Tag: BARC

BTCC signs off 2018 season in spectacular style at Brands Hatch

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship brought the curtain down on its Diamond Jubilee season in style at Brands Hatch this weekend with three dramatic races and champions being crowned.

Having already proven to be a record-breaking campaign, the BTCC’s 60th Anniversary was signed off in typically thrilling fashion as Colin Turkington beat season-long rival Tom Ingram to lift the coveted title for a third time.

Turkington’s championship triumph was just half the story however on a weekend that saw the series showcase why it is one of the leading categories in the world.

Qualifying kicked off proceedings with the all-important battle for pole position set to be critical in the title battle. Following a frenetic session, Brett Smith topped the timesheet as the clock ticked to zero, handing him his maiden BTCC pole position.

Behind the Eurotech Racing driver were a further four Honda Civic Type R’s as the underlined their superiority around the Grand Prix layout. Of the championship protagonists, Turkington could only manage 17th whilst Ingram languished in 19th.

Halfords Yuasa Racing wild prove to be the dominant force on race day however as they stormed to a pair of 1-2 finishes, with Dan Cammish finally scoring a breakthrough victory and with it becoming the 17th different race winner of the season.

As the lights went out for race one, Smith held the lead off the start but soon found himself at the mercy of Cammish who made his move at Clearways. Triple champion Neal followed soon after and that was to be how it finished at the chequered flag.

Drama was to follow afterwards though as Cammish was handed a 30-second time penalty after being adjudged to have made a false start. Following an appeal by the team, Cammish was later reinstated as the race winner meaning the original result stood.

For Turkington and Ingram, a handful of points for both saw the Team BMW driver extend his advantage and put him on the cusp of championship glory heading into race two.

Cammish produced a carbon copy performance in race two, despite being ladened with 75kgs of success ballast as he led home Neal for another Honda 1-2. Things were far less comfortable for Neal however as he fended off Andrew Jordan for a majority of the race.

In the title battle, Turkington found himself in the thick of the action and contact with Dan Lloyd at Paddock Hill Bend was shortly followed by a trip through the gravel trap sent him tumbling down the order.

As that happened, Ingram’s target became clear – he had to finish on the podium to keep the championship alive. Hustling his Speedworks Motorsport Toyota into fourth, Ingram tried everything he could to muscle his way past Jordan in the closing laps but was unable to do so, meaning Turkington secured an unassailable lead and was crowned champion.

The final race of the weekend and the season proved to be a fitting end to the BTCC’s Diamond Jubilee as outgoing champion Ashley Sutton and Josh Cook engaged in a ding-dong battle for the honours.

Going bumper-to-bumper for a majority of the race and dicing for the lead, the pair kept fans on the edge of their seats and they were soon out of them as Sutton drew alongside Cook on the run to the line – snatching victory by a mere 0.032 of a second.

Rob Austin rounded out the final podium of the season as he finished third in his HMS Racing Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

As Turkington celebrated becoming a three-time BTCC champion, BMW and West Surrey Racing also successfully retained their BTCC Manufacturer/Constructor Championship and BTCC Teams Championship respectively.

Ingram and Speedworks Motorsport did the same in the Independents’ categories whilst the Toyota Avensis driver was also the winner of the Dunlop Forever Forward award for the most overtakes over the course of the season.

Capping off the list of title winners was two-time race winner Cammish who lifted the Jack Sears Trophy.

For the final championship standings as well as the full classification of results from the weekend, click here.

Series Elite unveils new car ahead of inaugural season

The striking Jaguar XE SV Project 8 has been unveiled at the International Property Awards in London as the new car that will be campaigned in the inaugural season of Series Elite in 2019.

Aimed at high net worth individuals with a minimum age of 50 years, the newly launched category is aimed at providing novice drivers who never had the opportunity to go racing in their youth, as well those more experienced drivers who raced in their younger days and still wish to compete.

Since launching in March the series has garnered plenty of interest, with work progressing behind the scenes to put together the correct package to ensure the one-make category continues to flourish.

