Brands Hatch set for BTCC season finale
The race for the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will go down to the wire at Brands Hatch this weekend (5/6 October) with two drivers incredibly tied at the top of the Drivers’ standings and no fewer than six competitors in mathematical contention to clinch the crown.
After 27 drama-filled contests both Jake Hill (Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport) and Tom Ingram (Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS) cannot be separated, with the leading duo tied on 365 points – the first time in modern BTCC history that such a situation has occurred going into a season finale.
If that wasn’t enough, both Hill and Ingram have a record-equalling four-time champion in Ashley Sutton breathing down their necks – refusing to give up his crown without a fight. A win for the #1 Ford Focus in either of the first two bouts at Brands Hatch could throw the NAPA Racing UK star right into contention ahead of the final encounter.
The title chase has never been just a trio of contenders, however, as Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK), Josh Cook (LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ) and Colin Turkington (Team BMW) have remained within touching distance throughout and will undoubtedly still play their part in where the title ends up… a ‘Joker in the Pack’ perhaps?
The legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit is the perfect backdrop for what is set to be one of the most dramatic title battles in memory, with its undulations and on-the-edge corners that are loved by fans and drivers alike. The Kent venue has always been the spiritual home of the BTCC, having held more races of Britain’s elite motorsport championship than any other circuit.
Will it be ‘homeboy’ Hill clinching a hard-earned maiden title in front of a hugely passionate local crowd? Could Ingram wrestle back the crown he had to relinquish to Sutton last season, or will the latter take an incredible record fifth BTCC Drivers’ title? For those that love backing an underdog… how about Cammish, Cook or Turkington to throw some late late drama into the equation?
Whatever the outcome, and whoever becomes Champion, the 2024 journey has been an unforgettable campaign, and you will not want to miss its nail-biting conclusion. This is the BTCC – the third oldest motorsport championship on the planet – and this is the race to win the most prestigious prize in British motorsport!
Read on for more details on the Brands Hatch finale, TV times, circuit timetable and the all-important ticket information…
Silver Lining
The first overall silverware of the season will be presented on Saturday – the Goodyear Wingfoot Award – which is awarded to the best qualifier throughout the year.
Turkington leads the way after what can only be described as a brilliant season for the tin top legend. Despite being sixth in the overall standings, Turkington’s three pole positions and five race wins have shown he has lost none of his speed, and he remains the favourite to scoop the Goodyear Wingfoot Award.
The #20 BMW 330e M Sport driver will have another title in his sights too, as he and his team-mates look to help the Bavarian marque overhaul a four-point deficit in the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ Championship.
Leading that prestigious race is the Alliance Racing/Ford outfit with its formidable force of Ford Focuses, so there is set to be a real tussle for this particular title at Brands.
Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing has enjoyed a stellar campaign – regularly mixing it with the big boys for overall honours – and the squad is set to be handsomely rewarded.
Aron Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble provisionally clinched the honours in the Independent Drivers’ and Jack Sears Trophy respectively, after a celebratory outing at Silverstone last time out, whilst the Evesham-based outfit holds an unassailable lead in the Independent Teams’ order.
There will be title battles going on wherever you look this weekend, and you can see all of the action trackside or exclusively LIVE via the ITV Network…
TV, Timetable and Tickets
Rounds 28, 29 and 30 of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will take place around the 2.43-mile Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (5/6 October), along with many other title deciders in our fantastic support series’.
A variety of motorsport disciplines descend upon the historical circuit, including the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain and the future of single-seater talent in the shape of the British F4 Championship. The MINI CHALLENGE will also be on-track, as will the Porsche Sprint Cup Great Britain.
The headline act is of course the BTCC season finale, and you can be there – visit https://www.brandshatch.co.uk/2024/october/btcc for more information.
Those unable to make it can watch BTCC qualifying streamed live via ITV Sport’s YouTube channel from 1530 on Saturday, before ITV4’s all-day race day broadcast gets underway at 1030 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.
