Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing’s pursuit for perfection left them wanting more from the opening rounds of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park this past weekend (27/28 April) despite claiming a hat-trick of Independent race wins.

The Worcestershire-based squad were the class of the Independent runners as the curtain lifted on a brand-new season with Árón Taylor-Smith winning twice, while Mikey Doble also triumphed on his way to scooping the Jack Sears Trophy.

However, such is the desire to contend for outright race wins and podiums, the team were left focused on how they could make further improvements heading into the next few race meetings.

Despite having to contend with changeable weather conditions, both Taylor-Smith and Doble progressed out of Q1 and then came oh-so close to squeezing into the top six, instead having to settle for seventh and tenth on the grid respectively.

Race day saw heavy rain cause lengthy delays in the morning but when the action did get underway, both Taylor-Smith and Doble found themselves in the thick of the action.

Taylor-Smith led the line in the opening encounter as he scrapped with Josh Cook and Dan Cammish on his way to seventh overall while Doble narrowly missed out on the top ten by taking the chequered flag in 12th.

Sunday’s second bout saw both drivers tally another double points finish as the impact of hybrid deployment began to become more of a factor.

Battling fiercely in the midfield, Taylor-Smith headed Doble to claim a second successive Independent victory, with the latter taking a big stride towards clinching overall honours in the Jack Sears Trophy.

After missing out on the reverse grid draw for the final race of the day, the front-wheel-drive duo produced a near carbon-copy performance from race two as they again diced between themselves for coveted points.

Doble would find a way past Taylor-Smith late on to clinch his maiden Independents’ win of the year and with it, victory in the Jack Sears Trophy.

Leaving Donington Park, Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing hold an 11-point lead at the top of the Independent Teams’ Championship while a mere three points is the difference between Taylor-Smith and Doble in the Independent Drivers’ Championship.

Árón Taylor-Smith said: “To kick off the season with a clean sweep of Independent wins is something we as a team can be extremely proud of as it’s a testament to all of the work that has been put in during the winter.

“I’m personally really happy to come away with P7 in qualifying as it outlines our pace over one lap. On race day we fought as hard as we could and importantly uncovered a few little areas that I know we can improve on heading to Brands Hatch in a few weeks’ time.

“This season has kicked off what I think is going to be a really successful 2024 and it’s nice to know that we have a package underneath us that is more than capable of challenging towards the front of the grid.”

Mikey Doble said: “I’m satisfied with how our weekend ended, coming away with the overall Jack Sears Trophy and an Independents’ win in race three. It’s been a solid start with three top ten points finishes and a continuation of qualifying inside the top ten.

“We’ll go over the data from the weekend before we head to Brands Hatch and see how we can close the gap to those at the front. Overall, it’s been a great first weekend of the year!"

For the majority of the final race in the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season-opener at Donington Park last weekend (27-28 April), the car in front was a Toyota – as former FIA World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff played his part in a crowd-pleasing duel on his series return.

Following a brace of productive free practice sessions around the popular Leicestershire circuit – located just down the road from Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) in Burnaston – Huff and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK team-mate Andrew Watson headed into the BTCC’s new knockout-style qualifying shootout for the first time.

In unpredictable and changeable weather, 29-year-old Watson excelled, with the reigning Jack Sears Trophy winner advancing to the ‘Quick Six’ showdown to secure a strong sixth position on the grid for the curtain-raising contest. Huff, however, was less fortunate, as a procedural issue meant he was unable to participate, restricting him to 20th and last place in the high-calibre field in the country’s premier motor racing series.

Grappling with an imperfect set-up in the tricky conditions, Watson ultimately finished tenth in race one, while a feisty Huff charged into the points in 13th, only to then get caught up as collateral damage in a chain reaction collision at the Old Hairpin with three laps remaining that sent him skating through the gravel trap, leaving him a frustrated and unrepresentative 18th.