Having received high acclaim from the automotive industry and media, the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is set to become a thoroughbred race car in the series, with development of the car already well underway before testing commences in early 2019.

Series Elite founder, Graeme Glew, said: “The opportunity to develop this awesome car into a fully fledged racer was one that I jumped at. Not only will our drivers own a fantastic race car, when they finally hang up their race boots, they can if they wish, convert their Project 8 back to a road going version, one of no more than 300 will be made by Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations.”

Set to offer a turnkey racing opportunity and designed to appeal to both amateurs and more experienced racers, drivers will be provided with all the relevant training, testing and race experience needed to compete in the new series, with their cars stored and prepared at a centralised team facility.

With visits to Silverstone, Donington Park, Brands Hatch and Portimao all set to feature on the calendar next year, preparations are in full swing for the category to make its mark early next year.

“The last six months have been an intensive period of developments and it’s another milestone for us with the showcasing of the Project 8 car at the International Property Awards event this week,” Glew continued.

“We’ll be introducing the Series to a vey affluent, driven audience and offer them the chance to re-ignite an old passion or achieve an unfulfilled ambition.

“Our original plan was to hold a one-off ‘taster’ race weekend later this year. However, the car development and series preparation has led us to focus on an early 2019 test programme ahead of the inaugural race calendar.

“We’ll be giving our drivers even more track time and an opportunity to be race-ready and fully prepared for what promises to be a very exciting addition to the options for the more mature driver to go racing.

“We’ve also partnered with a number of luxury brands that will be joining us at the event, like-minded businesses who work within the HNWI industry and meet their demands for exclusivity and enriching their lives.”

Those wanting more information on Series Elite should head to https://www.serieselite.com/

Charlie Ladell seals Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup title in dominant fashion

Charlie Ladell was perfection personified in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup at Brands Hatch to seal the coveted championship title in fine style.

Having topped the standings since the opening event of the season, the Rob Boston Racing wrapped up the one-make series crown with one race to spare after dominating proceedings around the Grand Prix layout.

Arriving at the season finale in a commanding position at the summit of the points, ahead of chief rival Carl Boardley, Ladell laid down his marker by storming to pole position in qualifying after originally losing his fastest time.

Launching off the front row in race one, the 22-year-old took a significant step closer to championship glory with a lights-to-flag victory ahead of Angus Fender and Harry King.

Starting on pole position for race two, Ladell underlined his title credentials with another superlative drive from behind the wheel of his #32 machine. Holding off King as the lights went out, Ladell settled into a rhythm and maintained the gap to the Elite Motorsport driver all the way to the chequered flag to score his tenth win of the season.

“This is an incredible feeling, it won’t sink in for a while,” Ladell said as celebrations began. “To do it with two wins is amazing, I can’t thank everyone around me enough. Everyone has worked so hard and it’s all come together.

“It was just a case of counting down the laps. Harry kept close, it wasn’t easy but I brought it home!”

Tom Roche capped off the season as he cantered to the victory in the final race of the weekend and the 2018 campaign, finishing ahead of Carl Boardley and Adam Shepherd.

In the Am class, Michael Crees recovered from a first lap spin in race two to charge through the field and ensure he secured title honours.

For the full classification of results from all sessions, click here.

BARC championships serve up thrilling Donington Park race day

The British Automobile Racing Club served up a breathtaking day of racing at Donington Park on Saturday (September 29) as three championships continued on the road towards the end of the season.

Tackling the challenging Leicestershire venue, the Junior Saloon Car Championship, Classic Touring Car Championship and CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship were all in action.

Showcasing the next generation of racing drivers, the Junior Saloon Car Championship delivered its customary blend of wheel-to-wheel thrills and excitement with spoils being shared between two drivers.

With the title battle set to go down to the wire, Joel Wren maintained his recent run of front-running form with a fourth consecutive victory. Starting from fourth on the grid, Wren charged to the front of the field and was declared the winner after five laps following a red flag stoppage. Thomas Ward and Lewis Saunders joined Wren on the podium, finishing second and third respectively.

Saunders made a triumphant return to the summit of the rostrum in race two as he narrowly edged out Wren to continue his charge towards the championship title.

