The cars and stars of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship came together for the annual TOCA Night of Champions at Silverstone a little over a week ago, bringing down the curtain on another unforgettable season.
A host of drivers, teams and personnel took to the stage to collect a number of worthy awards for notable achievements in both the BTCC and its fantastic support series’.
There was little doubting the pinnacle of the celebrations, however, and that was looking back at the ultimate race for the most coveted crown in British motorsport.
Not only did the top three drivers all graduate from the BTCC support package, but the leading trio started the 2023 campaign at just 29 years of age, suggesting that the championship chase will remain in rude health for many years to come.
Congratulations to Jake Hill, Tom Ingram and of course our record-equalling four-time champion Ash Sutton…
Drivers’ Championship: Third – Jake Hill
Having shown progression year-on-year during his BTCC career, this young man is edging ever-closer to claiming a maiden BTCC title.
Jake secured six outright wins and a further 24 top-ten results, as he again showed an impressive affinity with his WSR-run BMW 330e M Sport.
The Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver ended the season in style with a victory during the final bout. His entertaining, no-holds-barred driving style has wowed fans throughout the year and also rewarded him by equalling his highest-ever finishing position with third place overall.
Drivers’ Championship: Runner-up – Tom Ingram
There is little doubting this next driver had an impressive season, with only two outright wins far from telling the whole story!
In fact, BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8’s Tom Ingram took 15 further podiums, 22 top five and 28 top ten finishes this season, producing a phenomenally consistent performance at the sharp end.
Despite the disappointment at Knockhill – where a brief championship lead turned to disqualification when his car failed a ride height check – Tom bounced back brilliantly to remain on Sutton’s heels until the final event.
As title defences go… it was almost as good as can be!
Drivers’ Champion: Ash Sutton
The 2023 campaign allowed us to witness a sensational bid for the Drivers’ Championship by NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton.
After claiming the runners-up spot last year, Ash always stated his intention to return to the top… and quickly! Ash and his team immediately got to work during the off-season, ensuring that no stone was left unturned ahead of the campaign.
A record-equalling six pole positions and 12 victories would follow, before the Ford Focus driver secured his crown in style, with a win during race one at Brands Hatch.
It’s hard to put Ash’s season into more words – well words that haven’t already been said many times – so all that was left to say at the TOCA Night of Champions…
Congratulations Ash Sutton – a record-equalling four-time BTCC Champion!
