Stephen Jelley got his season back on track with a superb first podium finish of the campaign for Team BMW on a frenetic day of Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship racing at Oulton Park. 

Avoiding the type of incident that forced two of the day’s three races to be red-flagged, Jelley’s second-place finish in race three, coupled with fifth and seventh spots earlier on, made the BMW 330i M Sport driver one of the top scorers of the weekend. 

A 37-point haul was his best of the season and helped move the Leicester racer up five spots in the Drivers’ Championship to tenth place overall. It also helped maintain BMW’s lead in the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ Standings. 

But while the Leicester racer enjoyed his best weekend of the year, his West Surrey Racing-run team-mates were far less fortunate as both Colin Turkington and Tom Oliphant were involved in incidents on an attritional day at the Cheshire track. 

Turkington’s race day hopes were dealt a severe blow just two corners into the opener as contact from the Infiniti of Aiden Moffat saw him run onto the grass, dropping the #2 BMW from seventh to last as he drove across the grass before rejoining. 

The four-time champion recovered impressively to finish 18th and made further gains with a ballast-free BMW in race two as he claimed a solid points finish in 12th. 

Starting 12th on the partially reversed race three grid, the Northern Irishman again progressed to finish eighth, less than three seconds away from a top-four result. 

The visit to his home circuit certainly didn’t go the way of Oliphant, as a race one incident in which his stranded BMW took blows from two unsighted drivers saw the Tarporley racer retire from the encounter with significant damage. 

While his car was unable to be fixed in the short period before the second race of the day, incredible work by the WSR team and Willie Poole Motorsport meant he was able to start race three from the back of the grid. 

Showing all his grit and determination behind the wheel, the Brands Hatch race winner climbed to 14th by the flag and sits 12th in the Drivers’ Championship leaving Cheshire. 

Turkington and Jelley occupy top ten spots in the Standings, while Team BMW is currently fifth in the Teams’ battle. Turkington, the inaugural winner of the Goodyear Wingfoot award, also leads the qualifying-based contest after a run of consistent sessions for the 39-year-old. 

The team now turns its attention to Knockhill, in just over a weeks’ time (14/15 August). 

“It feels great to get my first podium of the year,” said Jelley. “It’s the first time I’ve really felt that I had the pace to convert a favourable reversed-grid position, and that’s largely down to a big step forward we made with the set-up at the tyre test at the start of July. I could push 110 per cent on every lap and it paid off. Even in race two with Ash [Sutton] right behind me, I felt I had the car underneath me to keep him behind at all times. It’s a nice feeling to have. I’m leaving very pleased.” 

“The race one incident ruined my weekend,” stated Turkington. “When you get pushed off the track like that and drop to the back it becomes so difficult to fight your way through, especially with the pack as closely-matched as it is now in the BTCC. The one silver lining is that we now go to Knockhill – traditionally a track that suits rear-wheel drive cars like the BMW – with almost no success ballast, and that can only be a benefit as we try to start fighting back in the championship and taking points off the others.” 

“While I’m naturally very disappointed with what happened in race one, I want to focus on the two big positives from today,” said Oliphant. “Firstly, I want to thank the marshals that were on the scene in double-quick time after what were two very big hits. Secondly, I can’t even begin to imagine how the WSR mechanics and Willie Poole’s team were able to fix my car in time for the third race. They did an incredible job because I was expecting to be back at home to watch race three when I saw the damage I had. Two points feels like a bit of a victory after that.” 

“Firstly, I want to congratulate the WSR team and Willie Poole for moving heaven and earth to get Tom’s car back out for race three,” concluded Team Principal Dick Bennetts. “It looked like an impossible job, but they got it done and Tom was able to score points too. Secondly, huge congratulations to Stephen, who drove very well to get his first podium and set himself up for even more at the next few events.” 

Overtaking them on a circuit may not be an option but here is your chance to out-drive the BTCC stars on the fairways instead!

