Ash Sutton Claims Fourth BTCC Title with Record-Breaking Season

Ash Sutton has become a record-equalling four-time British Touring Car Champion after a stellar performance in the 2023 season. The NAPA Racing UK star secured the title with two wins at the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit, capping off a campaign that saw him achieve six pole positions and 12 race wins.

Setting new records, Sutton became the first driver to claim the championship in both rear-wheel and front-wheel-drive machinery. His six pole positions matched James Thompson’s record from 2003, while his 12 race wins equaled Alain Menu’s achievement in 1997. Sutton now joins the ranks of Andy Rouse and Colin Turkington as a four-time BTCC champion.

Runner-up Tom Ingram, the outgoing champion, pushed Sutton throughout the season, finishing second in the opening two races at Brands Hatch. Despite the pressure, Sutton remained composed and expressed his joy at clinching the title: “It feels phenomenal… Four-time BTCC champion… come on!”

Reflecting on his record-breaking season, Sutton highlighted the significance of being the first driver to claim the title in both front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. He also expressed his desire to continue pushing for more success, stating, “That was what we were ultimately chasing because I don’t plan to end on four.”

While Sutton stole the headlines, BMW ended their 2023 campaign on a high note with Jake Hill winning the final race for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport. However, it was NAPA Racing UK/Ford that claimed the manufacturers’ title, as well as the Teams’ title. Josh Cook and his One Motorsport with Starline Racing team secured the Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ laurels.

The Jack Sears Trophy, which was fiercely contested throughout the season, was ultimately won by Andrew Watson of CarStore Power Maxed Racing in his rookie BTCC season.

Looking ahead, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will return in April for the opening rounds of the 2024 season at Donington Park.

Race One Triumph Secures Title for Sutton

In the opening race at Brands Hatch, Ash Sutton secured a lights-to-flag victory, sealing his championship triumph. Tom Ingram, his main rival for the title, finished second, keeping Sutton on his toes throughout the race. Despite a late safety car period and a final attack from Ingram, Sutton held on to claim the win and trigger wild celebrations in the NAPA Racing UK garage.

There were also cheers at Team HARD as Bobby Thompson secured a fantastic podium finish for Go-Fix with Autoaid Breakdown.

Sutton’s 12th Win of the Season

In the second race of the day, Sutton matched Alain Menu’s modern-day record of 12 race wins in a single BTCC season. Starting from pole position, he dominated the race from start to finish, with Tom Ingram and Dan Cammish completing the podium.

The race was not without incident, as Cammish’s Ford Focus made contact with Colin Turkington’s Team BMW, resulting in a broken suspension for Cammish. The ensuing chaos involved Turkington being collected by Ronan Pearson’s Hyundai and then hit by Michael Crees’ Cupra. After two safety car periods, Ricky Collard, Bobby Thompson, and Jake Hill completed the top six.

Hill Ends BMW’s Season on a High

The final race of the season saw Jake Hill of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport emerge victorious, giving BMW a positive end to their campaign. Hill capitalized on a battle between Stephen Jelley of Team BMW and Josh Cook of One Motorsport with Starline Racing, making a daring move to overtake both drivers in one maneuver.

Cook and Jelley finished second and third, respectively, while Tom Ingram, Dan Rowbottom, and Ricky Collard rounded out the top six. Ash Sutton, already crowned champion, had to settle for a points-paying position after a mid-race incident.

In conclusion, Ash Sutton’s record-breaking season has cemented his status as one of the greatest touring car drivers. His four BTCC titles, six pole positions, and 12 race wins are testament to his skill and determination. As the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship looks ahead to the 2024 season, fans can expect more thrilling battles and record-breaking performances from Sutton and his competitors.