The Toyota Corolla GR Sport hatchbacks ran in tandem for the mid-part of race two on a now dry track. Ever the canny opportunist, the experienced Huff took advantage of squabbles ahead to pick off some of his rivals, ramping up his pace as the laps ticked down and going on to take the chequered flag ninth. Despite struggling with braking performance, Watson clung on to finish 12th, putting both drivers in contention for the reversed grid pole position for the day’s finale.

With Huff’s number duly drawn out of the bowl, the 44-year-old Cambridgeshire ace promised to get stuck in – and in front of the live ITV television cameras and an appreciative trackside audience, he was every bit as good as his word. After almost inevitably having to give best to the fast-starting rear wheel-drive BMW of Adam Morgan into the first corner, he swiftly set about redressing the balance.

When Morgan locked up and ran wide approaching McLeans on lap six, Huff was through, followed in quick succession by Aiden Moffat in a satellite LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ Corolla, similarly run by Northwich, Cheshire-based Speedworks Motorsport.

The pair proceeded to put on quite the show for the hardy spectators who had braved the earlier rain, trading positions on multiple occasions before the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK man conceded some ground, eventually winding up sixth to move into the top ten in the championship standings. The race was won by Moffat, ensuring a Toyota triumph on the manufacturer’s home soil.

In the sister car, Belfast native Watson made a bright start to climb to ninth but found himself roughed up at Redgate heading onto lap two, dropping him back down to 12th, which is where he would finish. The season continues at Brands Hatch’s short ‘Indy’ circuit on 11-12 May.

Christian Dick, Team Principal, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:

“First of all, I must congratulate Aiden on a fantastic win in the final race of the weekend, withstanding some pretty intense pressure from two multiple BTCC champions in the shape of Colin Turkington and Ash Sutton to stay ahead. That was a truly sensational drive, and it was wonderful to see two Toyotas at the front of the pack really battling it out at TMUK’s home track.

“For Rob to be in that position in the first place after his bad luck in qualifying and race one is testament to his tenacity and strength of character. He certainly didn’t look like a driver who had been away from the cut-and-thrust of the BTCC for two decades as he properly got his elbows out to fight his way through, holding his own against the cream of the current crop in race three – and he is only just getting started.

“Andrew did a stellar job in qualifying to progress to the ‘Quick Six’, which really underlined both his potential and that of the car, and while he had to deal with some braking and set-up issues on Sunday, he nonetheless kept his cool to bring home three solid points-scoring finishes.

“The end results might not necessarily reflect it, but I have to say, that felt like our strongest start to a season for a few years, which is hugely encouraging – and something to really build upon over the upcoming rounds.”

Rob Huff, Driver, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:

“For the first race weekend of the year, you just want everything to run smoothly and without any complications – whereas it felt like we had pretty much everything thrown at us! Qualifying was clearly frustrating for everybody on my side of the garage, but we simply had to accept it and push on.

“I’ve had to come through many times during my career and make something of it – and we managed to do that again. Everything is new for me this year and ultimately, the racing is the easiest bit because racing is racing. Sunday marked the most I’ve ever driven the Corolla, and we battled hard and improved throughout.

“I’m learning all the time and feeling my way back into the championship. We’re still missing a bit of speed from me and from the car and marrying the two together, but to come away with a ninth and a sixth after starting at the back two times out of three is a big positive.”

Andrew Watson, Driver, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:

“I really enjoyed the new (qualifying) format – I thought it was more exciting, and I hope the fans did too. I did a lot of work over the winter mentally and on my breathing, which really helped in that session. The team did a great job and worked perfectly in sync – everybody was really methodical and professional, which obviously made my life easier – and we had the right tyres on at the right time. The Toyota was very nimble and I felt like we maximised what we had in the ‘Quick Six’ shootout, which put us firmly in the mix.

“My focus for race day was on moving forward again, but with the way the weather turned out, Sunday was all about survival and staying calm and collected, especially with it being only the first weekend of the season.

“We didn’t quite get the balance of the car right, but at the end of the day, we scored points in all three races, and we know there’s a lot more to come. There’s plenty of potential in the Corolla and I’m really looking forward to unleashing it.”