Once again, thanks to series title sponsor Kwik Fit, you and a friend could be teeing-off with a duo of BTCC speedsters – Tom Ingram and Adam Morgan – in 18-hole golf challenge ahead of rounds 13, 14 & 15 of the 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill.

Following the hugely successful ‘Kwik Fit Majors’ challenge prior to Brands Hatch, the BTCC and Kwik Fit are excited to continue the feature throughout 2021, with further golfing events scheduled at Croft and Donington Park. BTCC drivers are already fired up to take part with the likes of Adam Morgan, Tom Oliphant, Senna Proctor, Tom Ingram and Sam Smelt signed up throughout the year.

If you love golf and motorsport then this is the perfect money-can’t-buy experience for you, so if you want to tee-off ahead of the weekend bursting with BTCC action then follow the details below…

Date: 12 August
Time: 12pm
Venue: Within 15 miles of Knockhill

To win this exclusive chance to leave the BTCC boys in the bunker AND RECEIVE A KWIK FIT GOODIE BAG all you need to do is like and comment on the BTCC Facebook or Twitter post and to make sure you follow Kwik Fit on Facebook or Instagram.

Terms & Conditions

By agreeing to take part, you are committing to being at the venue stated and time agreed.

1 like/comment on BTCC post plus 1 like/follow of Kwik Fit Instagram or Facebook = one entry. Winners picked at random. The competition will close at 4pm on Sunday 8 August.

The winner will be announced via BTCC social media channels the following morning and will receive a separate email that will require a response within 24 hours.  If this does not happen, another winner will be selected. The prize is non-transferrable.

Precautions in relation to COVID-19 are in place but please do observe social distancing and wear a mask when appropriate. Any communal equipment (buggies/trollies etc) will be sanitised by the golf course prior to use. You will need to supply your own clubs.  Face coverings/masks are not mandatory on the course, but we would recommend wearing one if you are in close proximity to others.

Ash Sutton remains on top of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship standings despite enduring what proved to be a luckless fourth event of the season at Oulton Park this past weekend (31 July/1 August). 
 
The Laser Tools Racing driver found himself in the thick of an action-packed race day, picking up a small number of points in races one and two before being forced to retire from the reverse grid contest after picking up damage. 
 
Arriving at the Cheshire venue carrying 75kg of success ballast, the reigning champion produced a superlative lap at the wheel of his heavy Infiniti Q50 on Saturday to set the tenth-fastest time in qualifying.  
 
Launching off the fifth row of the grid for the initial encounter, Sutton’s race day was dealt its first blow on the opening lap as he was pushed onto the grass as the field streamed through Cascades. 
 
Forced to make a quick visit to the pits and dropping to the back of the pack, a red flag at mid-distance brought proceedings to a halt and the #1 Infiniti driver back into the mix. 
 
With the restart playing out over a six-lap shootout, the 27-year-old produced one of his now famous overtaking masterclasses to scythe his way up the order to 14th, netting a handful of points. 
 
Sutton made further progress in race two as climbed up the order to eighth, putting himself into contention for the reverse grid draw.  
 
Drawn onto the outside of the front row for the final bout and with the soft tyre bolted on his rear-wheel-drive machine, hopes were high that the BRDC Superstar could cap his day off with a solid points haul. 
 
Unfortunately, Sutton’s race day came to an early end. With a red flag stopping the race at the first time of asking due to a multi-car incident, the restart proved to be just as dramatic as the former Jack Sears Trophy winner launched an attack for the lead. 
 
Running side-by-side with former team-mate and friend Senna Proctor through turn one, Sutton was spun down the order and despite recovering, additional contact at Cascades ended his race on the spot.  
 
At the end of a frenetic weekend, Sutton has extended his lead at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship to five points whilst also maintaining his advantage in the BTCC Independent Drivers’ Championship as well.  
 
“We’ve somehow managed to come away with a five-point lead however I’m really not sure how,” admitted Sutton. “Luck wasn’t on our side on race day but that seemed to be the case for a few others. 
 
