Mikey Doble was left beaming with pride at Knockhill this past weekend (16/17 August) as Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing completed a remarkable turnaround in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

One week prior to the series’ annual trip to Scotland, it had looked as though neither Doble nor the team would be in attendance after a devastating fire destroyed the Power Maxed Racing facility, including both of its Vauxhall Astras.

Not to be defeated, the Worcestershire squad rallied in sensational fashion and with the help of the wider motorsport community, they headed north of the border with two Cupra cars - where Doble repaid everyone’s hard work by tallying a trio of race finishes.

The 26-year-old kicked off the weekend, spending much of Friday getting comfortable in his new surroundings before he and team-mate Nick Halstead, permitted by TOCA, were then allowed to complete a handful of shakedown laps later that afternoon.

Come Saturday morning, Doble joined the rest of the BTCC field for two pivotal practice sessions, where the Jack Sears Trophy holder further fine-tuned his front-wheel-drive machine. In qualifying, the Surrey-based racer managed to secure a starting spot in the midfield for race one.

Greeted with scorching temperatures and a bumper trackside crowd on Sunday, Doble had to dig deep on race day as he valiantly got to grips with the Cupra - finishing just outside the points in races one and two.

Throwing even more changes at the car for the weekend’s third and final contest, the Snetterton race winner showcased his overtaking prowess as he battled his way forward - and he was ultimately rewarded with a points finish.

Leaving Knockhill, Doble remains firmly in the hunt for the coveted BTCC Independent Drivers’ Championship with just nine races now left to run.

Mikey Doble said: “I think it’s fair to say it’s not just been a rollercoaster weekend, but a rollercoaster week. Just over seven days ago it was unclear whether we’d race again this season so to have now completed all three races at Knockhill is quite an achievement.

“I’ve got to say a massive thank you to every single member of the Power Maxed Racing team because what has been achieved over these last few days is nothing short of incredible. They moved heaven and earth to be here and put in some long hours to ensure we were competitive.

“Obviously being in Scotland was a win in itself but I would be lying if I didn’t say I hoped to come away with a little more from the weekend. That being said there were no real expectations as this was the first-ever time driving the Cupra.

“Every session was a step into the unknown but we learnt a huge amount about the car. We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve got an idea of what direction we want to take the Cupra heading into the next round - so hopefully we will see more progress at Donington Park.”

Next up for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is a return to Donington Park - albeit this time on the Grand Prix layout - for Rounds 22, 23 & 24 of the 2025 season on August 30-31.

Reigning BTCC champ leaves Scotland as ‘King of the Hill’

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill claimed a brilliant double triumph, whilst Team VERTU’s Tom Ingram took the other win, as Rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship took place in glorious conditions at Knockhill today (17 August).

The WSR BMW stable has endured a mixed campaign thus far, with a treble win at Brands Hatch earlier in the season being a standout high. Signs of improvement were shown at Croft last time out, before the Bavarian marque blasted its way to the front in some style at the Fife circuit.

Often a layout suited to rear-wheel drive machinery, the multiple champion squad claimed a 1-2-3 during qualifying before Hill’s double success on race day.

The title race also continued to take shape around 1.27-mile circuit as Ingram’s win helped extend his advantage over four-time champion Ash Sutton to 17 points, with NAPA Racing UK team-mate Dan Cammish moving up to third in the current standings.

Alliance Racing/Ford and its NAPA Racing UK outfit hold a slender lead in both the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ and Teams' orders, whilst Chris Smiley and Restart Racing continue to top the Independents’ tables.

A titanic tussle for the Jack Sears Trophy is brewing between WSR’s two young drivers, with Daryl DeLeon just one point ahead of stablemate Charles Rainford.

There was another incredible story that dominated race week of course as Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing took to the track following the devastating fire that destroyed its facility just one week ago.

The team – with support from the magnificent motorsport community – readied two new Cupras in time for the event, allowing drivers Mikey Doble and Nick Halstead to compete and fight for points.

Off-track it was the first show debut for ITV Sport’s Nicki Shields, as the experienced presenter takes up the lead role of ITV’s BTCC coverage following Steve Rider’s recent retirement.

