BTCC stages spectacular 2025 season-opener Donington Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasted back into life in spectacular style this past weekend (April 26/27) as four-time champion Ash Sutton and the experienced Tom Chilton made a winning start to the 2025 season.

Taking centre stage at the Leicestershire venue in front of a packed crowd, the UK’s premier motor racing series delivered three blockbuster contests to kick-start what promises to be another vintage year of tin top action.

After narrowly missing out on clinching pole position to his team-mate Dan Cammish on Saturday, NAPA Racing UK’s Sutton was wheel-perfect in races one and two as he claimed successive lights-to-flag wins ahead of his long-time rival Tom Ingram.

Bidding to become the first driver in BTCC history to win the title five times, Sutton didn’t have things his own way in either contest however as he was forced to provide a resolute defence as Ingram applied pressure throughout.

The pace of the NAPA Ford Focus ST was further bolstered as both Dan Rowbottom and Cammish snared silverware as they claimed a third-place finish apiece in the aforementioned opening two bouts.

Race three – the reverse grid contest – saw Team VERTU’s Chilton drawn onto pole position and with the soft tyre at this disposal, he showcased all of his experience as he streaked clear to claim a deserved victory.

While Chilton romped to a 17th career triumph, the battle for the remaining podium positions had everyone on the edge of their seats as Ingram and Sutton renewed their tussle on-track – although this time it was Ingram that held on to complete a hat-trick of second place finishes.

Leaving Donington Park, Sutton holds an early advantage in the Drivers’ Championship over Ingram while just one point separates EXCELR8/Hyundai and Alliance/Ford in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

There is nothing to separate Team VERTU and NAPA Racing UK in the Teams’ standings whilst Chris Smiley and Power Maxed Racing are the early pace-setters in the Independent rankings. Over in the Jack Sears Trophy, Ronan Pearson leads the way after three races.

It wasn’t just the BTCC that put on a show under the flight path of East Midlands airport either as the support championship that feature on the TOCA bill also kick-started their campaigns.

The single-seater stars of the future that make up the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA delivered a trio of captivating contests that resulted in three different winners from three races.

Argenti Motorsport’s August Raber was the first to strike as he reigned supreme in race one before Chase Fernandez won a shortened reverse grid bout. Rodin Motorsport’s James Piszcyk then came to the fore in the feature race as he won after the top two were hit with time penalties for exceeding track limits late on.

NAPA Racing UK’s Jamie Osborne was perfection personified in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he clinched a clean sweep of race wins. Despite missing out on pole position in qualifying, Osborne was unstoppable in race one as he charged to victory in commanding fashion.

Race two was arguably even more impressive as, starting ninth, he scythed his way to the front of the field to triumph by more than four seconds. Osborne capped off his weekend with another brilliant display in race three as he pipped Tom Ovenden to the chequered flag.

The Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain made a flying start to the new season with Will Martin and Andrew Rackstraw walking away with a share of the spoils that were on offer.

Tipped by many as one of the favourites for the title in the off-season, Martin produced an exemplary drive in race one as he held off Sid Smith to triumph – with Angus Whiteside completing the podium in third.

Race two saw Rackstraw then convert his pole position start into an impressive lights-to-flag victory as he headed Century Motorsport’s Whiteside and Porsche Junior Driver James Wallis.

Rounding out the weekend’s action were three races from the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain which saw Toby Trice stake his claim as one to watch in the battle for supremacy as he chalked up a brace of wins.

Had it not been for some misfortune in the opening encounter Trice could well have scored a hat-trick of wins. Instead, the spoils of the opening bout went the way of Toro Verde GT’s Tom Bradshaw.

To view the full classification of results from Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

Best of British gets underway this weekend

Not one, not two but three Motorsport UK British Championships get underway this weekend as well as a whole host of exciting support series races – guaranteed to excite motorsport fans across the country!

The talking stops and the action begins in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this weekend with 24 tin-top title hopefuls aiming to get their season off to a flyer at Donington. The Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA also begins at the East Midlands venue with the potential F1 stars of tomorrow launching their campaigns on the TOCA package.