SCHEDULE CONFIRMED BY UK’S PREMIER MOTORSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP

No sooner has this year’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship got underway, series organisers TOCA has today (30 April) announced the full calendar for the 2025 season.

The schedule has been released in record time thanks to the close co-operation between TOCA, ITV and the venues.

The Donington Park National circuit will again kick off the action in late April, before the BTCC rolls onto Brands Hatch Indy and Snetterton in May.

Thruxton and Oulton Park are next in the order during June, prior to the championship’s well known annual summer break.

The second half of the campaign commences with trips to Croft, Knockhill and Donington Park GP – all taking place in August – before the penultimate event at Silverstone in September.

As has been the case in recent years, the legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit will host the all-important season finale at the beginning of October.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “It’s good news for our partners, stakeholders and fans that we can confirm next season’s BTCC calendar earlier than ever before, allowing for important planning to commence for all parties.

“The schedule has become a tried and tested formula in recent years and is universally backed. We are continuously pushing the boundaries on-track with new-for-2024 qualifying, hybrid and tyre regulations, so I am sure our teams will be happy with the continuity and consistency of our calendar.

“Of course, being able to agree our dates so early with our partners at ITV ensures we have locked in the primary slots for our continued all-day-live and free television coverage on ITV4. It also has a positive benefit for the rest of British motorsport, as other organisers can continue planning and scheduling their own events.

“Last year, I said we were unlikely to release our calendar any earlier than mid-May… I was wrong… and we are delighted to be able to announce this schedule earlier than ever before!”

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship

Rounds	Date	Venue/Circuit
1, 2, 3	26/27 April	Donington Park (National)
4, 5, 6	10/11 May	Brands Hatch (Indy)
7, 8, 9	24/25 May	Snetterton (300)
10, 11, 12	07/08 June	Thruxton
13, 14, 15	21/22 June	Oulton Park (Island)
16, 17, 18	02/03 August	Croft
19, 20, 21	16/17 August	Knockhill
22, 23, 24	30/31 August	Donington Park (GP)
25, 26, 27	20/21 September	Silverstone (National)
28, 29, 30	04/05 October	Brands Hatch (GP)

A treble podium finish at the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season-opener thrust WSR and BMW into an early lead in the race for an unprecedented tenth Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title.

Two third-place finishes for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill and a final-race charge to second spot by Team BMW’s Colin Turkington made for a strong start on a weather-affected day at Donington Park by the BMW 330e M Sport race cars.

Battling the track conditions, Jake ran in the podium positions for most of the first race before coming home third.

The Kent racer sprinted into the lead of a dry Race Two, only for excessive rear tyre wear to lead to him being caught and passed by two rivals late on as he again finished third.

He was fifth in the finale, part of a five-way late-race battle for the win; minor set-up changes having prevented a recurrence of his tyre issue.

Three places further up the order was Team BMW’s four-time champion Colin Turkington, who had earlier finished fourth and fifth.

Keeping his composure during a frantic multi-car battle for the top spots, he made three spots in two corners at mid-distance and kept the pressure on as he fought to the flag in second place.

He’s fourth in the Drivers’ points, one spot behind Jake and 17 ahead of Team BMW team-mate Adam Morgan.

Adam had led the opening stages of Race Three, but locked a front wheel after clipping a kerb on entry to McLean’s at one-third distance and was demoted several spots.

The Lancashire racer finished seventh. He was eighth in Race One, driving superbly in the wet conditions to climb from 16th on the grid, but was later demoted to 14th owing to a time penalty for a jump start. That led to a similar Race Two charge to seventh.

Colin Turkington, Team BMW, said: “It’s been a nice, consistent day with fourth, fifth and second. Without grabbing any headlines I’ve scored a good lot of points. The highlight is obviously the second-place finish in Race Three. I had the BMW in the window where I needed it to attack and feel racey. I’m leaving Donington a lot more confident than I was even after Race Two. I enjoyed that last race so much. It’s been a strong day for Team BMW so I’m leaving quite happy.”