The BTCC returns at Donington Park in two weeks' time (30/31 August).

Hill triumphs on BTCC return

Reigning champion Hill took his second victory of the season, claiming the opening bout on his return at Knockhill after missing the Croft meeting through illness.

Pole-sitter Rainford got proceedings underway with the WSR BMW stable holding a 1-2-3 in the early running, following their collective brilliance during qualifying.

Line astern initially, young gun DeLeon couldn't resist the temptation to attack for the lead as he threw the #2 machine down the inside of Rainford's sister car at turn one. In truth, the move didn't look on as DeLeon's car overshot and onto the grass, but interestingly returned to the Tarmac in the lead of the race.

With grass filling his radiator and with the legality of the move under question, DeLeon let both Rainford and Hill through.

Hill then ensured that all three of the front-running BMW drivers had led the race as he relinquished Rainford of P1. Unsurprisingly, the hugely experienced and talented champion made the most of the opportunity as he moved on to take a comfortable victory.

LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR's Rainford and current points leader Ingram completed the podium positions, as the latter was let through on the final lap by Team VERTU Hyundai team-mate Senna Proctor, who had held third for much of the contest.

Ingram in control at Knockhill 

Championship leader Ingram extended his advantage over nearest rival Sutton by securing a fourth victory of 2025 in race two at Knockhill.

Team VERTU star Ingram made relatively light work of the front row starting BMWs as pole-sitter Hill and Rainford slipped back on the Goodyear medium tyre compound.

Hill held on admirably in the initial exchanges, while Rainford struggled before dropping well outside the top ten, but it was the Hyundai of Ingram streaking clear up ahead.

The NAPA Racing duo of Cammish and Sutton eventually made their way through to second and third, with the former letting the latter by in the closing seconds as the #116 Ford Focus driver looks to maintain his title battle with Ingram.

The Hyundai of Team VERTU's Proctor took his second fourth place finish of the day, ahead of Hill and WSR BMW stablemate DeLeon.

Double ascent for Hill in Scotland

Hill took his second triumph of the day and his third of the BTCC campaign after a commanding display in the Knockhill finale.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's Hill regarded the win as one of his most comfortable, confirming that his BMW 'felt fantastic' as he romped to victory by more than seven seconds.

Title protagonists –Sutton and Ingram – were nose-to-tail for much of the race and there were several nervy moments early on.

It was NAPA Racing UK's Cammish that held second for much of the contest before he let Sutton by for the second time today – as the Ford Focus duo completed the podium places – but those positions were later reversed as Sutton passed his team-mate under yellow flag conditions.

Team VERTU took three of the next four positions in the shape of Ingram, Tom Chilton and Adam Morgan, with the NAPA Racing UK Ford of Dan Rowbottom among the Hyundais in sixth.

The LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR BMW pairing of Rainford and Aiden Moffat were eighth and ninth respectively, whilst there was some respite for local hero Gordon Shedden as the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA driver rounded out the top ten.

The huge Scottish support were treated to that home hero scrap for ninth as Moffat and Shedden finished the race side-by-side, with the BMW grabbing the place by an incredible 0.010s.

Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said: “I pulled the pin, and we were off. The car was fantastic, one of the best I’ve ever driven and definitely the best this year. A real joy to drive, I loved it, and I want that feeling more now. It’s been a tough few weeks, watching Croft from the sidelines, but now we’ve just got to try and focus on trying to win as many pots as possible between now and the end of the season. I’ve managed to keep my record of winning here each year and thanks to the fans here in Scotland for such a fantastic weekend.”

Tom Ingram, Team VERTU, said: “It was a fantastic weekend. As a team, we pulled a bit of a tactical masterstroke in race one. I don’t think we really expected to be able to get a podium on the medium tyre, so huge thanks to Senna [Proctor] – he really put the word ‘mate’ in ‘team-mate’ – and then race two was absolutely perfect. What a car Team VERTU gave me yet again – it really is on another level this year. Race three was a case of managing risk versus reward, particularly in the battle with Ash [Sutton]; we had a bit of a ding-dong, but at a certain point, I made the call to just focus on bringing it home.”