In the Classic Touring Car Championship, six high-octane encounters left fans sitting on the edge-of-their-seats. The amalgamated Pre 93 Touring Cars, Pre 2003 Touring Cars & Pre 05 Production Saloon Cars races saw a dominant display by Ian Bower in his BMW M3, winning both races.

Stephen Primett produced a similar dominating performance in the combined Pre 66 Classic Saloon & Historic Touring Cars & Pre 83 Group 1 Touring Cars races as he piloted his Ford Escort Mk1.

The CTCRC action came to a close with the Classic & Historic Thunder Saloons & Blue Oval Saloon Series sharing the track, with Dave Cockell prevailing, sweeping to two victories in his Ford Escort Cosworth.

Rounding out the BARC action was the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship which saw series leader Paul Rose and Danny Bird take a win apiece.

For the full classification of results from all championships and sessions, click here.

Brands Hatch beckons for BARC championships

The British Automobile Racing Club will head to Brands Hatch this weekend (October 27/28) where two days of enthralling championship-deciding action will be staged around the Indy circuit.

In what is the first of a host of visits to the Kent venue in the coming weeks as the 2018 season draws to a close, a total of five BARC categories will duke it out for supremacy.

Headlining the action will be no less than eight races from the Classic Touring Car Championship. Home to some of the most iconic and eye-catching saloon cars from down the years, the series has produced memorable action throughout this past season and champions are set to be crowned in pulsating fashion.

Luc Wilson, Patrick Harris and Andy Meesham will battle it out for the Paul Inch Race Engines CTCRC Pre-66 Touring Car crown whilst there will be no such trouble for Stephen Primett in the CTCRC Group 1 Pre-83 Touring Cars, the Ford driver having already successfully retained his title.

The Envirotec Hygiene Services Pre 93 Touring Car battle is set to boil down between Ian Bower and David Hunt, the two having been near inseparable all-year long.

Steve Barden and Anna Barden find themselves in the fortunate position of having an unassailable lead in the YourITMan Pre-03 Touring Cars and Toyo Tires Pre-05 Touring Cars respectively, therefore meaning they can look ahead to signing their campaigns off in style over the course of the weekend.

Capping off the racing from the series will be a pair of encounters from the Burton Blue Power Oval Saloon Series and the Hammerite Classic Thunder Touring Cars, both of which have champions already decided in the shape of Piers Grange and Ilsa Cox.

With big grids and some titles still to be settled, this weekend’s Classic Touring Car Championship action is not to be missed, with entertainment guaranteed all the way.

The Max5 Racing Championship will also round out their 2018 season at Brands Hatch with titles to be decided in two of the three classes.

Class A has seen an enthralling three-way fight play out throughout the year and heading into the finale, Josh Malin finds himself in the pound seat. Holding a 27-point advantage over Matthew Tidmarsh, Malin will be keen to add to his nine race wins to seal the title whilst Andrew Pretorius can’t be discounted from making his mark too.

Richard Smith’s consistency means he is out of touch of his rivals in Class B however a head-to-head battle in Class C between Paul Roddison and Jeremy Shipley is sure to get pulses racing.

Also on the billing will be the BARC South East Centre’s trio of championships; the BARC South East Tin Tops Championship, BARC South East Modified Saloon Car Championship and Scrapco/Avon Intermarque Championship.

With all manner of machinery competing in these three categories, variety really is the spice of life and regulars to Brands Hatch will be well acquainted with them.

Joining the BARC will be two races from the Reprise IT Tiedeman Trophy Championship, both of which will be run on Saturday.

James Dorlin overhauls points deficit to provisionally seal Renault UK Clio Cup title

The Renault UK Clio Cup title fight went down to the final lap of the season at Brands Hatch this past weekend (September 29/30) with James Dorlin eventually overhauling his rivals to provisionally be crowned champion in his second season in the series.

In what had been a pulsating season-long battle, four drivers descended on the Kent circuit in mathematical contention for the coveted title but when the dust settled on the weekend’s two races, the Westbourne Motorsport driver celebrated championship glory.