Supporting the two British titles will be packed grids on a busy timetable across Saturday and Sunday. The Vertu MINI Challenge, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain and Porsche Carrera Cup season also start at Donington.

Elsewhere on the BARC schedule is the opening round of the British Hillclimb Championship Presented by Nova Motorsport. Some of the quickest cars and drivers in the UK head to Prescott to begin their eagerly anticipated season. Single-seaters with up to 700bhp will be unleashed on the Gloucestershire hill – imagine F1 up a garden path!

When is the next BARC weekend?
The next events will be this weekend – 26th/27thApril

Where are the events being held?
Donington Park – National
Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP

Prescott Hillclimb
Address: Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Gotherington Cheltenham, GL52 9RD

What is racing this weekend?
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, Wera Tools F4 British Championship, British Hillclimb Championship, Vertu MINI Challenge JCW, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain and Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain.

How can I watch?

At Home
The TOCA Donington race weekend package will be broadcast live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX on Sunday. International audiences will be able to watch the action on TikTok.

The uninterrupted coverage will feature all the on track drama with commentary, analysis and features throughout each day with coverage starting just ahead of the first BTCC race on Sunday at 11:00

The British Hillclimb Championship runs can be watched over on www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV – with LIVE streams for both Saturday and Sunday available.

At the Track
Wanting to soak up the on-track action in person – tickets are available on the day or on the Donington website from ÂŁ22 for a Saturday ticket or ÂŁ35.00 for a Sunday ticket – with weekend options available.

Hillclimb fans can head to Prescott with tickets starting from ÂŁ18 for each day from the Prescott website or you can pay on the gate.

What time are things happening on track?

Track action begins at 09:10 on both days at Donington with BTCC races at 11:50, 14:35 and 17:25 on Sunday. Over at Prescott the course opens for practice at 08:30 with official timed runs to follow on both days.

Do you have any more information?

We have a few other handy links that might be useful to help you enjoy your weekend.

Donington
Live Timing and Commentary: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/251703
Timetable*: www.barc.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HQ51-TOCA-Timetable-v5.pdf
Watch Link: www.itv.com/btcc

Prescott
Live Timing: https://www.motorlap.com/live/836
Timetable: https://bit.ly/4lFRMLD
Watch Link: https://www.youtube.com/@HillClimbTV

* Subject to adjustments prior and during the race meeting

Enjoy the racing – we just love the BARC variety on offer!

BTCC launches 2025 season at Donington Park

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has lifted the curtain on the forthcoming 2025 season by confirming a stellar entry list that is made up of former champions, proven race winners and young chargers.

Starting at Donington Park today for its annual Season Launch, the UK’s premier motor racing series will once again travel the length and breadth of the country – staging 30 races across ten full-throttle weekends.

Headlining this year’s 24-car grid is reigning champion Jake Hill, who is now the team leader at West Surrey Racing. Remaining with Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport and his trusty BMW, Hill has the number one adorning his car this year and he’ll be eager to not let it go.

Joining Hill at the multiple champions is exciting young racer Daryl Deleon, as well as the duo of Aiden Moffat and debutant Charles Rainford, both of whom will run under the LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR banner.

Looking to take the fight to the BMW quartet is Team VERTU, which is spearheaded by 2022 title winner Tom Ingram. Having finished as runner-up in each of the past two seasons, the Hyundai driver will be all guns blazing to clinch a second crown this time around.

Ingram is joined at EXCELR8 Motorsport by the experienced Tom Chilton once again, while Adam Morgan makes a return to front-wheel-drive after a number of years competing in the aforementioned BMW. Completing the line-up is returning fan favourite Michael Crees, although it will only be for half a season as Senna Proctor will take on driving duties from Croft onwards.

Both Hill and Ingram won’t be the only drivers battling for the coveted crown though with NAPA Racing UK fielding an unchanged line-up that is led by Ash Sutton – who is looking to make history by becoming the very first five-time champion of the BTCC.

