NORFOLK CIRCUIT HOSTS THE UK’S NEXT PREMIER TIN-TOP INSTALMENT
The next episode of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is nearly upon on us with Rounds 7, 8 and 9 taking place at Snetterton in Norfolk this coming weekend (25/26 May).
After just two events we’ve already celebrated four different race winners, including the BTCC’s newest victor, whilst no fewer than eight drivers have already reached the rostrum from the opening six races.
Throw in the monsoon-like conditions of the season opener at Donington Park, followed by the heat haze of Brands Hatch, and it’s clear to see that the unmissable BTCC really is back!
Now, we go from the shortest circuit on the calendar – Brands Hatch Indy – to the longest… as Britain’s best touring car drivers prepare to take on the demanding Snetterton 300 layout.
Read on for more details on for the story so far, tv times, circuit timetable and the all-important ticket information…
Story so far
There are three former champions on the 2024 BTCC grid and each of them have already shown exactly why they have previously lifted the most coveted trophy in British motorsport.
Tom Ingram (Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS) and Colin Turkington (Team BMW) have each taken two victories so far, whilst reigning champ Ash Sutton has scored six successive podiums… so it’s little surprise to see the title chasing trio topping the leading places in the overall standings.
Sutton’s supreme consistency has given him a two point advantage over Turkington in the current Drivers’ standings, with Ingram a further eight in arrears, but there are positive signs for those searching for a maiden BTCC crown.
Jake Hill (Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport) and Josh Cook (LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ) are heading the chasing pack with both drivers knowing what it takes to be in championship contention.
Outside of the top five there are several exciting stories developing as we wait to see who will join the championship fight in 2024… Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS for example having further contenders at both ends of the experience spectrum.
At 39, Tom Chilton may be classed as a touring car veteran, but the Hyundai driver is looking faster than ever having scored a podium last time out at Brands Hatch.
Team-mate Ronan Pearson is the other story emerging from the team in only his second season in the country’s most competitive championship. A hugely popular maiden win for the Scotsman in the finale at Brands has not only thrown him into the limelight, but may be into the championship chase.
LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ’s Aiden Moffat took a fantastic victory at Donington Park, whilst Rob Huff and Andrew Watson at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK need to find more consistency, as do the NAPA Racing duo of Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom.
One team enjoying a cracking start to the campaign is Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing, having taken a clean sweep of Independents’ triumphs so far, with the first overall podium of the season surely not far away.
So, with Snetterton now on the horizon… who will take the next step towards BTCC glory this season?
TV, Timetables and Tickets
A stellar line-up of support series will also wow the crowds at Snetterton, as the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain, F4 British Championship, MINI CHALLENGE and Radical Cup UK completes the schedule of exciting races.
BTCC’s popular ‘Quick Six’ qualifying format will be streamed live via ITV Sport’s YouTube channel from 1520 on Saturday, before ITV4’s all-day race day broadcast gets underway at 1050 on Sunday.
Remember, for the first time in the championship’s history the BTCC is being broadcast globally this season with every race being streamed live via ITV Sport’s TikTok channel. Look out for the races on Sunday starting at 1135, 1425 and 1710.
There’s no place like being there of course and fans can purchase tickets in advance or on the gate throughout the weekend – visit here for more details.