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 1 – Knockhill

1. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport 27 Laps
2. Charles Rainford, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR +1.417s
3. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU +3.722s
4. Senna Proctor, Team VERTU +3.883s
5. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +4.474s
6. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR +5.904s
7. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +6.550s
8. Daryl DeLeon, WSR +6.980s
9. Árón Taylor-Smith, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA +8.389s
10. Sam Osborne, NAPA Racing UK +8.994s

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 2 – Knockhill

1. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU 24 Laps
2. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +7.196s
3. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +7.974s
4. Senna Proctor, Team VERTU +12.833s
5. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +13.486s
6. Daryl DeLeon, WSR +14.254s
7. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR +16.257s
8. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +16.770s
9. Daniel Rowbottom, NAPA Racing UK +17.669s
10. Adam Morgan, Team VERTU +20.157s

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 3 – Knockhill

1. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport 24 Laps
2. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +5.096s
3. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK
4. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU +6.277s
5. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +10.000s
6. Daniel Rowbottom, NAPA Racing UK +10.628s
7. Adam Morgan, Team VERTU +14.966s
8. Charles Rainford, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR +16.154s
9. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR +18.208s
10. Gordon Shedden, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA +24.672s

Penalties:

General

Árón Taylor-Smith was deducted five points from the Drivers' Championship having changed an engine above the number permitted.

Race One

Tom Chilton was disqualified from Round 19 of the championship, for exceeding the permitted overboost.

Árón Taylor-Smith received a verbal warning in Round 19 of the championship, for more than one change of direction to defend, failing to leave space to the edge of the track in an incident involving Sam Osborne.

Race Three

Ashley Sutton was penalised by means of a one place penalty and received three penalty points on his license in Round 21 of the championship, for overtaking or not slowing down under light/flag signals in an incident involving Dan Cammish.

Reigning champion Jake Hill took his second triumph of the day and his third of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season after a commanding display in the Knockhill finale.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's Hill regarded the win as one of his most comfortable, confirming that the car 'felt fantastic' as he romped to the triumph by more than seven seconds.

Title protagonists – Ash Sutton and Tom Ingram – were nose-to-tail for much of the race and there were several nervy moments early on.

It was NAPA Racing UK's Dan Cammish that held second for much of the contest before he let Sutton by for the second time today – as the Ford Focus duo completed the podium places – but those positions were later reversed as Sutton passed his team-mate under yellow flag conditions.

Team VERTU took three of the next four positions in the shape of Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and Adam Morgan, with NAPA Racing UK's Dan Rowbottom among the Hyundais in sixth.

The LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR pairing of Charles Rainford and Aiden Moffat were eighth and ninth respectively, whilst there was some respite for local hero Gordon Shedden as the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA driver rounded out the top ten.

The Scottish fanbase were treated to that home hero scrap for ninth as Moffat and Shedden finished the race side-by-side, with the BMW grabbing the place by an incredible 0.010s.

As the sun set on a glorious weekend at the beautiful Fife circuit, it's Ingram leading Sutton in the Drivers' standings by 17 points with Cammish holding third.

The BTCC returns at Donington Park in two weeks' time (30/31 August).

Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said:

Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK, said:

Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK, said:

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Knockhill – Race 3 – Classification:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	1	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	24	21:00.395		51.604	8
2	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:05.491	5.096	51.340	5
3	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:05.112		51.589	5
4	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	24	21:06.672	6.277	51.584	5
5	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	24	21:10.395	10.000	51.726	5
6	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:11.023	10.628	52.078	5
7	33	Adam MORGAN	Team VERTU	24	21:15.361	14.966	51.992	6
8	99	Charles RAINFORD	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	24	21:16.540	16.145	51.798	6
9	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	24	21:18.603	18.208	51.699	5
10	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	24	21:18.613	18.218	52.060	6
11	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	24	21:18.951	18.556	51.911	4
12	123	Daniel LLOYD	Restart Racing	24	21:19.229	18.834	51.786	5
13	18	Senna PROCTOR	Team VERTU	24	21:25.070	24.675	51.704	5
14	17	Dexter PATTERSON	ROKiT Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport	24	21:28.512	28.117	52.393	4
15	88	Mikey DOBLE	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	24	21:29.068	28.673	52.477	5
16	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:29.512	29.117	52.307	6
17	132	James DORLIN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	24	21:30.457	30.062	52.145	5
18	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Powder Monkey Brewing Co with Esidock	24	21:31.091	30.696	52.738	5
19	50	Nick HALSTEAD	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	24	21:46.459	46.064	53.013	5
DNF	2	Daryl DELEON	WSR	22	19:33.470	2 Laps	51.742	5
DNF	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	11	9:52.541	13 Laps	52.057	8
DNF	19	Max BUXTON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	1	1:53.816	23 Laps		0