Having entered the weekend sitting third in the standings, the BRDC Superstar picked up silverware in race one before setting his sights on taking control of the championship battle in the final race of the year.

Launching from the outside of the front row, Dorlin overhauled Bradley Burns for the lead on the opening lap heading into Graham Hill Bend and soon made his escape. Behind, series leader Max Coates found himself in the thick of the action but could not make headway.

Despite having to deal with two safety car periods, the former Junior Saloon Car and Michelin Clio Cup Series champion held his nerve to take his sixth victory of the season and with it, the 2018 Renault UK Clio Cup title.

Dorlin’s title, though, is provisional, pending an appeal to the MSA National Court by Paul Rivett and his WDE Motorsport team.

Commenting on his title win, Dorlin said: “This is the biggest achievement of my career so far, without a doubt.

“To win at this level in front of the British Touring Car teams, crowds and ITV cameras and because of the very high level of competition that the Clio Cup attracts means it carries massive credibility.

“I had all sorts thrown at me during the race but I knew so long as I kept the lead and it wasn’t Max in second then it was coming my way. Any pressure actually helped me stay focused and winning was the only thing on my mind.

“It’s great to get it the title with a sixth win and I have to say a massive ‘thank you’ to my team Westbourne Motorsport who I’ve come through the system with and sponsors Vantage Motor Group and GardX. And of course my family who’ve been with me all the way since I first started racing.”

Daniel Rowbottom, who had been in contention at the start of the weekend, produced a superlative performance in the opening encounter to storm to his third victory of the year. Converting pole position into the race lead, Rowbottom served up a mesmerising performance as he fended off the charging duo of Burns and Jack Young.

Further down the order the trio of Dorlin, Rivett and Coates diced but it was to be the Westbourne Motorsport driver that held the advantage. As the laps ticked by Young soon found himself in trouble as he was hit with a ten-second penalty for a false start – promoting the title trio.

The race however would not reach its conclusion following a heavy crash for Nicholas Reeve and Brett Lidsey at Dingle Dell. Reeve came off worse as his machine hit the tyre wall hard and subsequently rolled, causing substantial damage to his Specialized Motorsport machine.

Due to severe damage to the barrier, the race was red-flagged with Rowbottom declared the winner with Burns and Dorlin rounding off the podium.

For the full classification of results from all sessions, click here.

Colin Turkington writes his name into the history books after clinching third BTCC title

Colin Turkington wrote his name into the history books at Brands Hatch after clinching his third Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title.

In the series’ 60th Anniversary season, the Team BMW driver kept his cool to join an illustrious list of three-time winners and with it, add his name to the trophy for a third time.

Turkington arrived at the Kent circuit with a 34-point advantage over Tom Ingram and outscored his rival by a handful of points in the opening encounter. Encountering issues in race two which saw him non-score, the Northern Irishman crossed the line with an unassailable lead.

BMW and West Surrey Racing enjoyed further success too as they successfully retained their BTCC Manufacturer/Constructor Championship and BTCC Teams’ Championship crowns.

Despite missing out on the overall title, Ingram still tasted championship glory as he successfully retained his Independent Driver’s crown. The Toyota Avensis driver wrapped up the championship with a race to spare, pipping season-long rival Tom Chilton.

Speedworks Motorsport also fended off Motorbase Performance to retain their Independent Teams’ Championship too.

Halfords Yuasa Racing’s signed off his maiden BTCC season in style around the iconic Grand Prix layout at Brands Hatch by storming to a breakthrough victory in race one. The Honda Civic Type R driver enjoyed further success later in the day as he scored a second lights-to-flag victory in race two, leading home a second Team Dynamics 1-2.

Cammish lifted championship silverware at the end of the weekend as he was crowned the new Jack Sears Trophy champion. Open to drivers who started the season having not scored an outright BTCC podium, the Yorkshireman built up an unassailable lead at the penultimate event of the season at Silverstone to lift the coveted trophy.

For the final standings in all BTCC championships, click here.

