Five title contenders gear up for BTCC finale at Brands Hatch
The 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will draw to a dramatic conclusion at Brands Hatch next weekend (23/24 October) with five ‘friends & foes’ in with a chance of claiming the most coveted prize in British motorsport.
A quintet of contenders who get on extremely well off-track will be fighting tooth and nail around the legendary 2.43-mile Grand Prix circuit, as the Kent venue plays host to the final three chapters of an unforgettable campaign.
Reigning champion Ash Sutton leads the way – as he has done for much of the season – with the Laser Tools Racing star holding a 32-point advantage over Team BMW man Colin Turkington, while Tom Ingram (Ginsters EXCELR8 with TradePriceCars.com), Jake Hill (MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square) and Josh Cook (BTC Racing) are all close behind.
“It’s immense pressure at the moment, but we just need to maintain the physical, mental and car performance for Brands now,” confirmed Sutton.
“I’m in the best position to be in with the points in the bag so it will be about keeping our nose clean, taking it one race at a time and fingers crossed that will be enough to wrap it all up. I can’t wait to get there!”
Turkington has seen it all before of course, as the four-time champ heads into his ninth consecutive season finale in title contention.
“The points gap is 32, which does rely on Ash [Sutton] having some bad luck, but as we all know in the BTCC - anything can happen!” said Turkington. “In saying that, all credit to Ash, he has been superb all year and has kept scoring good points – but we are hot on his heels!
“I'm on the attack, have nothing to lose and will be going there fired up to give it everything. It's an exciting prospect for me, as I'm always the one being chased.”
Sutton and Turkington may already boast six Drivers’ titles between them, but there’s a hungry trio of young guns chasing them down.
Ingram, Hill and Cook are all looking to win the championship for the first time in their respective careers, although appreciate their underdog status going into the decider.
“I’m just looking forward to giving it my all one last time this year, and hopefully we can finish the season on a high,” enthused Ingram.
“I am so proud to be going to the final BTCC meeting at my ‘home’ circuit, Brands Hatch, and on the brilliant Grand Prix circuit, in with a chance of becoming the 2021 BTCC Champion,” said Hill.
“It’s a very, very long shot being 45 points behind Ash [Sutton], but anything can happen in the BTCC! Whatever happens, I have loved the season so far, so let’s see what we can do.”
“It’s great to be a contender again this season,” concluded Cook. “We’re going to give it everything and see how far up the championship table we can finish.”
Aside from the overall Drivers’ title there’s a host of other honours still up for grabs, while local pride will also be at stake for the several teams and drivers that regard Brands Hatch as their home venue.
A season that began behind-closed-doors, while the country was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, has gradually welcomed the return of the BTCC’s loyal trackside fanbase. Now, as we approach the final act of this brilliant season, Brands Hatch looks set to welcome a huge attendance for the first time since the 2019 finale…
Ticket Prices, TV Times and Support Races
The final race weekend of this year’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship takes place at Brands Hatch on 23/24 October, as the UK’s premier motorsport series brings down the curtain on another amazing campaign.
Discounted tickets are available in advance with FREE entry for children 12 and under, while 13–15-year-olds will need to hold a teen ticket for this race meeting (£12 on Saturday and £19 on Sunday). Adult weekend tickets are £43 when booked in advance, with Sunday admission £35. Click here or call MSV on 0843 453 9000 to book now.
BTCC qualifying on Saturday will be streamed live on itv.com/btcc, with the action kicking off from 1450, before the race day broadcast on Sunday commences at 1045 on ITV4.
The triple header of BTCC contests, including the frenzied reverse grid affair, will decide the 2021 champion, while further winners will be crowned in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, MINI Challenge, British F4, Ginetta Juniors and GT4 Supercup.