Championship leader Tom Ingram extended his advantage over nearest rival Ash Sutton by securing a fourth victory in the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill.

Team VERTU star Ingram made relatively light work of the front row starting BMWs as pole-sitter Jake Hill and Charles Rainford slipped back on the Goodyear medium tyre compound.

Hill held on admirably in the initial exchanges, while Rainford struggled before dropping well outside the top ten, but it was Ingram streaking clear up ahead.

The NAPA Racing duo of Dan Cammish and Ash Sutton eventually made their way through to second and third, with the former letting the latter by in the closing seconds as the #116 Ford Focus driver looks to maintain his title battle with Ingram.

Team VERTU's Senna Proctor took his second fourth place finish of the day, ahead of Hill and WSR stablemate Daryl DeLeon.

Anglo-Philippine DeLeon was further rewarded with pole position in the reverse grid race due to start at 17:25 LIVE on ITV4.

LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR's Aiden Moffat was seventh after he eventually had to give way to the sister car of DeLeon, whilst Team VERTU's Tom Chilton drove a brilliant race to eighth.

The experienced Chilton flew through the field from the back of the pack as he sliced his way up to eighth, ahead of Dan Rowbottom (NAPA Racing UK) and Adam Morgan (Team VERTU).

Ingram now leads the Drivers' standings by 19 points, ahead of Sutton, whilst Cammish leads Rowbottom by six points in the fight for third.

Tom Ingram, Team VERTU, said:

Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK, said:

Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK, said:

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Knockhill – Race 2 – Classification:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	24	20:59.339		51.251	7
2	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:06.535	7.196	51.665	5
3	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:07.313	7.974	51.828	7
4	18	Senna PROCTOR	Team VERTU	24	21:12.172	12.833	51.553	3
5	1	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	24	21:12.825	13.486	51.795	6
6	2	Daryl DELEON	WSR	24	21:13.593	14.254	51.979	9
7	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	24	21:15.596	16.257	51.874	4
8	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	24	21:16.109	16.770	52.123	9
9	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:17.008	17.669	51.917	4
10	33	Adam MORGAN	Team VERTU	24	21:19.496	20.157	52.182	4
11	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	24	21:20.098	20.759	52.163	4
12	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	24	21:20.586	21.247	52.090	5
13	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	24	21:20.870	21.531	52.173	6
14	132	James DORLIN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	24	21:21.699	22.360	52.201	6
15	123	Daniel LLOYD	Restart Racing	24	21:24.870	25.531	52.407	4
16	99	Charles RAINFORD	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	24	21:25.750	26.411	52.357	2
17	17	Dexter PATTERSON	ROKiT Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport	24	21:26.132	26.793	52.580	6
18	88	Mikey DOBLE	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	24	21:27.497	28.158	52.565	4
19	19	Max BUXTON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	24	21:35.080	35.741	53.093	4
20	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Powder Monkey Brewing Co with Esidock	24	21:36.961	37.622	53.059	4
21	50	Nick HALSTEAD	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	24	21:45.683	46.344	53.112	5
22	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	24	21:48.904	49.565	52.245	6

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's Jake Hill took his second victory of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season, claiming the opening bout on his return at Knockhill after missing the Croft meeting through illness.

Pole-sitter Charles Rainford got proceedings underway with the WSR BMW stable holding a 1-2-3 in the early running, following the Bavarian marque's brilliant performance during qualifying.

Line astern initially, young gun Daryl DeLeon couldn't resist the temptation to attack for the lead as he threw #2 machine down the inside of Rainford's sister car at turn one. In truth, the move didn't look on as DeLeon's car overshot and onto the grass, but interestingly returned to the Tarmac in the lead of the race.