The Ford Focus ST squad boasts strength in depth with Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom no doubt keen to make their mark also. Sam Osborne is the fourth and final driver that will represent the striking yellow and blue outfit in 2025.

Over at Speedworks Motorsport it is all change for a second successive season. Three-time champion Gordon Shedden returns after two years away and he’s joined by last year’s Independent Drivers’ champion Aron Taylor-Smith, Ronan Pearson and rookie James Dorlin.

One Motorsport took a sabbatical in 2024 but they’re back with their Honda Civic Type Rs and the ultra-competitive pairing of Josh Cook and Stephen Jelley. Elsewhere, Mikey Doble has remained with Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing for a third successive campaign.

Rounding out the grid is Chris Smiley and Daniel Lloyd in Restart Racing’s two new Hyundais while Un-Limited Motorsport have gone from one to three cars, with Dexter Patterson, Nicolas Hamilton and Max Hall locked in to drive Cupras.

With the removal of hybrid and the introduction of sustainable fuel, along with a host of other elements remaining the same, this year’s fight to be crowned British Touring Car Champion could well be one of the closest in years.

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Entry List

No. 1 // Jake Hill // Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 2 // Daryl Deleon // West Surrey Racing // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 3 // Tom Chilton // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 12 // Stephen Jelley // One Motorsport // Honda Civic Type R
No. 14 // Ronan Pearson // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 16 // Aiden Moffat // LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 17 // Dexter Patterson // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 22 // Chris Smiley // Restart Racing // Cupra Leon
No. 27 // Dan Cammish // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 28 // Nicolas Hamilton // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 32 // Dan Rowbottom // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 33 // Adam Morgan // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 40 // Aron Taylor-Smith // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 52 // Gordon Shedden // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 66 // Josh Cook // One Motorsport // Honda Civic Type R
No. 77 // Sam Osborne // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 80 // Tom Ingram // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback
No. 88 // Mikey Doble // Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing // Vauxhall Astra
No. 93 // Maximus Hall // Un-Limited Motorsport // Cupra Leon
No. 99 // Charles Rainford // LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR // BMW 330i M Sport
No. 116 // Ash Sutton // NAPA Racing UK // Ford Focus ST
No. 123 // Daniel Lloyd // Restart Racing // Cupra Leon
No. 132 // James Dorlin // TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK // Toyota Corolla GR Sport
No. 777 // Michael Crees // Team VERTU // Hyundai i30 N Fastback

Donington Park provides the setting for the opening three rounds of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season on April 26-27.

BTCC to broadcast race day coverage around the world on YouTube

The British Touring Car Championship has announced an enhancement of its global coverage, with each race day of the 2025 season – including all support series’ races – being streamed live around the world on the official BTCC YouTube channel.

Both the United Kingdom and North America are an exception to the new agreement due to them both having existing broadcast agreements in place.

Qualifying will also continue to be broadcast LIVE in the UK on ITVX, and indeed LIVE across the UK and throughout the world via YouTube.

The deal also represents fantastic news for the BTCC’s loyal support series’ – namely F4 British Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE and The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY – as each will enjoy LIVE global streaming coverage for the first time ever.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to further enhance our LIVE streaming coverage of the BTCC throughout the world via YouTube.

“This agreement represents fantastic news for our teams, partners and stakeholders, including our valued support series’, but most importantly for our legion of fans around the world, who will now be able to enjoy viewing the entire BTCC race day live for the first time.”

You can subscribe to the official BTCC YouTube channel here.

BTCC stars gear up for new season at Croft

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship undertook an extensive pre-season test at the British Automobile Racing Club owned Croft Circuit in Yorkshire earlier this week (1/2 April) with most of the 2025 challengers in attendance to gain vital mileage and data ahead of the eagerly anticipated season.

The first official pre-season test at Croft was to be an important two days to showcase the reliability of the 2025 machines, and give the fans a potential early form guide as to who to look out for this season. According to BTCC data, 2,800 laps and nearly 6,000 miles were covered across the two days, with glorious sunshine providing plenty of dry running for the teams in North Yorkshire.