“Had I not had such a messy race one then the day could have panned out differently. We managed to salvage a few points following the restart and then in race two I was able to make my way further forward once again, although not as far as I’d have liked. 
 
“When we got drawn onto the front row for the reverse grid race it looked like we had salvaged something good, but it all kicked off and I ended up watching from the sidelines. 
 
“Once again the guys and girls at Laser Tools Racing have given me a phenomenal car all weekend. We’re still leading the championship and I’ll head to Knockhill ready to keep on pushing! 
 
“Finally, I want to send my thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of the volunteer marshal that tragically lost their life at Brands Hatch on Saturday. The motorsport community is a tight-knit one and without the orange army we wouldn’t be able to go racing.” 
 
The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads north of the border next for the annual visit to Knockhill on 14/15 August. 

EXCELR8 with TradePriceCars.com battled hard on track to secure points from what proved to be a bruising weekend at Oulton Park during the fourth meeting of the 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. 
 
The Suffolk-based team headed to the Cheshire circuit off the back of a strong weekend at Brands Hatch, with confidence high of maintaining the impressive form seen so far this year. 
 
All four drivers showed solid pace through free practice in mixed weather conditions, but it proved to be a tough qualifying session for the quartet, with Chris Smiley best-placed of the four in 20th spot having struggled with the front end of the #22 Hyundai. 
 
Rick Parfitt and Jack Butel would line up 24th and 27th in a hugely competitive session but there was disappointment for Tom Ingram as a wastegate issue left him unable to set a time and consigned him to the back of the grid for the opening race. 
 
After the questionable conditions on Saturday, race day dawned with more favourable weather as the series welcomed back a full crowd for the first time since 2019 and all four drivers headed into the day aiming to progress up the order. 
 
Smiley made a good start jumping up four places on the opening lap to sit on the fringes of the points, while Ingram also made up spots in the early stages to quickly climb into the top 20, despite the additional ballast on his car. 
 
Things went awry however on lap seven, when the BMW of Tom Oliphant was tipped into a spin at the final corner and rolled back across the circuit right in front of Smiley, who was powerless to avoid heavy contact that left the front of his car extensively damaged. 
 
Ingram was able to sneak through as the drama unfolded ahead, but Parfitt was unable to avoid the BMW when he came around the blind corner running just outside the top 20 and also collided with Oliphant’s car. Taking to the grass, Butel made it safely through before the race was halted. 
 
The race would resume as a six lap sprint, with Ingram shuffled back to 19th spot at the finish by a number of lighter cars, and Butel working his way up into the top 20 as the pair crossed the line together. 
 
With the Oulton Park meeting featuring a particularly tight racing schedule, the team worked wonders to ensure that all four cars were able to take the start of race two, headed by Ingram and Butel on row ten. 
 
Now free of the success ballast he had carried to that point, Ingram was able to show the pace of the Hyundai with a battling drive up to tenth spot, setting the fastest lap – and a new lap record for the 2.23-mile circuit – as he fought his way through the field in impressive fashion. 
 
An equally impressive run from Northern Irishman Smiley saw him come from 26th on the grid through to 14th to score well earned points and repay the team for its hard work, whilst Butel went close to making it three Hyundais in the top 15 as he crossed the line in 17th; having lapped noticeably quicker than he had in race one. 
 
Parfitt meanwhile would take the flag in 23rd having stayed out of trouble to gain more valuable experience and also lapping quicker than in race one. 
 
Race three would prove once again to be a frenetic affair, with a multi-car accident on the opening lap causing officials to bring out the red flag and Butel was one of those forced into retirement due to the damage his Hyundai endured during the incident. The #62 machine of Parfitt however took to the gravel to avoid contact. 
 
On the restart, it was Ingram’s turn to run into misfortune when he was forced to take to the grass at turn one to avoid a spinning rival. This resulted in him picking up grass in the radiator, leading to a trip through the pits at the end of the opening lap. Dropping him to the back of the field, the #80 driver did however salvage a point for setting the fastest lap of the race, beating his earlier time to set another new lap record. 
 