With grass filling his radiator and with the legality of the move under question, DeLeon let both Rainford and Hill through.

Reigning champion Hill then ensured that all three of the front-running BMW drivers had led the race as he relinquished Rainford of P1. Unsurprisingly, the hugely experienced and talented champion made the most of the opportunity as he romped on to take his second victory of the campaign.

There was one moment of concern late on following contact between Hill and back marker Nick Halstead in the Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing Cupra, but the #1 BMW dealt with the safety car period and subsequent restart with consummate ease.

LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR's Rainford and current points leader Tom Ingram completed the podium positions, as the latter was let through on the final lap by Team VERTU team-mate Senna Proctor, who had held third for much of the contest.

Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK), Aiden Moffat (LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR), Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK) and the fading DeLeon were next in the order, before a breathtaking battle for places at the lower end of the top ten.

Árón Taylor-Smith produced a defensive masterclass as he seemed to have either a Ford Focus or Hyundai i30N connected to his rear bumper throughout the race, but the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA man hung on for ninth, ahead of NAPA Racing UK's feisty Sam Osborne.

Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said:

Charles Rainford, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR, said:

Tom Ingram, Team VERTU, said:

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Knockhill – Race 1 – Classification:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	1	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	27	24:59.957		51.572	5
2	99	Charles RAINFORD	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	27	25:01.374	1.417	51.119	4
3	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	27	25:03.679	3.722	51.879	5
4	18	Senna PROCTOR	Team VERTU	27	25:03.840	3.883	51.402	3
5	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	27	25:04.431	4.474	52.067	5
6	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	27	25:05.861	5.904	52.115	5
7	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	27	25:06.507	6.550	52.436	5
8	2	Daryl DELEON	WSR	27	25:06.937	6.980	51.337	2
9	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	27	25:08.346	8.389	52.439	4
10	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	27	25:08.951	8.994	51.541	8
11	33	Adam MORGAN	Team VERTU	27	25:09.098	9.141	52.186	4
12	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	27	25:09.510	9.553	52.214	3
13	17	Dexter PATTERSON	ROKiT Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport	27	25:10.452	10.495	52.161	5
14	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	27	25:11.299	11.342	52.212	4
15	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	27	25:11.494	11.537	52.373	3
16	123	Daniel LLOYD	Restart Racing	27	25:11.996	12.039	52.612	9
17	88	Mikey DOBLE	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	27	25:13.163	13.206	52.825	7
18	132	James DORLIN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	27	25:13.423	13.466	52.550	12
19	19	Max BUXTON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	27	25:13.870	13.913	53.237	9
DNF	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Powder Monkey Brewing Co with Esidock	25	24:01.729	2 Laps	53.363	4
DNF	50	Nick HALSTEAD	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	18	16:31.303	9 Laps	53.316	5
DQ	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	0	0.000			0

Maiden pole position for BMW rookie at Knockhill

LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR's Charles Rainford scored a sensational maiden Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship pole position after leading a WSR 1-2-3 during qualifying at Knockhill today (16 August).

The BMWs showed improved pace at Croft last time out with Daryl DeLeon grabbing an outright podium, whilst Rainford claimed Jack Sears Trophy honours, but the Surrey stable has made a further step forward in Scotland.

It turned into a three-way fight among a trio of BMW 330i M Sports with Rainford, DeLeon and reigning champion Hill all trying to put three sectors together around the undulating 1.27-mile circuit.

All three had their moments but it was Rainford that got the job done ahead of his younger team-mate DeLeon, whilst Hill – running less TOCA Turbo Boost by virtue of his championship position – had to settle for third on the grid.

At just 27 and 20 years old respectively, Rainford and DeLeon will represent one of the youngest front rows in recent times, but the duo will need to keep it clean come race day having recently been scrapping over the same piece of Tarmac.

Dan Rowbottom was initially the best of the rest in the front-wheel drive NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus, but his car was later disqualified having failed post-qualifying weight checks. Team VERTU team-mates Tom Ingram and Senna Proctor were subsequently promoted to fourth and fifth respectively in the 'Quick Six' finale.