BTCC Rookie Max Hall starred on the opening day, as the young driver produced a stunning lap in his Un-Limited Motorsport Cupra Leon. Hall, who graduated out of the BARC supported Verti MINI Challenge, set the benchmark in the second session. The time which was under the BTCC lap record remained unbeaten until the final hour of the last day when Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing’s Mikey Doble leapt to the top of the timesheets with a 1:20.391s which is well over half a second quicker than the existing qualifying lap record.

NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish is a dark horse for a title tilt this season and was at the sharp end during both days – eventually ending up third overall, whilst reigning champion Jake Hill was fourth in his Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW.

Hill’s new West Surrey Racing team-mate – Daryl DeLeon – left it late, as the young charger claimed fifth in the final moments of the two-day test – just pipping a happy former champion Tom Ingram in sixth.

Four-time Champion Ash Sutton was the first driver to dip under the current qualifying lap record on Tuesday, before that time became dated quite quickly, thanks in part to the glorious early spring weather. Sutton, who is eyeing a record breaking fifth title, eventually had to settle for seventh overall.

Returning three-time champion Gordon Shedden was immediately on the pace as the flying Scotsman bagged eighth in his first outing in his new TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK Corolla, whilst LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR’s Charles Rainford and One Motorsport’s Josh Cook rounded out the top ten.

Speaking to BTCC – Mikey Doble, Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing, said: “We have had a fantastic first couple of days to kick off our pre-season testing programme. The car felt amazing, and the team’s hard work in development over the off-season is now shining through. I can’t wait to get back out in the car for Season Launch at Donington in a couple of weeks.”

The BTCC has one further official test day at Donington Park on the 15th April before returning to the Leicestershire venue on the weekend of the 26/27 April for the opening three rounds of the series.

Prize BTCC test confirmed for TCR UK champions

Organisers of the TCR UK Championship have confirmed that its 2025 champions will be rewarded with a prize test in a British Touring Car Championship car at the end of the season.

In association with Maximum Motorsport and Goodyear; the TCR UK Drivers’ champion, Gen 1 Cup title winner and Goodyear Diamond Award winner will all get the opportunity to drive a current-spec BTCC car later in the year.

The new prize is one of a number of implementations that have been made to the tin top series since it joined the British Automobile Racing Club’s portfolio.

Mickey Butler, Goodyear Tyres Manager, said: “Drivers put in a lot of hard work during a race season, so it’s good to see that the three champions from TCR UK this year will be rewarded with the opportunity to step up to the next level and test drive a current BTCC spec car.

“Goodyear are proud to be the official Tyre Partner to TCR UK and to be involved in this amazing prize.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support that Micky Butler and Goodyear have provided to TCR UK since they came on board back in 2019,” added Stewart Lines, TCR UK Championship Manager.

“Their ongoing commitment to the championship is a clear sign of their belief in the TCR concept and its growing stature within UK Motorsport. The BTCC prize test means that Goodyear will be supporting this years TCR champions as they learn about current spec NGTC cars.

“Goodyear are a very loyal and supportive championship partner, and we look forward to working together with them ahead of the start of the 2025 season.”

The 2025 TCR UK Championship season commences at Donington Park on March 22-23.

BTCC entry list swells to 24 cars for 2025 season

Organisers of the British Touring Car Championship – TOCA – have today (December 2) released the list of TOCA BTCC Licences that have been allocated to teams for the 2025 season.

Following the entry approval date of December 2nd 2024 for all TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs), the grid of the UK’s premier motorsport series will expand to 24 cars next year – having stood at a maximum of 21 during the recent 2024 campaign.

Alliance Racing, EXCELR8 Motorsport and Speedworks Motorsport continue to hold four licences and they have been joined by reigning Manufacturer-Constructor champions West Surrey Racing, who will look to expand back to four cars on a full-time basis.

Power Maxed Racing and Restart Racing will again look to field two entries while Un-Limited Motorsport has acquired an additional TBL to take its total to two.

After a year on the sidelines, One Motorsport look set to make a triumphant return to the BTCC too with two TBLs being allocated to the Brackley-based squad.

Teams will announce full details regarding their respective entries (drivers, team names and sponsors) over the coming weeks and months, prior to the release of the finalised entry list for the forthcoming season in April.

2025 TOCA BTCC Licence Allocation
EXCELR8 Motorsport – 4
West Surrey Racing – 4
Alliance Racing – 4
Speedworks Motorsport – 4
Power Maxed Racing – 2
Un-Limited Motorsport – 2
Restart Racing – 2
One Motorsport – 2

The 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season commences on April 26/27 around the Donington Park National circuit.

BTCC locks in additional rule changes for 2025 season

Series organisers of the British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have confirmed further changes to its latest regulations ahead of the 2025 season. 

Following the ground-breaking announcement that the UK’s premier motorsport series will introduce 100% sustainable fuel next year, a number of other amendments have now been ratified between TOCA and all competing teams. 

As of April 1st 2025, a two-year engine freeze will come into effect, so that no further developments can be made to the homologated engines for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

This decision ensures that the highest-level of competitiveness of each engine will remain but will also significantly save costs to the teams over the next two years.

On the topic of tyres, it will now be mandatory for the three overall podium finishers in Race 1 to run the hardest Goodyear tyre compound available in Race 2 – as opposed to the previous top ten finishers.

A new safety car procedure will be also introduced to ensure a smoother, closer and safer restart to all sessions.

When the Safety Car lights are turned off – indicating it will accelerate away from the pack and return to the pit-lane – all cars must cease weaving, braking and/or accelerating and stay no more than two car lengths from the car ahead of them.

The race leader will be required to maintain approximately the same speed the safety car was using when it extinguished its lights, until the leader has passed the new ‘Restart Point’ – designated at each circuit by TOCA and to be positioned between the final corner and the start/finish control line – after which the leader can then accelerate up to racing speed.

In the battle for the coveted Jack Sears Trophy, drivers that have either previously won the competition or have scored more than one outright podium in the BTCC will not be eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy from next year.

Finally, the qualifying format has been looked at with the grid positions for cars that do not progress from both groups in the first Part of the Qualifying session undergoing a change for 2025.

Those from Group 1 who do not progress into Part 2 will line up on the even numbered side of the grid and those from Group 2 on the other side – thus preventing a change in track or weather conditions having an adverse effect on those groups and their subsequent grid positions.

“Of course, the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel has been the headlining change for the 2025 BTCC season, but we always look at every aspect of our championship each year to see what can be improved,” said BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow.

“I’m sure that these tweaks will all have a positive effect and will further add to the great racing that is the hallmark of the BTCC.”

Tickets for 2025 BTCC meeting at Croft now on sale

Tickets for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s 2025 visit to Croft Circuit are now on sale.

In what is the biggest event of the year at the British Automobile Racing Club operated venue, the UK’s premier motorsport series will descend on North Yorkshire to kick-start the second half of next season on August 2-3.

Three high-octane tin top races will top the bill while a bumper supporting cast which includes the all-new Mairon Freight UK TOCA Junior Championship will also take centre stage.

Tickets can be purchased at advance prices online today via: https://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc

BTCC to introduce 100% sustainable fuel as hybrid departs

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced that 100% sustainable fuel will be introduced for 2025, whilst the use of hybrid power has been discontinued.

Maintaining its position at the forefront of national motorsport innovation and industry-leading standards, the BTCC will next year become the first championship in the UK to fully adopt sustainable fossil-free fuel for all of its cars.

The new fuel – designated Hiperflo ECO102 R100 – is specifically engineered to maximise performance, compatibility, and sustainability. The fuel is 100% fossil-free, meaning all components are derived from synthetic and biological (i.e. non-crude) sources. Hiperflo ECO102 R100 conforms to the highest FIA and ISCC compliances. 

