As the mid-season break continues, our celebration of 2025’s BTCC winners so far — the Perfect Ten — turns to one of the grid’s most experienced racers, Tom Chilton, who added another momentous victory to his long-standing career in the opening race weekend at Donington Park.

Donington Park National - Race 3

Taking full advantage of the reverse-grid draw, Chilton lined up on pole for the final race of the day and delivered a flawless drive from lights to flag. The Team VERTU driver launched cleanly off the line, holding firm into Redgate and immediately established a comfortable gap to those behind.

Running the soft tyre compound, Chilton managed his pace to perfection, expertly conserving his rubber while fending off pressure from title contenders Tom Ingram and Ash Sutton behind.

With the field compressed following a mid-race safety car, the #3 Hyundai remained composed, resisting all advances to seal an emphatic win —his first of the season and the 17th BTCC victory of his decorated career. The BTCC’s #3 also set the race’s fastest lap, underlining his total dominance that afternoon.

The win was also a landmark moment for the Team VERTU squad, celebrating its first triumph under the new name following the rebrand over the winter.

This win propelled him to third in the Drivers’ Standings while securing valuable points in both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ championships. Team VERTU walked away level on points with NAPA Racing UK but ahead by virtue of highest single round score — Chilton’s race three victory — and EXCELR8 Motorsport one point clear at the top of the Manufacturers’ standings.

Championship Outlook

At the halfway point of the season, Chilton remains well within the top ten in the Drivers’ standings. His Donington Park win served as a reminder of his race-winning pedigree, with the experienced campaigner combining consistency and racecraft to stay in the mix.

With a strong foundation laid in the opening half of the year, Chilton will be looking to convert solid form into further podiums — and more silverware — to add to the three he has gained this season, when the 2025 campaign resumes at Croft (2–3 August).