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MG Racing RCIB Insurance man Ash Sutton rounded off a stellar maiden campaign in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in fine style with overall Jack Sears Trophy honours following last weekend's Brands Hatch finale.

The MG racer came out of the blocks right on the pace in 2016, with pole at the season's second event, at Donington Park, signalling his intent.

Come the end of the Croft weekend, Sutton had garnered a debut appearance on the steps of the rostrum and a first win following a thrilling race three from the North Yorkshire circuit, played out in tricky conditions.

The 2015 Renault UK Clio Cup champion spoke of his pleasure at a job well done in this year's BTCC.

"Things couldn’t have gone better for me this season," said Sutton. "Some bad luck struck us mid-season and knocked us down the standings for the overall Drivers' title but I have achieved everything I came here to do.

"People kept asking me at the start, 'are all these big names intimidating?' and my honest answer was always no, they are just stickers on windows.

"I was not going to treat the BTCC any differently to any other championship I had been in.

"I set myself some goals just before Season Launch - those being to secure my first pole positon, get my first podium, followed by my first outright win and then the last and final one, the Jack Sears Trophy.

"Those goals at the time may have been a little strong but I am pleased that we have achieved every single one of them."

Winning the trophy bearing the legendary name Jack Sears, in the year of the inaugural BTCC champion's passing gave an extra gravitas to the achievement.

"Collecting silverware does show what you have achieved, but winning the Jack Sears Trophy on the year that 'Gentleman Jack' passed, with his son David presenting it to me made it an emotional experience as well as an unforgettable one."

West Surrey Racing and Team JCT600 with GardX secured double title success following a dramatic conclusion to the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch last weekend.

The Sunbury-on-Thames stable made sure of the BTCC Manufacturers’/Constructors’ crown with a race to spare on Sunday - marking its 20th anniversary in the BTCC with a fifth overall crown, a fourth in three years.

Team JCT600 with GardX were to be champions in their own right, too, bringing home Teams' honours after a nail-biting season finale.

Team-mates Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard started the day holding hopes of claiming the coveted Drivers' honours as part of an unprecedented eight-way battle.

Collard's challenge would prove not to stay the course, losing time with others’ incidents in races one and two, finishing 12th and 10th - not enough to take the fight to the final race of the season.

Long-time standings leader Tordoff, however, remained at the head of the pack right until the finale. It wasn't to be for the Yorkshireman, though, as reigning champion Gordon Shedden homed in, passing his rival after an enthralling battle in the finale. This move proved decisive in handing the Scotsman a second title in a row - Tordoff missing out by just two points in the end. Title or not, the 27-year-old's 2016 has been a watershed year.

Tordoff and Collard's efforts over the course of the season ensured WSR claimed the HiQ Teams’ Trophy - capping off what has been a successful campaign for Dick Bennetts' charges.

“I’m really happy for everyone at WSR to be celebrating the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title and have to say a big thank you JCT600, GardX, IHG® Rewards Club and BMW UK for the support they’ve given us this year on our way to the Teams’ title," said the Team Principal.

"Motor racing is a real team effort and this is a deserving reward for a fantastic group of people. We did, of course, come here looking for three titles, rather than two and I’m gutted that we weren’t able to get Sam over the line. But he’s raised his level considerably this year – as has Rob – and we’re determined to bounce back even stronger in 2017.

Tordoff said: “While I’m obviously gutted to lead the championship for most of the season and then miss out on the Drivers’ title by two points, I’m incredibly proud of myself, of the job done by everyone at WSR and the support we’ve had from BMW, JCT600 and GardX all season.

"We’ve ended the season as Constructors’ and Teams’ champions and honestly I couldn’t have asked for much more. This weekend I’ve actually scored some decent points, but the pace needed to get us over the line wasn’t quite there; we needed something extra and it wasn’t quite there.”

“Two out of three isn’t bad and I’m very proud to be a part of a team that’s won the Teams’ and constructors’ titles this year," said Tordoff's team-mate Rob Collard.

Team IHG® Rewards Club's Jack Goff played his part on the other side of the WSR stable.

Goff claimed two podium finishes in his maiden year in a rear-wheel drive BTCC machine on the way to 11th in the Drivers’ standings while Team IHG®Rewards Club claimed eighth in the Teams’ championship.

“It’s fantastic to be celebrating the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ championship with WSR," said Goff.

"They’ve given me a wonderfully-balanced BMW all year and with four fastest laps, I think I’ve proven that we’ve all had strong pace this year.

"With better luck, I’m sure I could have been in the top six of the championship and the speed we’ve shown all year is proof of that."

