Gordon Shedden arrives at Brands Hatch (10/11 October) with another championship still within reach, as the three-time BTCC Champion targets the Independent Drivers’ crown in his first season with Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport.

Second in the standings on 348 points, Shedden trails Mikey Doble (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing) by 25, with Charles Rainford (WSR) just three points behind. Five Independent wins and a further eight top-three finishes have kept the #52 Toyota firmly in the mix across the campaign.

Shedden's title bid started strongly at Donington Park, where an Independent victory was backed up by an outright podium on debut with his new team. Snetterton then provided one of the defining weekends of his season, with Shedden topping the Independent order in both Race 2 and Race 3, the latter also bringing a 54th career BTCC victory.

Oulton Park proved more difficult heading into the summer break, but Shedden responded during the second half of the year. He returned to the outright podium at Donington Park GP and added another Independent win, before continuing to collect valuable points at Croft.

Silverstone then gave his challenge another boost. From 12th on the grid in a wet Race 3, Shedden climbed to fourth overall and second among the Independent runners to keep the pressure on Doble heading into the finale.

Brands Hatch now provides the final opportunity. With 25 points to make up and everything still to play for, Shedden remains right in contention for a fourth major BTCC title.

Stats

Independent Drivers’ Championship: 2nd – 348 points
Independent Wins: 5
Independent Top-Three Finishes: 13
Overall Drivers’ Championship: 8th – 241 points
Overall Wins: 1
Overall Podiums: 5

Snetterton Race 3 - Round 9: