Five alive in BTCC title fight
The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reaches its long-awaited climax at Brands Hatch next weekend (14/15 November), with one of the most extraordinary seasons set for an unmissable finale.
Despite the suspension of the original schedule due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, Series Organiser TOCA rearranged an almost full calendar of racing – condensed into a three-and-a-half-month window.
The delayed campaign hasn’t disappointed with no fewer than five drivers heading to Brands Hatch in contention to claim one of the most coveted crowns in British motor racing.
Four-time and reigning BTCC champion Colin Turkington reclaimed the lead of the overall standings at Snetterton last time out, as the Team BMW star bounced back from a challenging period mid-season.
The Northern Irishman took pole position in the one-off ‘Top Ten Showdown’ qualifying format at the Norfolk circuit, and converted that success into two brilliant race wins the following day.
Turkington’s 60 points haul was understandably unrivalled, but a quartet of challengers are still hot on his wheels after their own stellar results during the year.
Laser Tools Racing’s Ash Sutton has been one of the most exciting competitors of the season so far. Four victories in the first half of the calendar have been followed by a number of standout fightback drives, but a return to winning ways could be key if he is to claim a second BTCC title.
Honda man Dan Cammish is targeting an even bigger comeback than he nearly produced in 2019, when the Yorkshireman came excruciatingly close to taking a maiden championship success. The Halfords Yuasa Racing driver has been consistent during 2020 – finishing inside the top ten in each of the last 15 races – but now he has to score big at Brands Hatch to turn around the points deficit.
Toyota Gazoo Racing UK with Ginsters’ Tom Ingram has shown his fighting qualities as the season has progressed, turning a mixed start to proceedings into a real championship challenge. The young talent remains within striking distance of the front-runners, having taken three wins and a trio of second place finishes from the last four race weekends.
If Ingram is a slight outsider for the crown then Motorbase Performance’s Rory Butcher is the real long shot, having just stayed in mathematical contention following a bruising encounter at Snetterton.
In summary, as we move towards this unmissable triple-header finale at the famous Kent circuit it is Turkington who holds a nine-point advantage over Sutton. Cammish is a further 16 points in arrears, whilst Ingram and Butcher remain in title contention. With 67 points still on offer, it really is anyone’s guess as to who will be crowned the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion.
Aside from the overall fight for honours, BMW are also looking to win Manufacturers’ and Teams’ titles, whilst Sutton and his Laser Tools Racing squad hope to clinch Independents’ glory.
The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will conclude with three high-octane races around the famous Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on 14/15 November and, as ever, the action will be broadcast live on ITV4 from 0920 on Sunday.
Colin Turkington said: “I don’t bask in the glory for long because the next race comes quickly. For sure, it will be nice to arrive at Brands feeling confident in both myself and the car after Snetterton. I will prepare and ready myself to the maximum and then try to give my best performance on the day. There is a lot of extra pressure on the finale, but I kind of really enjoy it. It’s a huge privilege to be involved and I love the chance to fight for another Championship.”
2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Drivers’ Standings
1 Colin Turkington (Team BMW) 309 Points
2 Ashley Sutton (Laser Tools Racing) 300
3 Dan Cammish (Halfords Yuasa Racing) 284
4 Tom Ingram (Toyota Gazoo Racing UK with Ginsters) 275
5 Rory Butcher (Motorbase Performance) 246