As the mid-season break continues, our Perfect Ten celebration of 2025 moves to Charles Rainford, who took his first career BTCC victory in race three at Brands Hatch Indy.

Brands Hatch Indy – Race 3

Starting from third on the reversed grid, Rainford wasted no time taking the lead, overtaking both his stablemate and reigning champion Jake Hill, as well as Daniel Rowbottom, by lap two. Rainford and Hill set a blistering pace, pulling clear from the rest of the field, many of whom ran on the harder compound.

Despite the softer rubber being more vulnerable over race distance, Rainford managed his tyres expertly, maintaining speed and control to hold off persistent challenges from Hill. This tactical masterclass secured Rainford’s maiden win in just his sixth BTCC race — a remarkable achievement for the LKQ Euro Car Parts Racing with WSR driver.

Rainford crossed the line ahead of Hill, who finished second after a fierce battle, and title contender Tom Ingram, who took third. Rainford and Hill’s strong performances solidified WSR’s dominance at Brands Hatch, as the BMW 330i M Sport drivers claimed two podium places — making it the team’s fifth podium of the day after taking all three victories.

Championship Outlook

The BTCC’s #99 currently sits tenth in the drivers’ championship as the season hits its halfway point. Looking ahead, he’ll be aiming to build on this strong position across the second half of the year, with a run of circuits well-suited to both himself and the BMW 330i M Sport as the the BTCC returns at Croft (2/3 August).