 

Kent-based Motorbase Performance secured double Independents' Title victories on home turf during an enthralling 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season finale on the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit this past weekend.

Both the Independent Teams’ and Independent Drivers’ Titles will be heading back to Motorbase towers, with the Wrotham-based outfit commemorating its 11th year on the BTCC grid in perfect style – with Mat Jackson claiming the team’s seventh win of the season, his 30th in the series, in the nail-biting season climax.

Jackson and Jordan were two of an unprecedented eight drivers in contention for the UK’s most coveted motorsport crown heading into the weekend, though they weren't able to dice for the overall Drivers' title to the last, the pair did the job.

Jackson’s race three win saw the DUO-backed driver end the season in third spot – the highest-placed Independent driver – just 16 points off returning champion Gordon Shedden.

In spite of a challenging weekend, Red Bull athlete Jordan managed to hold on the top spot; clinching the third career Independent Drivers' trophy in his maiden season as part of the Motorbase line-up.

In the Teams' battle, Motorbase took a credible 3rd place overall behind the BMW and Honda manufacturer-backed outfits, ending the season just 34 points off eventual winners, Team JCT600 with GardX.

The weekend topped off Motorbase’s most successful BTCC campaign to date with its drivers amassing an impressive tally of seven outright race wins, seven outright podiums, 15 Independents' race wins and 21 Independents' podiums between them in the Mountune-powered Ford Focus STs. Jackson also jointly tops the table of most race wins this season with five.

Delighted Team Boss Oly Collins said: “It was a great end to the season. It’s been such a great year for the whole team at Motorbase and now we can celebrate our two BTCC Championships. The aim this weekend was to win the outright Drivers' and we came tantalisingly close but full credit to Gordon [Shedden] and the Honda team on their win.

“I’m incredibly proud of how well we’ve done this season and it’s all thanks to the guys and girls behind the team!”

“We had issues in qualifying which put us on the back foot and unfortunately that set us up for a difficult weekend," said Jackson. "The GP circuit is a hard place to overtake on so to get back to where we did is great result and a great effort from everyone in the team.

“The car was phenomenal in the last race and it’s great to go out with a win and also to have taken our first Teams’ trophy at the end of an interesting season. We’ve made big steps forward this year having two cars scoring big which is what you need to win a title in the BTCC so it’s fantastic for that hard work to have paid off.

“When you come as close as we did to clinching the overall title you always look at the ones that got away and the missed opportunities but we can’t look back – it’s all about learning and moving forward. The car has been on the money this year and the boys have given me one of the most reliable machines on the grid so we just need to build a little bit on our consistency and come back stronger for the fight next year.”

“This is the third time that I’ve won the Independents Title so to do it again and help Motorbase to win their first ever BTCC title in my first year with the team is something that I’m really proud of," said Jordan.

“This year has been a good solid year for me. We’ve had a couple of wins and been back on the podium - a bit up and down with the results and not as consistent as I would have liked, but on a whole I’m really happy with how the season has gone.”

To celebrate Gordon Shedden winning his third Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship we're giving away this champion wallpaper.

Just click the link below to download

Gordon Shedden dramatically defended his championship at Brands Hatch, overturning a two-point deficit to Sam Tordoff in the final race.

After the dust settled we spoke with the new three-time champion and Halfords Yuasa Racing Team Manager James Rodgers...

West Surrey Racing claimed Constructors'/Manufacturers' honours for BMW, whilst Team JCT600 with GardX took the Teams' title.

While Sam Tordoff was ultimately disappointed to miss out on the big prize, he was still extremely proud to bring success to the team. We caught up with the championship runner-up, Team Principal Dick Bennetts and JCT600 boss John Tordoff...

Motorbase Performance won its first championship in the BTCC and duly backed it up with another in the same season. The Kent-based squad took the Independents Teams' title while Andrew Jordan claimed the Independents Drivers' championship for the third time in his career.

We caught up with Team boss David Bartrum, as well as Jordan and team-mate Mat Jackson, who won the final BTCC race of the season...

MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver Ashley Sutton clinched the Jack Sears Trophy at Brands Hatch after a hugely impressive maiden season in the BTCC. We caught up with the rookie champion at the famous Kent venue...

Deficit overcome as the Scotsman becomes a triple champion

Halfords Yuasa Racing star Gordon Shedden has dramatically defended the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at the conclusion of an action-packed day of racing at Brands Hatch.

The Scotsman needed to overcome a two point deficit to standings leader Sam Tordoff heading into the final race of the season, and the now triple champion made the all-important move by his rival on lap seven.