Three drivers set to represent UK Clio Cup in International Final

Max Coates, Jack Young and Brett Lidsey are set to represent the Renault UK Clio Cup at Paul Ricard on November 3/4 as they take part in the International Renault Clio Cup Final.

Bringing together the leader competitors from all Clio Cup categories, the battle to be crowned the best driver in the series will take place around the circuits full-length Grand Prix layout in a 25-minute plus one lap race.

In addition to the UK Clio Cup, other championships being represented include France, Italy, Spain, Germany, ‘Central Europe’ and China – all of whom are putting some of their fastest drivers forward to duke it out for a brand new 280hp MĂ©gane Renault Sport.

Winning four races on his way to narrowly missing out on the 2018 UK Clio Cup title, Pyro Motorsport’s Coates is raring to take on the competition and sign off his year in style with yet more silverware.

In an interview with the Arabic news outlet 7alal he said: “I’m just very excited to be going to Paul Ricard – what an awesome event! This will be my second race overseas in 2018 which started in a Clio Cup car in the 24 Hours of Dubai endurance event.

“It’s going to be a challenge against other drivers from mainland Europe who will already know the circuit, but I’m going to give it my best shot and hopefully I can come away with a shiny new MĂ©gane R.S!”

MRM Racing duo Lidsey and Young both enjoyed strong campaigns over the past year, each scoring a best result of fifth place.

“It’ll be nice to race on the continent again after getting some strong results in the Benelux and Central Europe Clio Cup championships in the last few years,” Lidsey said.

“There are going to be a lot of good drivers going to Paul Ricard but I want to use the event to show what we are capable of – we were strong in the UK this year but results didn’t always go our way. This is a chance to end 2018 on a high before we look to 2019.”

Young added: “It’s going to be a very hard event to win – we don’t know the track whereas the Italian, Spanish and French drivers certainly do!

“However the UK championship I believe is the hardest of all the Clio Cups out there so, after being on the pace in the four events I did do, I’d like to think that we have the pace to be right at the sharp end at Paul Ricard.”

Clio Cup International Final spaces up for grabs at Brands Hatch

The Renault UK Clio Cup title won’t be the only prize up for grabs at this weekend’s (September 29/30) Brands Hatch season finale, with the top six drivers in the championship standings and the Graduates Cup champion set to secure entry to the prestigious International Renault Clio Cup Final event at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

Taking place on November 3/4, the event will bring together the best drivers from Clio Cup championships France, Italy, Spain, Central Europe, the UK and China for a thrilling end of season winner-takes-all race run over 25 minutes plus one lap. The winner of the race will receive a brand new 280hp MĂ©gane Renault Sport.

As it stands, the trio of Max Coates, Paul Rivett and James Dorlin have all secured their spots virtue of sitting inside the top three whilst Bradley Burns has also done the same after clinching the Graduates Cup at Silverstone.

Daniel Rowbottom, Michael Epps, Jack McCarthy, Lee Pattison, James Colburn and Dan Zelos could all still have their say on booking their spots too.

Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager, Will Fewkes, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for up to seven of our drivers to take on the best of the best in Clio Cup competition from across the world. Given the UK Clio Cup’s track record for producing the very best touring car stars of the future, we are confident we will be very well represented.

“This event rekindles the spirit of the famous Renault Finals of old and we very much look forward to discovering at Brands Hatch who will be going to Paul Ricard. We also have at our discretion the option to send an additional driver to represent the UK Clio Cup.”

Tarik Ait Said, Sporting Manager, Renault Sport Racing said: “Gathering all the Clio Cup championships that Renault holds worldwide, the Clio Cup International Final will not only be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enduring success of Clio but also a stage where the cream of the crop of each national Cup will be pitched against each other to crown the best among the best.

“Given the level of competitiveness that the UK Clio Cup has shown over the years, we expect the British contingent to be on the pace straight away. And don’t forget, a brand new MĂ©gane R.S. awaits the winner at the end of the weekend for the taking!”

