Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship racer Michael Crees enjoyed his strongest and most competitive outing yet in the UK’s premier motor racing category at super-fast Thruxton, with a hat-trick of terrific results for the CarStore Power Maxed Racing driver.

Crees raced to eighth position in the opener, he finished ninth in Round 23 and then took eighth again in the final bout.

In all three encounters, the Broadstairs driver secured second place in the Independent Drivers’ order – coming just 0.3 seconds shy of the class win in one of the contests.

“It’s been a solid weekend,” said Crees. “Obviously, the best weekend I've had in touring cars with three top ten finishes, a best result of eighth again, and three second places in the Independents.

“I’m gutted I didn’t convert the last race into my first podium, we had a great chance starting third and our pace was really strong – definitely good enough to run in the top three.

“We bled the clutch before I went out, did the normal procedure but it just didn't get off the line. I did well to hold my own there, found my pace and raced well which was good.

“The car has been a lot better this weekend, we had to dial through some problems on Friday and Saturday, but we've had an all-round good weekend. Roll on Silverstone, hopefully we'll be looking as good there!”

Silverstone National Circuit in Northamptonshire will host the penultimate event of the BTCC season, rounds 25, 26 and 27, on 24th/25th September.