Adam Morgan, Team BMW, said: “It’s been a pretty turbulent day up and down the grid with a lot of close battles. Race One was good and I went from 16th to eighth, but then I got a ten-second penalty for a jump-start so had to do it all again in Race Two, but the pace has been pretty strong and I could make the kind of passing moves I wasn’t able to last year with the BMW, which is really encouraging. I’m frustrated with myself for Race Three. I saved five laps of hybrid and had it under control, but then I locked-up into McLeans, which hurt the front left and I was a sitting duck.”

Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said: “It was quite a successful day for me with third-place finishes in Races One and Two in totally different weather conditions. It was raining and very tricky in Race One and then totally dry in Race Two, which was pretty good for seeing where we are in those types of conditions. Race Three was extremely frantic with lots going on and my team-mates getting into all sorts of battles, but we kept clear of it and got another good points finish.”

Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, said: “Overall it’s been a very good day for us at Donington. Three races, three podiums, nine finishes in total from the three cars to put BMW in the lead of the Manufacturers’ Championship. We’ve been playing with the set-up of the cars because they’re so different to last year and we’ve made some very good progress across the weekend. Now we’re looking forward to Brands Hatch. I’m a lot happier than I was after qualifying.”

AIDEN MOFFAT ALSO WINS A THRILLER DURING BTCC SEASON OPENER

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Tom Ingram enjoyed a stellar opening 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship weekend, as the former champion claimed a double triumph at Donington Park (27/28 April).

The race of the day, however, came in the final encounter as LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Aiden Moffat held off a quartet of last year’s title contenders to take one of the best victories of his career so far.

Persistent rain delayed race day by more than two hours as the BTCC’s loyal fanbase braved the great British weather at the Leicestershire circuit.

When the action eventually got underway it was little surprise to see the likes of Ingram, Ash Sutton, Jake Hill and Colin Turkington fighting for the podium positions, with 2023’s top four already occupying the same championship positions after the opening event of the new campaign.

BMW hold an early lead in the Constructors’/Manufacturers’ standings, whilst NAPA Racing UK is the top team after Donington Park.

Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing enjoyed a great weekend as the top independent outfit, whilst drivers Aron Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble lead the Independent Drivers’ and Jack Sears Trophy respectively.

The BTCC returns for the second event of the season at Brands Hatch on 11/12 May.

Tom Ingram wins season opener

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Ingram claimed a lights-to-flag victory, from NAPA Racing UK’s Sutton and Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Hill.

Ingram held the lead from the start as he defended well from the fast-starting BMWs of Hill and Turkington, the latter though was eventually shuffled down to fourth on the opening lap by the recovering Sutton.

The first lap ended under caution following a high speed off for Sam Osborne’s NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus, although he looked to have received a touch from behind as the cars wriggled through the Craner Curves for the first time.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Josh Cook nipped past the sister car of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK’s Andrew Watson for sixth at the restart, whilst Team BMW’s Adam Morgan was busy making amazing inroads from the back of the grid.

When the rain eventually settled and the chequered flag waved it was Ingram winning from Sutton, with the latter having nipped by Hill’s #24 BMW late on.

Team BMW’s Colin Turkington was fourth, ahead of a great drive from Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ young talent Ronan Pearson.

Ingram at the double

Former champ Ingram then scored his second successive win as his dream weekend continued.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Hill surged into the lead on the run down to Redgate for first time, as the BMW got another fast start. Pole-sitter Ingram thought about defending but backed out as the duo edged through the opening turns.

A sluggish start for Team BMW’s Turkington was further compounded by a late braking lock-up, which allowed the Toyota of Cook to nip through into fourth on the first lap. 

Ingram would be embroiled in a tussle with NAPA Racing UK's Sutton for second soon after, fending off his old adversary despite both cars going side-by-side.

It was all eyes on the leading trio in the latter stages of the race and another gaggle of three cars fighting for fourth, fifth and sixth.

The moment of truth came on lap 14 as Ingram scythed his Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS Hyundai down the inside of Hill’s #24 BMW and Sutton also eyed his opportunity by moving into second.

A stunned Hill fought back on the next lap, nipping through into second briefly before again being relegated to third at the end of the start/finish straight.

