Jake Hill and BMW stormed to an incredible double Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title success on one of the most tense finales in series history at Brands Hatch.
The Kent ace scored a race win and two further podium finishes aboard his WSR-run Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport to grab the title in a wet final encounter at his local circuit.
In doing so, he and fellow WSR drivers Colin Turkington – a double podium-finisher on the day – and Adam Morgan helped secure a record-breaking 10th Manufacturers’ crown for BMW.
Beginning the day level on points with his title rival Tom Ingram, Hill drove serenely to an eighth victory of the year in race one with Team BMW polesitter Turkington making it a one-two finish.
That result was a historic 400th podium finish for WSR in the BTCC and also a 132nd race win to equal the all-time series record.
Second place in race two – with the #20 again right behind – meant that Hill went into a wet title showdown with a one-point advantage in the title fight.
After losing out to Ingram initially he overtook his rival for fourth spot, around the outside at Surtees, before the half-distance mark and then pulled away, eventually climbing to second by the chequered flag; a result that settled matters. Turkington was fifth to end the season fourth in the points.
Morgan was an innocent victim in a first-lap incident in the opening exchange of the day as he found his way into a stationary car at the Druids hairpin.
With extensive damage to the front and rear of his BMW, the Lancashire racer was unable to start race two, but sterling work from the WSR mechanics repaired the car in time for him to start the finale from the back of the grid. A storming run to 10th place secured him eighth place in the Championship.
Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said: “I don’t know what to say. I’m just so overwhelmed. I am the 2024 British Touring Car Champion and I still can’t believe I get to say that. This is the best day ever, and BMW are Manufacturers’ Champions so it’s an even better best day ever. I don’t know how to put it into words other than to say that this team are the best team ever.”
Colin Turkington, Team BMW said: “So that’s the 2024 BTCC season over and we have two trophies in the house with Jake doing a fantastic job to become Drivers’ Champion and BMW winning the Manufacturers’ title for a record 10th time. It’s been a great day for me too. The BMW 3 Series has been electric-quick. It’s been a nice way to close the season out, but I’m ready for a rest now. I’m looking forward to forgetting about motorsport for a little while, but I’m sure when the dust settles I’ll look back fondly on the season.”
Adam Morgan, Team BMW, said: BTCC 2024 is over. It’s been a tricky day. In Race One I only made it through two corners and the damage sustained meant I couldn’t take part in Race Two. To finish Race Three in the top 10 after starting last was a strong finish. More importantly congratulations to BMW for winning the Manufacturers’ title and to the boy Jake; he’s done a mega job all year and is a deserving champion. From my side a huge thank you to everyone that’s supported my season. Hopefully we’ll see you back here next year.”
Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, said: “What a fantastic end to the season. For Jake to get his first championship and for us to win BMW’s 10th Manufacturers’ title. It was very tense and nerve-wracking but there was some fantastic teamwork for the mechanics to get Adam’s car ready for Race Three and for Colin to help Jake on track. For Jake in Race Three he drove a blinder. He only had to stay ahead of Tom [Ingram], but he went on and finished second to win the title with three podiums on the final day. A terrific end to a terrific year.”