Rowbottom had been the only Ford to make it through to the climactic session as Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish and Sam Osborne all struggled in the second segment.

Sutton arguably endured the most eye-catching moment during qualifying as the #116 went high on two wheels, with the four-time champion admitting his car could have rolled if he hadn't have turned out of the run through the exit of the chicane.

The top ten positions were completed by Cammish, Árón Taylor-Smith (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA), Chris Smiley (Restart Racing), local favourite Aiden Moffat (LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR) and Sutton.

Rounds 19, 20 and 21 of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place at Knockhill tomorrow with the action getting underway on ITV4 from 10:45.

Fans around the world can also get their BTCC fix with every race being broadcast LIVE – see the BTCC TV page for the listings in your region. 

Charles Rainford, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR, said: "This is unreal, I can't believe it, this is something I've dreamed of. I struggled in FP1 and FP2, I wanted to change the setup of the car but Dick Bennetts was right. It's all mental and the car was just amazing. Thanks to WSR and everyone involved. I just want to keep learning and keep improving, it's my first pole position in professional motorsport, so I'm over the moon."

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Knockhill – Qualifying – Classification:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Q1/	Q2/	Q3/
1	99	Charles RAINFORD	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	50.890	50.839	50.673
2	2	Daryl DELEON	WSR	50.689	50.740	50.686
3	1	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	51.030	50.746	50.860
4	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	50.884	50.811	51.143
5	18	Senna PROCTOR	Team VERTU	51.041	50.756	53.764
6	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	50.926	50.998
7	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	51.044	51.022
8	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	51.166	51.051
9	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	50.964	51.084
10	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	51.059	51.103
11	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	51.114	51.300
12	123	Daniel LLOYD	Restart Racing	51.165
13	33	Adam MORGAN	Team VERTU	51.170
14	132	James DORLIN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	51.270
15	88	Mikey DOBLE	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	51.198
16	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	51.347
17	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	51.482
18	17	Dexter PATTERSON	ROKiT Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport	51.377
19	19	Max BUXTON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	51.716
20	50	Nick HALSTEAD	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	52.748
21	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Powder Monkey Brewing Co with Esidock	52.309
DQ	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	0

Rookie Charles Rainford hit the front in FP2 as the WSR squad looks to be showing a further upturn in pace as the BTCC season continues at Knockhill.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasted back into action at Croft two weeks' ago where Daryl DeLeon took a podium while Rainford claimed Jack Sears Trophy honours.

The young WSR duo continued their form around the 1.27-mile Knockhill circuit during the early FP2 running, as DeLeon topped the times midway through the session, before LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR's Rainford ultimately claimed P1 in the closing minutes.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA's Árón Taylor-Smith has had a good day so far as he followed up his fourth in the opening session with second in final practice, with the Speedworks stable another looking to improve during the second half of the campaign.

Restart Racing's Dan Lloyd was fourth as he and his team look to maintain their momentum in the fight for Independents' glory, whilst the Team VERTU duo of Tom Ingram and Senna Proctor completed the top five positions.

Chris Smiley ensured that both Restart Racing Hyundais were inside the top six, whilst DeLeon eventually had to settle for seventh in his #2 BMW 330i M Sport.

NAPA Racing UK's Dan Rowbottom's was eighth, whilst teammate Dan Cammish and LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR's Aiden Moffat rounded out the top ten.

There was disappointment for fellow Scot Gordon Shedden after his Toyota suffered with a broken exhaust clamp and he had to sit out much of the session.

Qualifying for Round 19 of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will take place at 15:00 later today and will be streamed LIVE via the ITV Sport YouTube channel.