Qualifying for the Renault UK Clio Cup weekend of the season is scheduled to take place at 10:55 on Saturday before race one beginning at 16:00 later that day. The final round of the season will be screened live on ITV4 on Sunday, with lights out set for 13:30.

Championship protagonists ready for BTCC title showdown

The 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title is set to go down to the wire at Brands Hatch this weekend (September 29/30) with Colin Turkington, Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton left in the running battle it out for the biggest prize in British motorsport.

Celebrating its 60 Anniversary this year, the BTCC has served up a record-breaking season which has been headlined by 16 different drivers winning a race. Now, three races and a maximum of 67 points remain before the curtain falls and it is still all to play for.

With the title pendulum having swung back and forth, Team BMW’s Turkington heads to Brands Hatch as the man to beat, holding a 34-point advantage over Speedworks Motorsport’s Ingram.

Despite only scoring a solitary victory at Oulton Park, the double champion has been consistent throughout, picking up a further nine podiums along the way. Admitting that the pressure is on his main title rival, the BMW 125i M-Sport driver is looking forward to the prospect of what is to come.

“I’m really looking forward to Brands Hatch,” Turkington said. “It has been a happy hunting ground for us in the past and I’m confident that we will have a strong car going there. We were in the thick of the battle at Silverstone last time out so it was pleasing to come away from there with a podium.

“I don’t see myself as the one who is under pressure. I much prefer to be in the position that I am in because I’ve got the points in the bag. Last year the pressure was on straightaway because I was the driver chasing and trying to claw back points wherever I could.

“I’ve already got the points and that won’t change, I go into Brands Hatch ready to do my own thing. I have a lot of reasons why I want to win this title and I’m hungrier than ever to clinch a third BTCC championship.”

Continuing to go from strength-to-strength as each year has passed, Ingram finds himself in the hunt for a maiden BTCC title for the first time. At the wheel of his Toyota Avensis, the reigning Independent champion has been a force to be reckoned with all season and is up for the challenge of overhauling a 34-point deficit.

Ingram stated: “With the lead that he has, the pressure is on Colin because the title is his to lose. I’m going into Brands Hatch with no pressure and I’ll be on maximum attack; we’re the hunters and Colin is the hunted.

“We need to beat Colin every single time we go out on track to stand a race of winning and I’ll be bringing the fight to him. Everyone at Speedworks has done a mega job this season and we are going to be in good shape around the Grand Prix circuit, the Toyota should work well around there.

“Yes 34 points is a big ask but it isn’t impossible; I don’t think it’s been won from that far back
.yet!”

Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher’s Chilton is the third driver that finds himself in mathematical contention for the championship, albeit 64 points off the summit. Realistic of his chances, Chilton has his own aspirations heading to Motorbase Performance’s home circuit.

“Although mathematically we are still in contention, realistically the overall title is out of reach for me,” Chilton said. “My championship is focused on Ingram to try to overhaul him for second in the standings and win the Independents title.

“Myself and Motorbase have clawed our way up the during the year and we’re not done yet!”

With one final race day left to play out in the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Brands Hatch looks set to once again play host to another pulsating and thrilling season finale – with further twists and turns set to come.

All event information such as links to live timing, commentary and timetable can be found by clicking here.

Champions crowned at Oulton Park as the curtain falls on further BARC categories

The British Automobile Racing Club crowned more champions this past Saturday (October 20) as Oulton Park played host to a pulsating final day of the 2018 season for six championships.

As the sun shone over the Cheshire venue, those in attendance were treated to a feast of edge-of-the-seat thrills.

Lewis Saunders held his nerve in the Junior Saloon Car Championship to convert his points lead into title glory, narrowly pipping Joel Wren and Steven Chandler. Entering the event with an 11-point advantage, Saunders scored a fourth and a third place finish respectively to lift the coveted crown.

The 14 to 17-year-old series welcomed a new winner too as Scholarship winner Scott McIntyre capped off his maiden season with a pole position and first race win.

Ben Kasperczak then rounded out the year as the final victor of 2018 in the JSCC ranks, however it came following a red flag where a mere two laps were completed.