Following a thorough test and development programme of the fuel, the decision to introduce it means that the hybrid programme – which was officially launched for the 2022 season – will now come to an end.

From next season, cars will have the same power-boost output as in 2024 – and the same boost deployment format as previously used – with the additional power surge coming solely via turbo boost. Cars will also be some 55 kgs lighter and nimbler as a result. 

A further tweak will see all notifications of the turbo boost deployment being removed from the timing screens, as it was felt this gave teams and drivers immediate information to try to counteract its use by other drivers.

“The introduction of 100% fossil free sustainable fuel for 2025 shows that the BTCC remains committed to innovation in motorsport,” explained BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow.

“As the highest profile championship in the UK, this introduction is a significant and essential step in maintaining the competitiveness and excitement synonymous with the BTCC, but in a more sustainable and forward-thinking way.

“The hybrid era was a great one for the BTCC. Six years ago, when we first announced hybrid, it was a technology still in its relative infancy within motorsport. We’ve successfully completed that programme – and really have no more to prove in that respect – whilst others have yet to catch up. 

“But, as we’ve now ticked that box we can move further forward with the introduction of the fossil-free sustainable fuel, whilst very importantly delivering the same performance parameters that made this year’s BTCC such a memorable one.

“We don’t just sit still with the BTCC – we evolve, and we advance, as today’s announcement firmly underlines.”

Other rule tweaks have been ratified by Series Organisers TOCA ahead of the 2025 BTCC season, with information on these regulation changes to be released in the coming few days.

BTCC confirms 2025 Season Launch and official pre-season test dates

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced that its 2025 Season Launch will take place at Donington Park, while Croft has also been chosen to host two official pre-season test days.

Croft will welcome the UK’s premier motorsport series on April 1-2 for two days of testing before the Season Launch, and the final official pre-season test day, will be staged at Donington Park on April 15.

As is now customary, drivers and teams will carry out official pre-season media-related activities and interviews on April 14 before television and photography will also make up the early morning activities the following day. The ‘Class of 2025’ will then embark on six hours of testing at the Leicestershire venue.

Both Croft and Donington Park will be offering free entry to spectators, with refreshments available, whilst fans will be able to get autographs and photos with drivers during a pitlane walkabout at Donington Park.

The 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign begins around Donington Park’s National layout on April 26/27.

Jake Hill: “It’s just a massive, overwhelming feeling of emotions”

Jake Hill has shared his delight after he was crowned British Touring Car Champion for the first time in his career at Brands Hatch last weekend (October 5/6).

On what proved to be a dramatic final day of the season on the Grand Prix layout of the Kent venue, the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver produced a champions drive in the finale to edge out Tom Ingram and lift the coveted prize.

Entering the weekend tied on points with Ingram in the standings, the BMW 330e M Sport racer charged to a hard-fought victory in race one before then shadowing Ingram in second place in the penultimate contest.

Those results set up a tantalising title showdown which saw Hill leading by a solitary point. In what was simply a winner-takes-all situation, Hill held his nerve in wet conditions to power past Ingram in the early stages and from there he didn’t look back as he cruised to the crown.

“It’s just a massive, overwhelming feeling of emotions,” said Hill. “This is the first championship I have ever won and we’ve gone and made sure it is the British Touring Car Championship – I can’t quite comprehend it all at the moment.

“That last race was all about just staying calm because Tom was initially very strong and had the initiative. After a few laps though I could see he didn’t have the pace and then it was about pick my moment. It swung massively in my favour suddenly and thankfully it went our way.

“This means so much though as I thought my career was done in 2018, when I pulled out halfway through, and then Shaun Hollamby saved the day. A mixture of Shaun and me being team-mates with Mark Blundell started this journey again.

“I owe the latter part of my career to Shaun for taking a risk on me and giving me a cheap enough drive that we could somehow get the money together to do it, which we did. My Dad also just never, ever gave up and now we’re BTCC champions!”