Charles Rainford, LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR, said:

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Knockhill – Free Practice 2 – Classification:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	On/
1	99	Charles RAINFORD	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	24	50.787		17
2	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	22	50.807	0.020	18
3	123	Daniel LLOYD	Restart Racing	21	50.918	0.131	20
4	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	25	50.982	0.195	21
5	18	Senna PROCTOR	Team VERTU	19	50.986	0.199	18
6	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	23	51.001	0.214	16
7	2	Daryl DELEON	WSR	23	51.085	0.298	14
8	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	24	51.116	0.329	22
9	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	18	51.155	0.368	8
10	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	24	51.155	0.368	18
11	132	James DORLIN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	26	51.163	0.376	9
12	33	Adam MORGAN	Team VERTU	19	51.165	0.378	7
13	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	19	51.293	0.506	14
14	1	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	23	51.306	0.519	20
15	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	20	51.389	0.602	16
16	88	Mikey DOBLE	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	17	51.554	0.767	10
17	17	Dexter PATTERSON	ROKiT Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport	18	51.611	0.824	14
18	19	Max BUXTON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	23	51.637	0.850	18
19	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	22	51.669	0.882	14
20	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Powder Monkey Brewing Co with Esidock	23	52.095	1.308	6
21	50	Nick HALSTEAD	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	22	53.272	2.485	20
22	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	2	1:05.386	14.599	2

NAPA Racing UK's Dan Rowbottom – fresh from his recent victory at Croft – has again shown good early pace as the BTCC circus moves north to Knockhill.

The Ford Focus racer set the second fastest time in the opening practice session around the tight and twisty Scottish circuit, and the BTCC Media Team caught up with Dan to get his thoughts on the run and the weekend ahead...

The opening Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship free practice session got underway at Knockhill this morning, with title contender Tom Ingram topping the times.

The Team VERTU star proved to be the cream of the crop early on, but arguably the bigger story was that of Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing hitting the track in a competitive session.

The devastating fire that destroyed PMR’s facility, including both of its Vauxhall Astras, which took place just a week ago, has dominated the BTCC landscape this week. The huge reaction that followed, coupled with the incredible work from Adam Weaver and his PMR team, has led to the emotional scenes of two Cupra being readied for the weekend.

Mikey Doble and Nick Halstead completed 28 laps between them in their new machines during FP1, with the former just over a second off the ultimate pace.

As mentioned, it was Ingram setting that benchmark as he comfortably outshone NAPA Racing UK's Dan Rowbottom and Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's Jake Hill.

"Really good," said Ingram. "You never quite know what to expect here because it's just such an anomaly of a circuit from what we're used to, but it's always such an enjoyable circuit to come to. It's a good start and the car is in a nice place."

"We'll keep working on it, there's always tweaks and improvements to make, but we still need to find more ahead of qualifying."

There was some local cheer inside the top ten as Gordon Shedden (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA) and Aiden Moffat (LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR) ended up sixth and seventh respectively, with the full and final classification listed below.

Free Practice 2 takes place at 12:05, whilst qualifying for Round 19 of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will commence at 15:00 and will be streamed LIVE via ITV YouTube channel.

2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Knockhill – Free Practice 1 – Classification:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	On/
1	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	18	51.087		13
2	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	NAPA Racing UK	21	51.309	0.222	11
3	1	Jake HILL	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	18	51.322	0.235	11
4	40	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	17	51.448	0.361	11
5	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	14	51.482	0.395	9
6	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	18	51.522	0.435	14
7	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	21	51.626	0.539	12
8	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	19	51.718	0.631	14
9	33	Adam MORGAN	Team VERTU	17	51.729	0.642	10
10	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	15	51.758	0.671	9
11	18	Senna PROCTOR	Team VERTU	17	51.931	0.844	11
12	17	Dexter PATTERSON	ROKiT Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport	18	51.957	0.870	16
13	99	Charles RAINFORD	LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR	17	51.985	0.898	10
14	2	Daryl DELEON	WSR	18	52.002	0.915	12
15	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	18	52.011	0.924	14
16	123	Daniel LLOYD	Restart Racing	16	52.028	0.941	11
17	132	James DORLIN	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	18	52.044	0.957	12
18	88	Mikey DOBLE	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	15	52.228	1.141	12
19	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	18	52.245	1.158	11
20	19	Max BUXTON	TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK with IAA	21	52.919	1.832	15
21	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Powder Monkey Brewing Co with Esidock	5	53.783	2.696	4
22	50	Nick HALSTEAD	Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing	13	54.283	3.196	12

Team VERTU will look to maintain its quest for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title when the series heads for Knockhill this weekend for the seventh event of the campaign.

