Second half of 2023 season to get underway at Croft
Rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship are set to take place at Croft circuit next weekend (29/30 July), marking the end of the annual mid-season break.
The 2.13-mile circuit brings the BTCC to the North East of England and thousands of passionate race fans. Renowned for its challenging, technical nature, Croft is set to provide three thrilling BTCC encounters.
Heading into the weekend with a six-point advantage, NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton will lead the way into the second half of the campaign. With six wins under his belt, the three-time champion will be looking to extend the gap to his challengers – especially after a DNF at Oulton Park (17/18 June) left room for rival Tom Ingram (BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8) to close in on the top spot.
Despite only claiming one win during the season so far, reigning champ Ingram has seemingly maximised the potential of his race package with consistent podiums keeping him well and truly in the title fight; which, with only five events left on the calendar, is certainly starting to heat-up.
Yet, it was Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill who almost completed a perfect day at Oulton Park, after taking two wins, a second place and three fastest laps. His BMW stablemate Colin Turkington (Team BMW) then rounded out the day with a victory in the final bout. The results catapulted BMW to the top of the Manufacturers' standings, and Hill to third in the Drivers’ Standings (192 points) while Turkington is just a further nine points in arrears.
A consistent haul of Jack Sears Trophy points for Dexter Patterson across the first 15 rounds has given the Re. Beverages with Bartercard and Team HARD racer the lead in that particular category, whilst Josh Cook and his One Motorsport with Starline Racing outfit hold sway across the Independents' honours.
Now, the BTCC turns to Croft to kickstart the second instalment of the 2023 season. Some new and some familiar faces are entering the fold, with Michael Crees joining Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils, and Daryl DeLeon signing for Re.Beverages and Bartercard with Team HARD, whilst Jade Edwards has made a mid-season switch to the One Motorsport with Starline Racing squad.
Local Lights
Sitting fifth in the Drivers’ Standings and looking to mount his own championship charge, Leeds racer Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK) heads to his local event aiming to build further on his solid season-opening.
Dan Lloyd (Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils) is also set to perform in front of a home crowd in North Yorkshire, with Croft also being the scene of his maiden BTCC victory.
TV, Timetables and Tickets
Complimenting the tin-top racing will be a sensational line-up of support series, as The Legends Elite Cup, Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain, ROKiT F4 British Championship and The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE completes the schedule of exciting races.
Saturday’s qualifying session will be streamed live via ITV Sport’s YouTube channel from 1515. On Sunday, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will be LIVE on ITV4 from 1130-1830.
Tickets are available in advance or can be purchased on the gate throughout the weekend – visit here for more details.