Having taken the restart in 14th, Smiley would spend the race embroiled in a battle for the top ten places and was rewarded for a solid drive with tenth spot when an incident in the pack around him at Druids led to the race being halted early. 
 
That left Parfitt to finish in 19th having also avoided any dramas following the restart, with the former GT racer improving on his pace once again as he picked up a second top 20 finish of the campaign. 
 
The team now heads for Knockhill in two weeks’ time (14/15 August) for the fifth event of the season. 
 
"The team did a great job to repair the car after the opening race and to come through and take 14th and tenth from there is a job well done,” said Smiley. “If you don’t finish race one, you know you are in for a struggle and it is difficult to pass around there, so I’m happy to salvage what we did from the weekend. 
 
"I think in the final race, we just lacked that little bit extra that we needed to climb higher up the top ten, but it’s always good to score points on a weekend like this. When you look up and down the paddock, there have been people who have had worse luck than we have, so I’m happy to come away with something on the board." 
 
"It was an immensely tough race day after what I felt was a good qualifying result for me on Saturday,” added Parfitt. “The only way to make up places around here is to be really aggressive as we have seen this weekend, and sadly in the first race, I was passenger when I turned into a blind corner and there was a car there - there was nothing I could do. 
 
"It was good to get back out for race two, and P19 in race three was a good way to end things, although it has been a real shame to see so many incidents as that isn’t why we come racing. 
 
"I have to give credit to the team this weekend as their efforts were heroic to get two very badly damaged cars repaired after race one. I owe them a lot as they are an amazing bunch – I’ll be buying them all a beer!" 
 
"We got two fastest laps from three races which shows the speed was in the car,” reflected Ingram. “It’s not been an ideal weekend for us, but it goes to show how things have gone for other people as we have had two finishes outside the points and one relatively low score, but we have kept second in the standings. 
 
"Obviously the others have closed in behind, but we are still there and we live to fight another day. The car felt fantastic in the last race but we were out of position after having to pit, and I think that pace is the big positive to take away from Oulton Park. 
 
"Beyond that, I think this is one for us to put behind us and move forwards." 
 
"It’s hard to find the words after the final race,” admitted Butel. “We’d had a bit of a tough qualifying session, but the team worked to make changes to the car for race day and it was a lot better. 
 
"We had to deal with some understeer in race one, but then in race two we had the soft tyre on and the performance was really strong. To get close to the points meant we were in a good position for race three but unfortunately we then got caught up in someone else’s incident and it has left the team with more repair work to carry out. 
 
"It’s such a shame as the race pace was strong and there were points to be scored, but it’s one of those things we have to put behind us." 

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s new-for-2022 hybrid system is planned to make its race debut at Silverstone next month (25/26 September).

As such, the outing will also mark the maiden event for the new 2022 customer TOCA engine - developed by M-Sport - which has been run in the hybrid car throughout its 2021 testing programme.

The TOCA Hybrid car will be driven by 2013 champion Andrew Jordan and will participate in both free practice sessions, qualifying and all three BTCC races.

Although scheduled to compete in all three races, the car will take each start from the pit-lane so as not to interfere with the championship contenders.

Jordan has driven the car throughout most of its performance testing, including last month’s Goodyear tyre test at Oulton Park, where the Toyota completed more laps than any other on the second day of running.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the plan is to run at Silverstone in both free practices, qualifying and the three races.

“It will be invisible as far as championship points go, and wherever it qualifies it won’t be starting from there.

“Competing at our Silverstone event is part of its full development cycle; although the hybrid components and engine have done far in excess of a season's worth of running, we want it to also go through a normal race weekend procedure. So whilst it won’t get involved in any real dicing with other cars, it's important that our fans and partners have the opportunity of seeing the hybrid car in action ahead of 2022."