The lead three places remained unchanged until the finish, as did the next three places with LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Cook holding off the recovering Turkington and a charging Dan Cammish in his #27 NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus.

Victory for Aiden Moffat in final thriller

Aiden Moffat produced a brilliant performance to take victory in the final BTCC race at Donington, as he held off a trio of champions in the closing stages of a fantastic and frenetic race.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Moffat won his first BTCC race at the same venue back in 2017 but was made to work extremely hard for this one, as he initially fought with Toyota stablemate Rob Huff and Team BMW's Morgan.

Morgan blasted his BMW into the lead off the line, but then relinquished his advantage to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK's Huff when running wide following a brief safety car period.

Moffat began reeling in the sister car of Huff and made an eye-catching move by mid-distance, with the latter getting shuffled down the pack.

Team BMW's Turkington was the first to haul his car towards Moffat’s and he was eventually joined by NAPA Racing UK's Sutton, after he had muscled his way by Hill’s BMW.

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS' Ingram – double race winner earlier in the day – also edged past Hill, and last year's quartet of title challengers were now all over the back of Moffat for the final few laps.

Moffat would not be denied, however, as he defended brilliantly in what may arguably be the finest display of his BTCC career so far.

Turkington and Sutton completed the podium ahead of Ingram and Hill, with the fading Huff closing out the top six.

Tom Ingram (Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS) said: “What an absolutely perfect weekend for Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS, we couldn't have asked for anything more from qualifying, to race one, to race two, it's been fantastic. It's so hard to know when to keep your powder dry as to when to use your hybrid. We were discussing before the various race scenarios and options and permutations for when you would or wouldn't. Sometimes it's got to be a spur of the moment, and that felt like the opportune moment to use my only shot.

“I know where Ash (Sutton) is going to place his car as we've been racing each other for a number of years now. He can see what I'm about to do probably two laps before as I can probably predict what Ash is going to do. The Hybrid is obviously making a big difference with the battle with Jake (Hill) and the battle with Ash and I am sure with the battles further down the field as well.”

Aiden Moffat (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetic) said: “The car has felt great all weekend. We started at the back of the grid for the first race but that wasn’t the pace of our car. The aim was the podium and I had to be aggressive early on. I was trying to be clever with hybrid – I knew we were weaker in the second half of the lap so I was trying to deploy there when I could.

“Everyone at Speedworks has done such a great job, it has been a really hard few weeks, lots of long hours ahead of the season. After two top tens finishes earlier today, it would have been great just to fight for a podium, never mind standing on the top step.

“It has been a few hard seasons for me, and it's important this year for me to show my pace and win again, so to do that at the first weekend means so much.”

2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 1 – Donington Park

1. Tom Ingram, Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS 21 Laps
2. Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +2.485s
3. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +4.239s
4. Colin Turkington, Team BMW +8.148s
5. Ronan Pearson, Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS +9.153s
6. Josh Cook, LKQ Euro Parts with SYNETIQ +11.511s
7. Árón Taylor-Smith, Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing +13.249s
8. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +14.382s
9. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Parts with SYNETIQ +19.036s
10. Andrew Watson, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK +19.488s

2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 2 – Donington Park

1. Tom Ingram, Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS 18 Laps
2. Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +0.917s
3. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.845s
4. Josh Cook, LKQ Euro Parts with SYNETIQ +5.725s 
5. Colin Turkington, Team BMW +6.775s
6. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +8.378s
7. Adam Morgan, Team BMW +9.004s 
8. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Parts with SYNETIQ +11.653s
9. Rob Huff, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK +12.697s
10. Dan Rowbottom, NAPA Racing UK +13.294s

2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 3 – Donington Park

1. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Parts with SYNETIQ 20 Laps
2. Colin Turkington, Team BMW +0.520s
3. Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +1.625s 
4. Tom Ingram, Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS +1.981s
5. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +2.284s
6. Rob Huff, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK +4.041s
7. Adam Morgan, Team BMW +6.158s 
8. Dan Rowbottom, NAPA Racing UK +6.304s
9. Josh Cook, LKQ Euro Parts with SYNETIQ +9.322s
10. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +9.819s

Penalties: 

Race One

Dan Rowbottom was officially reprimanded and received two penalty points during Round 1 of the Championship, for an incident with Mikey Doble and Rob Huff.

Adam Morgan received a 10-second time penalty during Round 1 of the Championship, for jumping the start.

Race Three

Dan Rowbottom was verbally warned during Round 3 of the Championship, for an incident with Andrew Watson.

Aiden Moffat produced a brilliant performance to take victory in the final Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park, as he held off a trio of champions in the closing stages of a fantastic and frenetic race.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Moffat won his first BTCC race at the same venue back in 2017, but was made to work extremely hard for this one, as he initially fought with Toyota stablemate Rob Huff and Team BMW's Adam Morgan.

Morgan blasted his BMW into the lead off the line, but then relinquished his advantage to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK's Huff when running wide following a brief safety car period.

Moffat began reeling in the sister car of Huff and made a stellar move by mid-distance, with the latter getting shuffled down the pack by the now perennial title contenders.

Team BMW's Colin Turkington was the first to haul himself towards Moffat and he was eventually joined by NAPA Racing UK's Ash Sutton, after he had muscled his way by the likes of Jake Hill in the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW.

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS' Tom Ingram – double race winner earlier in the day – also edged his way by Hill, and last year's quartet of challengers were now all over the back of Moffat for the final few laps.

Moffat would not be denied, however, as he defended brilliantly in what may arguably be the finest display of his BTCC career so far.

Turkington and Sutton completed the podium ahead of Ingram and Hill, with the fading Huff completing the top six.

Morgan had to settle for seventh ahead of a resurgent Dan Rowbotton in the #27 NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus, a car that had been through the wars throughout the day.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Josh Cook and NAPA Racing UK's Dan Cammish, the latter having fallen down the order early in the encounter.

Aiden Moffat said: “The car has felt great all weekend. We started at the back of the grid for the first race but that wasn’t the pace of our car. The aim was the podium and I had to be aggressive early on. I was trying to be clever with hybrid – I knew we were weaker in the second half of the lap so I was trying to deploy there when I could.

“Everyone at Speedworks has done such a great job, it has been a really hard few weeks, lots of long hours ahead of the season. After two top tens finishes earlier today, it would have been great just to fight for a podium, never mind standing on the top step.

"It has been a few hard seasons for me, and it's important this year for me to show my pace and win again, so to do that at the first weekend means so much."

Donington Park - Race 3 - Result

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ	20	24:57.046		1:09.536	12
2	20	Colin TURKINGTON	Team BMW	20	24:57.566	0.52	1:09.336	14
3	1	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	20	24:58.671	1.625	1:09.477	14
4	80	Tom INGRAM	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	20	24:59.027	1.981	1:09.257	16
5	24	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	20	24:59.330	2.284	1:09.334	16
6	12	Rob HUFF	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK	20	25:01.087	4.041	1:09.338	7
7	33	Adam MORGAN	Team BMW	20	25:03.204	6.158	1:09.755	17
8	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	20	25:03.350	6.304	1:09.616	7
9	66	Josh COOK	LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ	20	25:06.368	9.322	1:09.833	8
10	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	20	25:06.865	9.819	1:09.790	11
11	3	Tom CHILTON	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	20	25:07.916	10.87	1:09.583	12
12	11	Andrew WATSON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK	20	25:08.465	11.419	1:09.747	12
13	88	Mikey DOBLE	Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing	20	25:09.016	11.97	1:10.048	12
14	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing	20	25:09.649	12.603	1:09.948	9
15	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	20	25:15.715	18.669	1:10.049	16
16	29	Scott SUMPTON	Restart Racing	20	25:21.977	24.931	1:10.367	7
17	22	Nick HALSTEAD	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	20	25:23.428	26.382	1:10.736	11
DNF	222	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	8	11:06.941	12 Laps	1:10.771	7
DNF	14	Ronan PEARSON	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	4	6:20.938	16 Laps	1:21.843	2
DNF	18	Daryl DELEON	Duckhams Racing With Bartercard	2	2:33.515	18 Laps	1:11.985	2

Tom Ingram has enjoyed an incredible opening BTCC weekend so far as the 2022 champion scored a double at Donington Park.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill surged into the lead on the run down to Redgate for first time, as the BMW got another fast start. Pole-sitter Ingram thought about defending but backed out slightly as the duo edged through the opening turns.