The duo were tussling over third place with Mat Jackson and Aiden Moffat already up the road, but it was all eyes of the title fight. The huge 45,000-strong crowd held its collective breath as Shedden hauled his Honda Civic Type R down the inside of Tordoff’s Team JCT600 with GardX machine on the run down to Clearways, before completing the move on the exit of Clark Curve.

Shedden fended off further attacks and even a late safety car period to maintain third position, superbly securing the title in the process. The Honda man had been fighting back throughout the year, following a challenging start to his title defence, and the 37-year-old finally returned the championship summit as the chequered flag fell on the last race of the season. Shedden’s success was all the more impressive as he became the first driver to win back-to-back titles since Fabrizio Giovanardi in 2007 and 2008.

Mat Jackson took a brilliant win for Motorbase Performance in the final contest, ahead of a stunning standout drive to second spot from Laser Tools Racing’s Aiden Moffat, whilst Adam Morgan’s Mercedes eventually finished ahead of the unfortunate Tordoff.

The day's earlier races at the legendary Kent circuit had been won by Silverline Subaru BMR Racing’s Colin Turkington, with Rob Austin and Josh Cook scoring impressive podium positions in the opener. Plato and Shedden followed the Ulsterman home in the second bout.

Despite Tordoff narrowly missing out on the Drivers’ crown, West Surrey Racing secured the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ championship for BMW while Team JCT600 with GardX won the Teams’ titles.

Andrew Jordan took the Independents Drivers’ trophy and Motorbase Performance won Independents Teams’ honours.

After a season long battle with Michael Epps, the Jack Sears Trophy eventually went to Ashley Sutton, with the MG Racing RCIB Insurance driver starring throughout his maiden BTCC campaign.

When the dust settled on an unforgettable occasion, it was Shedden celebrating winning the most coveted prize in British motor sport for the third time in his career, pipping Tordoff by just two points.

Jackson claimed third overall ahead of Turkington, whilst Collard and Matt Neal rounded out the standings top six. Triple champion Neal was forced to miss the final race of the season after a heavy accident in the second encounter left him suffering with slight concussion.

Today’s action brought down the curtain on another record breaking season in the BTCC, which included 12 different race winners for the first time ever and an unprecedented eight title contenders going into the final weekend of the season.

The calendar for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is already set, again comprising of 30 races across ten events at nine venues around the UK. The season will commence at Brands Hatch in April and conclude on the iconic Grand Prix circuit at the same venue in October.

Gordon Shedden said: “It’s unbelievable – an incredible feeling. I’ve felt really relaxed all weekend, but even going into race three, I thought it was going to be really difficult – and it was! In terms of entertainment, the BTCC has once again delivered in spades as the title battle went all the way down to the last race – and what a storming race it was! It was a shame Matt (Neal) couldn’t join in – it would have been good to have him up there pushing for the title too, because he has had really good pace today.

"All year, I’ve really stuck my neck on the line and made some bold, heart-in-the-mouth moves that were on the edge more often than not. After Croft back in June, it looked like we were down-and-out, but we stuck to our guns, kept plugging away and gave it absolutely everything to claw our way back. It just goes to show that every single point really does count in this championship.

"Winning the championship for the first time felt phenomenal, last year was a real rollercoaster ride and this year it was just a huge release of emotion. I might allow myself a few cups of tea and a Tunnock’s Teacake to celebrate tonight…

"Sam (Tordoff) has driven well all year. I’ve enjoyed clean racing all season, and even in that last race he was very fair. His time will come – and it won’t be far away.”

Sam Tordoff said: “It was obviously a shame not to win the title after leading for so long, but we gave it our all and didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t think we had a bad day today at all – we scored three strong results, but Gordon had a better one and ultimately the best man won. Still, looking at the season overall, we’ve stepped up to the next level and firmly established ourselves as championship contenders. I’m incredibly proud of myself, of the job done by everyone at WSR and the support we’ve had from BMW, JCT600 and GardX all season. We’ve ended the season as constructors’ and teams’ champions and honestly I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

Andrew Jordan said: “It’s nice to win a BTCC title again, even if it’s not the overall one, which was obviously what we were aiming for. After what happened in race one, it ended up pretty tight points-wise in the final Independents’ battle, and I’m sure I’ll feel a little bit sore in the morning! The guys did a great job to get the car fixed in time for race two, which was probably one of the best drives I’ve had as we came through the pack – and then it was all about securing the crown in race three. With a season in the Focus under my belt now, we have a very solid foundation to build upon in 2017. I’m very proud to have given Motorbase its first title in my first year with the team – but next year, we’ll definitely be aiming for the big one!”