Motorsport UK, the governing body and membership organisation for UK motorsport, has today announced that it will become the organiser of the F4 British Championship certified by FIA for the next three years, with a bold vision for elevating the series.

2022 will see Motorsport UK’s introduction of the FIA’s second generation F4 car, incorporating key safety advancements. The governing body sees this shift in equipment as the right time to take the leadership role for British F4 and further develop the series as the definitive step for emerging talent building their experience and profile on the international stage. As part of the FIA single-seater pathway the championship will provide drivers with the all-important opportunity to earn Super Licence points that are crucial to reach the highest echelon on the professional ladder.

F4 certified by FIA is a globally recognised and affordable step between Karting and the FIA Formula Regional Championships certified by FIA. The category is designed for drivers to build experience in single-seaters and to compare themselves to the best talent, not only in their own country, but across other championships around the world.

Motorsport UK’s vision is for a championship that attracts the leading teams and drivers with high-quality grids and the most competitive racing. The governing body will provide a highly visible promotional platform, which includes retaining the championship’s place on the British Touring Car Championship roster, with further rounds at key events under consideration to build the drivers’ circuit experience and the profile of the series. Furthermore, Motorsport UK plans to forge strategic alliances with a number of stakeholders within the single-seater pathway to ensure the series offers entrants real prospects for progression to international series.

Motorsport UK acknowledges the important role played by Ford Performance and RacingLine in the growth of the championship during the seven seasons since its inception. Ford decided to conclude their involvement in the series and the governing body is grateful for their immense contribution, and the extensive history of Ford in driving the entire junior single-seater category since the first days of Formula Ford in 1967.

Commenting on Motorsport UK’s new remit as British F4 organiser, CEO Hugh Chambers said: “The F4 British Championship certified by FIA is embarking on an exciting new chapter and Motorsport UK is delighted to be leading its evolution. This step represents an important milestone in the governing body’s sport development strategy, and we want to further develop the series as the best platform from which rising stars can continue on their pathway to international competition. We have been conducting a tender for chassis and engine supply and we look forward to announcing those plans and more about our promotional platform shortly.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: "We're delighted to have extended the contract with the F4 British Championship certified by FIA for another three years. It's a great series to have on our support package and we're excited about this next chapter that the championship and Motorsport UK are embarking upon."

Halfords Racing with Cataclean enjoyed a stellar weekend during the latest rounds of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, with three podium finishes plus a stunning maiden BTCC win for Dan Rowbottom at Oulton Park.

With Rowbottom and team-mate Gordon Shedden lining up fourth and second respectively for the opening race, the pair were fired up for more strong points hauls in Cheshire.

Kidderminster racer Rowbottom rocketed off the grid as the race got underway, chasing Shedden into Old Hall as the pair both nipped past pole-sitter Senna Proctor. However, an incident during the opening lap would see the race start over and they would have it all to do again.

This was no issue for the #32 Honda Civic Type R though, who fired past Shedden and into the lead when the lights went out for a second time. The pair ran together for the full race distance, despite a determined Shedden looking to make a move on several occasions.

With his first-ever win buoying his confidence, a jubilant Rowbottom headed into race two ready for another strong result and the 32-year-old didn’t disappoint, even with the additional success ballast of 75kg.

It was another impressive start from Rowbottom and Shedden off the front row, but a decisive move from Rory Butcher saw the Scot jump the pair into the lead.

Defending second to the chequered flag, Rowbottom went on to bag another podium finish – and significant points haul – while Shedden, having been somewhat shuffled down the order during the early stages, settled for sixth spot.

The final race of the day saw Shedden fourth and Rowbottom eighth on the grid by virtue of the reverse grid draw, and the pair once again moved forward from the off, with Shedden up into the podium positions and Rowbottom into the top six by the end of the opening tour.

Despite two stoppages due to accidents, both Honda Civic Type Rs would defend their positions throughout the encounter, with third and sixth place finishes just reward for Shedden and Rowbottom’s efforts.