An uncharacteristic sluggish start for Team BMW’s Colin Turkington was further compounded by a late braking lock-up, which allowed the Toyota of Josh Cook to nip through into fourth on the first lap. 

Ingram would be embroiled in a tussle with NAPA Racing UK's Ash Sutton for second soon after, fending off his old adversary despite both cars going side-by-side.

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS' Ronan Pearson – fresh from a brilliant top five finish in the opener – was soon spiralling down the order after the Hyundai ran onto the grass while tussling with Turkington.

It was all eyes on the leading trio in the latter stages of the race and another gaggle of three cars fighting for fourth, fifth and sixth.

The moment of truth came on lap 14 as Ingram scythed his Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS Hyundai down the inside of Hill’s #24 BMW and Sutton also eyed his opportunity by moving into second.

A stunned Hill fought back on the next lap, fighting through into second before again being relegated to third before the end of the start/finish straight.

The lead three places remained unchanged until the finish, as did the next three places with LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Josh Cook holding off the recovering Turkington and a charging Dan Cammish in his #27 NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus.

Adam Morgan (Team BMW), Aiden Moffat (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's), Rob Huff (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK) and Dan Rowbottom (NAPA Racing UK) completed the top ten positions. Huff's afternoon took another boost post-race when his number was picked for the reverse grid draw – the series returnee will start the final bout at Donington on pole later today.

Tom Ingram said: "What an absolutely perfect weekend for Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS, we couldn't have asked for anything more from qualifying, to race one, to race two, it's been fantastic. It's so hard to know when to keep your powder dry as to when to use your hybrid. We were discussing before the various race scenarios and options and permutations for when you would or wouldn't. Sometimes it's got to be a spur of the moment, and that felt like the opportune moment to use my only shot.

"I know where Ash (Sutton) is going to place his car as we've been racing each other for a number of years now. He can see what I'm about to do probably two laps before as I can probably predict what Ash is going to do. The Hybrid is obviously making a big difference with the battle with Jake (Hill) and the battle with Ash and I am sure with the battles further down the field as well."

Donington Park - Race 2 - Results:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	80	Tom INGRAM	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	18	21:03.154		1:09.675	8
2	1	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	18	21:04.071	0.917	1:09.379	16
3	24	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	18	21:05.008	1.854	1:09.595	3
4	66	Josh COOK	LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ	18	21:08.879	5.725	1:09.582	10
5	20	Colin TURKINGTON	Team BMW	18	21:09.929	6.775	1:09.459	7
6	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	18	21:11.532	8.378	1:09.264	12
7	33	Adam MORGAN	Team BMW	18	21:12.158	9.004	1:09.582	18
8	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ	18	21:14.807	11.653	1:09.936	3
9	12	Rob HUFF	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK	18	21:15.851	12.697	1:09.705	17
10	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	18	21:16.448	13.294	1:09.247	18
11	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing	18	21:20.271	17.117	1:09.687	4
12	11	Andrew WATSON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK	18	21:21.187	18.033	1:10.053	5
13	88	Mikey DOBLE	Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing	18	21:21.688	18.534	1:09.928	5
14	222	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	18	21:26.024	22.87	1:10.377	5
15	18	Daryl DELEON	Duckhams Racing With Bartercard	18	21:29.092	25.938	1:10.438	5
16	22	Nick HALSTEAD	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	18	22:04.978	1:01.824	1:10.798	6
17	14	Ronan PEARSON	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	17	21:49.156	1 Lap	1:09.134	11
DNF	29	Scott SUMPTON	Restart Racing	12	14:29.923	6 Laps	1:10.705	10
DNF	3	Tom CHILTON	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	11	13:37.159	7 Laps	1:09.963	6

After what has felt like a lengthy off-season followed by a rain delay at Donington Park earlier today, the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship finally got underway with the opening race of the new season.