Ashley Sutton said: “It’s been an absolutely unreal season, and I honestly can’t thank MG, RCIB Insurance and Triple Eight enough – without them, none of this would have been possible. My goal back at the start of the year was to win the Jack Sears Trophy, and with Jack’s sad passing, it now means even more. It’s just a shame he couldn’t be here today to present it to me – I’m actually feeling a bit emotional about it all. I’ve loved every minute of my first BTCC season.”

Alan Gow, Series Director, said: “It’s been a fantastic year and to go down to the final race once again is incredible. Both Sam Tordoff and Gordon Shedden have driven superbly throughout the season, but someone has to win it, and my congratulations go to Gordon and all the other winners. The format we have in the BTCC works and to have 12 different race winners and this exciting season climax tells you everything you need to know about the championship. We never rest on our laurels and the plan is always to come back bigger and better next season.”

2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – Round 28 – Brands Hatch GP:

1 Colin TURKINGTON (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing 25m56.267s (90.06 mph)
2 Rob AUSTIN (GBR) Handy Motorsport +4.570s
3 Josh COOK (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +5.314s
4 Jason PLATO (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +5.903s
5 Gordon SHEDDEN (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +10.750s
6 Adam MORGAN (GBR) WIX Racing +11.130s
7 Matt NEAL (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +11.620s
8 Aiden MOFFAT (GBR) Laser Tools Racing +17.894s
9 Ash SUTTON (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +18.077s
10 Sam TORDOFF (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +19.564s

2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – Round 29 – Brands Hatch GP:

1 Colin TURKINGTON (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing 28m52.932s (85.93 mph)
2 Jason PLATO (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.128s
3 Gordon SHEDDEN (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +1.535s
4 Josh COOK (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +1.827s
5 Sam TORDOFF (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +2.431s
6 Aiden MOFFAT (GBR) Laser Tools Racing +2.931s
7 Mat JACKSON (GBR) Motorbase Performance +3.046s
8 Adam MORGAN (GBR) WIX Racing +3.336s
9 Tom INGRAM (GBR) Speedworks Motorsport +3.626s
10 Robert COLLARD (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +3.963s

2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – Round 30 – Brands Hatch GP:

1 Mat JACKSON (GBR) Motorbase Performance 30m42.447s (85.58 mph)
2 Aiden MOFFAT (GBR) Laser Tools Racing +1.016s
3 Gordon SHEDDEN (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +1.454s
4 Adam MORGAN (GBR) WIX Racing +1.660s
5 Sam TORDOFF (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +2.600s
6 Tom INGRAM (GBR) Speedworks Motorsport +2.734s
7 Josh COOK (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +3.046s
8 Jake HILL (GBR) RCIB Insurance Racing +4.093s
9 Robert COLLARD (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +4.188s
10 Jason PLATO (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +5.937s

Drivers’ Championship

Gordon Shedden, Halfords Yuasa Racing, 308
Sam Tordoff, Team JCT600 with GardX, 306
Mat Jackson, Motorbase Performance, 292
Colin Turkington, Silverline Subaru BMR Racing, 289*
Rob Collard, Team JCT600 with GardX, 278
Matt Neal, Halfords Yuasa Racing, 275

Manufacturers’/Constructors’ Championship

WSR, 790
Honda/Dynamics, 737
Subaru/Team BMR, 722
MG/888, 571

Teams’ Championship

Team JCT600 with GardX, 574
Halfords Yuasa Racing, 557*
Motorbase Performance, 538
Silverline Subaru BMR Racing, 531
MG Racing RCIB Insurance, 332
WIX Racing, 234

Independents’ Drivers’ Championship

Andrew Jordan, Pirtek Racing, 415
Mat Jackson, Motorbase Performance, 412
Adam Morgan, WIX Racing, 361
Tom Ingram, Speedworks Motorsport, 338
Aiden Moffat, Laser Tools Racing, 278
Rob Austin, Handy Motorsport, 272*

Independents’ Teams’ Championship

Motorbase Performance, 541
WIX Racing, 380
Speedworks Motorsport, 354**
Laser Tools Racing, 308
RCIB Insurance Racing, 299
Eurotech Racing, 296

Jack Sears Trophy

Ashley Sutton, 442
Michael Epps, 424
Matt Simpson, 345

The remaining three BTCC title contenders – Sam Tordoff, Gordon Shedden and Colin Turkington – have spoken to btcc.net ahead of the final race of the season...