The impressive results, which mark Rowbottom’s best-ever BTCC race weekend, now see Halfords Racing with Cataclean sit second in the Teams’ Standings, while Rowbottom and Shedden occupy third and sixth in the Drivers’ table.

Rowbottom’s continued Jack Sears Trophy success means he remains at the summit of the points, with an impressive nine successive class victories.

Heading to Knockhill (14/15 August), Shedden’s home track, the pair will no doubt be aiming to put even more points on the board and celebrate the return of fans to the Scottish track by putting on a real show at the 1.27-mile circuit.

“Wow what a weekend!” announced Rowbottom. “That was my first win and best points score ever in the BTCC and sees me catapult to the sharp end of the championship! It’s been hard-fought getting here and I must thank Team Dynamics and Cataclean for their faith in me.

“My confidence continues to grow, and I think that showed in race two coping with the pressure whilst running with full ballast. I’m chuffed to bits not only for me but for my family, the boys and girls in the team and my sponsors. I’m itching now to get out there racing again in two weeks’ time at Knockhill.”

“That first win of the season still eludes me,” admitted Shedden. “But congratulations to Dan on his first win. I got mine at Oulton Park many moons ago and I know how special that feels. A good solid weekend of points – and a couple of trips to the podium – gets me right back in the championship fight. I’ll be giving it my all when we go to my home circuit of Knockhill next time out.”

Laser Tools Racing endured the highs and lows of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship during the latest rounds at Oulton Park, as seven points finishes were punctuated by a pair of retirements for the West Lothian-based squad.

Despite a damp start to Saturday, qualifying on the 2.23-mile circuit in the afternoon was dry and saw reigning champion Ash Sutton take tenth, Aiden Moffat 12th and Carl Boardley 19th on the grid for Sunday’s opening contest.

Race one got underway in dramatic fashion, as the trio made good starts before contact within the pack sent Sutton off and onto the grass before rejoining at the back of the field.

Moffat made up a number of places, picking off several cars ahead to take eighth by the end of the first tour. Boardley also moved up to 17th as Sutton headed for the pit lane to clear his radiator.

A multi-car collision saw the race red-flagged and the trio headed back to the grid for a six-lap restart.

Moffat once again got off to a great start and was into sixth by lap three while Sutton similarly rocketed through the order, breaking into the points with 14th.

Boardley, who started from 13th on the grid, made up two places and held his own to take 11th as the chequered flag fell.

A determined Sutton made up several places at the start of race two and was into the top ten by the second tour, improving to eighth by lap five and holding the position throughout.

Team-mate Moffat held sixth for most of the encounter, before nipping past the Honda of Gordon Shedden and into the top five in the final laps.

Having lost ground during the first part of the race, Boardley would regain 11th equalling his best finish in the series.

The final race of the day became a case of what might have been, with Sutton squeezing past pole-sitter Senna Proctor before an incident saw the race red-flagged and the cars once again headed back for a restart.

Proctor put up more of a fight second time round and Sutton wasn’t able to get ahead with the ease he had earlier, but contact during his challenge for the lead saw the Infiniti drop down the order.

A further tap from his team-mate in the #41 car resulted in the retirement of the championship leader before the opening lap was through.

Boardley ran as high as 12th before an off on the final corner on lap eight brought his race to a disappointing end.

A consistent performance from Moffat saw the Scot take fourth at the flag, having improved throughout the day.

Leaving Cheshire, Sutton still holds the top spot in the Drivers’ battle while the team tops both the overall and Independent Standings. Moffat sits sixth in the Independent Drivers’ Championship, while Boardley’s Jack Sears Trophy bid sees him third with six race weekends left on the calendar.

The squad will now turn its attention to its home event on 14/15 August, as the BTCC heads to Knockhill for Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the 2021 campaign.

Following Oulton Park's enthralling weekend of Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship action, you can relive all three BTCC races from the Cheshire track now using the circuit commentary Listen Again podcasts below!

