 2002.

“I also want to wish my team-mate Tom all the very best in his retirement,” he added. “It’s been a privilege sharing the garage with him and being part of his final season. He’s achieved so much in this sport and deserves to enjoy whatever comes next.”