The EXCELR8-run team was in fine form last time out at Croft, picking up a total of five podium finishes - including a fourth victory of the campaign.

It means that Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton, Adam Morgan and Senna Proctor have now combined to score 21 podium finishes so far this year; a total that surpasses the full season record for any year since the team joined the BTCC grid back in 2019.

Ingram’s victory in the opening race of the weekend at Croft allowed him to move into the championship lead as he looks to reclaim the title he won in 2022, with an eight-point advantage at the top ahead of closest rival Ash Sutton.

The 31-year-old - who will celebrate his birthday next week - has been 'Mr Consistent' so far this season with a dozen podium finishes to his name, and will look to maintain his impressive form to strengthen his title challenge.

Chilton picked up his fourth podium finish of the year at Croft to climb up to fifth in the standings, as he remains well on course for his best championship finish since taking third place back in 2018.

Like Ingram, the BTCC’s most experienced driver has won twice at Knockhill in the past and was on the podium in Scotland twelve months ago; a result he will seek to at least replicate this time around.

Morgan sits level on points with Chilton going into the weekend as he prepares for a landmark moment in his BTCC career - with the opening race set to mark his 400th start in the series.

Having only failed to score twice this season, Morgan has been a regular fixture towards the front of the field and will hope to better his three second place finishes to push for firs victory of the campaign.

Proctor meanwhile heads into the fourth meeting of his partial campaign on a high following a brace of podium finishes last time out at Croft left him on the fringes of the top ten in the championship.

As is the case with his team-mates, Proctor has experience of what it takes to make it onto the Knockhill podium having scored a pair of second place finishes on his last visit back in 2021. That came twelve months after scoring a podium finish with the Hyundai at the same circuit in his first stint with the team.

As well as looking to retain the lead of the Drivers’ Championship, Team VERTU will look to move into the lead of the Teams’ Trophy, where it currently sits three points off top spot.

Qualifying this weekend is scheduled for 15:00 on Saturday and will air on YouTube, with Sunday’s three races on ITV4 and ITVX at 11:25, 13:40 and 17:25.

Tom Chilton, #3 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, said: "I love Knockhill as a circuit and head there this weekend feeling really confident about pushing for some big points. We’ve been consistently quick across the season so far and having moved into the top five in the standings, my focus is to try and bridge the gap to the drivers ahead and close in on the top three.

"I know that won’t be easy given the high level of competition at the front, but the Team VERTU Hyundai is the best that it has ever been and I’ve got to try and make the most of it this weekend and beyond.

"I’ve been successful at Knockhill in the past and my full focus this weekend is on pushing for the top step of the podium and a second win of the year."

Senna Proctor, #18 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, said: "It’s a while since I’ve been to Knockhill but I’m looking forward to returning this weekend, particularly off the back of such a strong performance at Croft. 

"My goal coming back this season was to show I still have the pace to run at the front of the field and having done that, the focus now is on fighting for more silverware.

"Knockhill has been a kind circuit to me in the past, including the first time I raced there with the Hyundai, and I see no reason why we can’t hope to be in the mix for a trophy or two this weekend. If I could get back onto the top step, it would be fantastic."

Adam Morgan, #33 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, said: "Knockhill hasn’t always been the kindest circuit to me in the past but I’ve had some positive results through the years and am returning this weekend feeling optimistic about what we can achieve. 

"So far this year the car has been quick at every circuit and it has allowed me to get into a strong position in the standings as we head towards the business end of the season. To be in the top six at this stage is great but like any racing driver, I still want more so we have to keep pushing if I want to try and close the gap to those ahead.

"I’ve not won at Knockhill in the past, so this would be the perfect time to put that right!"

Tom Ingram, #3 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, said: "We came out fighting at Croft two weeks ago and it was great to be able to maintain the strong form we had shown prior to the summer break. We’re operating at a really high level as a team at the moment, and that leaves me feeling confident about what we can achieve when we arrive at Knockhill.

"It’s a tricky circuit where track position is key so we’ll look to maximise the performance of the car to qualify towards the front and then focus on doing the best job we can across the three races.

"We saw at Croft that things can change quickly, so it’s vital that we continue to push hard to score as many points as we can from each weekend."