Chris Hartley, Matt Suckling and Alan Hyde will guide you through all the thrills and spills from the fourth event of the campaign and, of course, don't forget to tune into Tin Top Tuesday tonight at 2000 via the BTCC Audio Portal or Official BTCC App.

Race 1:

Race 2:

Race 3:

MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square put on a thrilling battle at Oulton Park, picking up a handful of strong points-finishes and victory in the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ Championship at the Cheshire circuit.

A cloudy and overcast sky set the scene for the day’s racing with Jake Hill starting the first race of the day from seventh on the grid and Ollie Jackson in P17.

Jackson wasted little time in ascending the order – climbing an impressive seven places on the opening tour. By the end of lap one, the pair were line astern for the Motorbase Performance-run squad in ninth and tenth, chomping at the bit to move further through the field.

While a five-second time penalty for the #48 machine hampered Jackson’s chances, the duo continued to run inside the top ten until the red flag was shown on lap seven, following a multi-car accident at the final corner.

After a lengthy delay to clear the track, both Ford Focus’ took the restart. Not one to hang about, Jackson once again made a lightning start to move up four places into 12th, with his team-mate just ahead in eighth – the final result at the end of the initial encounter.

Both Hill and Jackson made superb starts once again in race two, climbing to fourth and eighth respectively on the first lap. The #24 Ford began to challenge for the podium places from there on, while Jackson was unfortunately collected in an incident at the hairpin, ending his race prematurely.

Nestled in the battle between the top five, Hill held off a stern charge from the Honda of Gordon Shedden and then Aiden Moffat, all whilst keeping his eye on the podium battle just ahead. A valiant effort from the Kent racer saw him hold on to claim fourth at the chequered flag, bagging another valuable points haul.

The final race of the day soon approached with Hill starting the race from sixth on the grid following the reverse-grid draw and Jackson down in 26th after his earlier retirement.

As the field made its way through Old Hall and down to Cascades, a chain of events led to an incident further down the order, with Jackson expertly avoiding any significant damage from the number of cars involved.

On the restart, Hill took evasive action to avoid the spinning Infiniti of Ash Sutton and consequently dropped back to eighth in the pack, before a tidy move around Rory Butcher took him up to seventh.

Before long, the 27-year-old was running bumper-to-bumper with Dan Rowbottom, biding his time to challenge for sixth spot. A late push from four-time champion Colin Turkington saw Hill turn defensive, sticking in seventh to the chequered flag.

Jackson, meanwhile, made his way up to 17th having climbed ten places from his starting position.

Leaving the Cheshire circuit with an overall victory in the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ Championship, Motorbase Performance occupies second in the Standings and sixth in the Teams’ battle. On the Drivers’ table, Hill holds fourth place and Jackson 18th.

The championship now heads north of the border to Knockhill for Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the 2021 campaign, on 14/15 August, as fans return to the Scottish circuit once again.

“Oulton Park was another case of what might’ve been,” admitted Jackson. “We showed we had the pace as we moved up the order in race one, but the luck just wasn’t there and being collected in races two and three sent our day off course. I can be confident heading to Knockhill that we will have a better performance there. Thanks as always to the team, they did a superb job repairing the car in time for race three.”

“Overall, I’m happy with how the day went,” reflected Hill. “We scored decent points in all three races and looked strong throughout. Ultimately, the podium was our aim, and we had a good chance to get there in race three, but I had to step on the anchors to avoid Sutton at the start. We head to Knockhill with lots to look forward to, I absolutely love it there and can’t wait to see more fans lining the edge of the track.”

“Well done to the team for a solid, points-scoring performance,” concluded Mark Blundell, the squad’s Sporting Director. “It was one of those days where simply finishing the race was a job well done so we can be pleased with four points-finishes from six results. We’re improving every race and there’s plenty to look forward to on our return to Scotland in a couple of weeks’ time. As always, a huge thank you to Motorbase Performance for their efforts this weekend.”