In the CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship, Paul Rose was at his brilliant best to wrap up the title at the wheel of his Saker. Having been a tour-de-force throughout the year, Rose arrived at Oulton Park with a slender lead in the multi-class series over Jamie Cryer.

Notching two lights-to-flag wins, Rose put himself out of touch to be crowned champion once again.

There were celebrations in the Mighty Minis Championship too as a pair of champions were decided in both the Mighty Mini and Super Mighty Mini classes. Whilst former BTCC driver Jeff Smith stormed to overall victory in both races, all eyes were on the main title protagonists.

Despite Lee Poolman’s best efforts as he scored two wins in the Mighty Mini class, Stuart Coombs emerged as champion of the category – albeit by a single point. Elsewhere in the Super Mighty Mini category, Connor O’Brien produced a measured drive to be crowned champion.

The Classic VW Cup also brought the curtain down on their season with Ken Lark once again underlining his credentials as the man to beat by sealing two wins in his Volkswagen Corrado.

Rounding out the action at Oulton Park were a pair of races from the BARC Saloon Series and Dream Automotive Honda VTEC Challenge. Alexander Owen and Ben Rushworth were ultimately too much for the competition in their Honda Civic Type R and Honda Integra machines, taking two wins apiece.

For the full classification of results from all sessions, click here.

Brands Hatch braced for unmissable BTCC finale

After nine events and 27 races, the destiny of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will be decided around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit this weekend (September 29/30) – and the fight is still very much on.

Since roaring into life at the Kent venue in early April the BTCC’s Diamond Jubilee year has been one to remember, with records tumbling on a consistent basis. Boasting an impressive 16 different race winners, the series has hit new heights and that is set to continue as the final chapter of the current campaign is written.

Colin Turkington heads to Brands Hatch as the man to beat holding a 34-point advantage over Tom Ingram at the top of the standings. Chasing a third BTCC crown, the Team BMW driver has once again underlined his class with a consistent season to-date.

A single victory, taken at Oulton Park, has been backed up by an additional nine podiums to leave the Northern Irishman with a clear road to the biggest prize in British motorsport.

Standing in the way of Turkington however is reigning Independents champion Ingram, who at the wheel of his Speedworks Toyota Avensis has pieced together a mesmerising championship challenge thus far.

Producing standout performance after standout performance, Ingram descends on Brands Hatch as the hunter and focused on overhauling the 34-point deficit he has to make up over the double champion. Renowned for his overtaking prowess and ability to rise to the occasion, the 25-year-old is expected to be on maximum attack from the get-go.

Tom Chilton also enters the final weekend of the year in mathematical contention for the title but with a gap of 64 markers to make up over Turkington, the Motorbase Performance driver’s chance of overall glory looks to be an unrealistic one.

Whilst the battle for the title will take centre stage, several other drivers will be keen to sign off their season’s in style. Having seen his aspirations of his retaining crown slip away, outgoing champion Ashley Sutton will be on the march for silverware and bidding to finish in the top three.

In addition, the likes of Andrew Jordan, Jack Goff, Adam Morgan, Josh Cook, Matt Neal, Aiden Moffat and Sam Tordoff, to name just a few, are also likely to be in the mix for silverware over the course of the weekend too.

Dan Cammish’s quest for a breakthrough BTCC victory will continue however the Halfords Yuasa Racing driver won’t need to worry about the Jack Sears Trophy after building up an unassailable lead at Silverstone last time out.

The remaining championships see Ingram and Chilton as well as Speedworks and Motorbase locked in a battle for both Independent titles whilst Team BMW will look to successfully retain their BTCC Manufacturer/Constructor and BTCC Teams Championship crowns too.

With a maximum 67 points up for grabs and three high-octane BTCC encounters set to take place around the 2.43 mile circuit, the final chapter of the Britain’s premier race series’ Diamond Jubilee is set to be an enthralling one – and it is not to be missed.

The all-important final qualifying session of the season will take place on Saturday at 15:20 before rounds 28, 29 & 30 take place on Sunday at 11:35, 14:25 & 17:15 respectively.

For more information in the event including links to the full timetable and live timing, click here.