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Tom Ingram claimed a lights-to-flag triumph, from NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton and Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill.

Ingram held the lead from the start as he defended well from the fast-starting BMWs of Hill and Colin Turkington, the latter though was eventually shuffled down to fourth on the opening lap by the recovering Sutton.

The first lap ended under caution following a high speed off for Sam Osborne’s NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus, although he seemingly received a touch from behind as the cars wriggled through the Craner Curves for the first time.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq's Josh Cook nipped past the sister car of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK’s Andrew Watson for sixth at the restart, whilst Team BMW’s Adam Morgan was busy making amazing inroads from the back of the grid.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK’s Robb Huff was fired off after NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Rowbottom tapped Mikey Doble’s PMR-run Vauxhall into the Toyota. Huff and Doble recovered while Rowbottom entered the pits with damage to the front of his Ford Focus.

When the rain eventually settled and the chequered flag waved it was Ingram winning from Sutton, with the latter having nipped by Hill’s #24 BMW late on.

Team BMW’s Colin Turkington was fourth, ahead of a great drive from Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’s young talent Ronan Pearson.

Cook was sixth, with Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing’ Aron Taylor-Smith and the charging Morgan.

NAPA Racing UK's Dan Cammish impressed after a challenging qualifying to claim ninth, whilst LKQ Euro Car Parts with Synetiq Aiden Moffat completed the top ten positions.

Tom Ingram said: “It’s exactly what we need. The circuit was changing every lap, your braking zones and braking points changed. As a starting point it was spot on… pole, win and the fastest lap.”

Ash Sutton said: "It wasn’t the best start. I got jumped by both BMWs so I had to claw my way back. We didn’t quite get the tyre pressures right for that one, but we didn’t expect to be behind the safety car for so long either. I’m pleased though as we got back to where we started."

Jake Hill said: “It’s a great result, I’m happy. I made a slight mistake and lost the rears, they were falling away at the end there but huge thanks to everyone at Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport – it’s a good start to the season.”

Donington Park - Race 1 - Results:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	80	Tom INGRAM	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	21	32:23.071		1:15.177	16
2	1	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	21	32:25.556	2.485	1:15.642	21
3	24	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	21	32:27.310	4.239	1:15.492	16
4	20	Colin TURKINGTON	Team BMW	21	32:31.219	8.148	1:16.066	16
5	14	Ronan PEARSON	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	21	32:32.224	9.153	1:16.518	16
6	66	Josh COOK	LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ	21	32:34.582	11.511	1:16.771	17
7	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing	21	32:36.320	13.249	1:17.085	21
8	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	21	32:37.453	14.382	1:16.315	20
9	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ	21	32:42.107	19.036	1:17.457	20
10	11	Andrew WATSON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK	21	32:42.559	19.488	1:17.689	16
11	3	Tom CHILTON	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	21	32:43.821	20.75	1:17.163	21
12	88	Mikey DOBLE	Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing	21	32:46.269	23.198	1:17.646	19
13	18	Daryl DELEON	Duckhams Racing With Bartercard	21	32:46.737	23.666	1:18.392	18
14	33	Adam MORGAN	Team BMW	21	32:46.947	23.876	1:16.845	20
15	222	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	21	32:47.700	24.629	1:18.484	20
16	22	Nick HALSTEAD	Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS	21	32:49.459	26.388	1:18.426	16
17	29	Scott SUMPTON	Restart Racing	21	32:50.118	27.047	1:18.499	16
18	12	Rob HUFF	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK	21	32:50.330	27.259	1:17.201	21

The first-ever BTCC 'Quick Six' qualifying took place at Donington Park yesterday, which saw Tom Ingram claim pole position, ahead of Ash Sutton and Colin Turkington.

The BTCC audio team caught up with all three drivers...

Tom Ingram

Ash Sutton

Colin Turkington