UK’S PREMIER MOTORSPORT SERIES RETURNS AT CROFT THIS WEEKEND
The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship roars back into action at Croft this weekend (27/28 July), resuming its campaign following the annual mid-season break.
If the first half of the year is anything to go by then the BTCC looks to be heading towards a classic season with myriad contenders vying for the most coveted prize in British motorsport.
Tin-top legends such as Colin Turkington (Team BMW) and Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK) are hoping to win a record fifth BTCC title, whilst mid-season standings leader Jake Hill (Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport) is gunning for a maiden crown. Second placed Tom Ingram (Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS) is looking to wrestle back supremacy, having taken his first championship win in 2022.
A shake-up going into the summer break also saw the likes of Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK) and Josh Cook (LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ) haul themselves into contention, so it’s anyone’s guess as to where the title will end up come the season finale at Brands Hatch in October.
For now, however, attention turns to Croft with drivers and teams looking to lay down a marker ahead of the run-in. Read on for more details on the Turkington’s ‘King of Croft’ crown, TV times, circuit timetable and the all-important ticket information…
Turkington’s ‘King of Croft’ crown
Colin Turkington’s 14 career victories at Croft is the most wins for any driver at a single circuit in the BTCC.
Turkington’s first triumph at the North Yorkshire venue came in a Vauxhall Astra way back in 2005, with the majority of his latter successes coming in BMW machinery – the marque in which the four-time champ has become synonymous with in the BTCC.
Eight of the victories came across four incredible seasons, as he claimed double wins in 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014, having taken a hiatus from the BTCC during the three season in-between.
While this may suggest that Croft is a rear-wheel drive friendly circuit and a place where the BMW 330e M Sport should excel, that doesn’t tell the full story of recent seasons around the flowing 2.13-miles of Tarmac.
In fact, the Bavarian marque has won only two of the past 12 races at Croft. No driver has taken more than two victories here over the last five years, with eight of the current field winning at least once, suggesting we should have a wide-open weekend ahead.
TV, Timetables and Tickets
Rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Croft ‘Presented by LIQUI MOLY’ on 27/28 July are expected to be thrilling encounters, but there’s a host of further races and entertainment on offer.
Porsche fans are in for a treat this weekend with two championships – Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain – on the bill. The regular MINI CHALLENGE will also be on-track, as will a guest appearance from the CTCRC Pre66 Classic Touring Car Championship.
There’s no denying the headline act of course and that is the BTCC and its triple-header of races. To be there, visit https://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc for more information.
Those unable to make it can watch BTCC qualifying streamed live via ITV Sport’s YouTube channel from 1450 on Saturday, before ITV4’s all-day race day broadcast gets underway at 1115 on Sunday.
Remember, for the first time in the championship’s history the BTCC is being broadcast globally this season with every race being streamed live via ITV Sport’s TikTok channel.
