Britain’s biggest car racing championship blasts into Brands Hatch this weekend and the opening rounds of the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) are set to bring plenty of thrills and spills to Kent.
Renowned for bumper-to-bumper racing, the BTCC is hugely popular with fans. Unlike Formula 1, the championship features cars recognisable from the UK’s streets and the drivers aren’t afraid of a little contact, bringing lots of drama and controversy to the event!
This year’s BTCC grid is the most competitive in years, with half of the 32-car field previous race winners in the series. The class of 2017 includes five former champions and five rookie drivers ready to make their mark in the UK’s toughest championship.
Heading the field is Honda’s reigning champion Gordon Shedden, who won his third title in dramatic style at Brands Hatch last October. Both Shedden and team-mate Matt Neal are aiming for a record-equalling fourth championship, but their opposition includes fellow champions Jason Plato at Subaru, plus Colin Turkington and Andrew Jordan (both BMW).
Wrotham’s Motorbase team is also a favourite for the title as well as wins at its home circuit, with lead driver Mat Jackson having won more races than any other driver last year. The team has gained a major new sponsor, with the team’s Ford Focuses now in yellow Shredded Wheat colours, and Jackson is widely recognised as the best driver not to have won the coveted title.
“We’ve had some good results there,” Jackson said. “It’s a very small circuit and there can be quite a bit of pushing and shoving to get past. We usually see the top 20 within a second in qualifying, I bet that will be the top 30 [this year], so it will be entertaining. We’ve been doing some testing down there and the signs are good so far.”
Several local drivers will also be aiming to make a big impression on home turf this weekend. These include Reigate’s Tom Chilton, brother of former F1 driver Max, who makes his BTCC comeback with fellow returnees Vauxhall. The grid also includes Tunbridge Wells’ Jake Hill, who is back after an impressive rookie season with Strood squad Team HARD. The team upgrades to the Volkswagen CC, which nearly won the 2015 title with Plato and Turkington at the wheel.
“First impressions, I really like it,” Jake said. “It’s definitely a step forward. I can see why it gave Jason and Turkington the opportunity that they had in 2015, so I’m looking forward to the season ahead. My target is to win a race, simple as that, I know I’ve got it in me.”
The BTCC drivers will race three times on main raceday Sunday, and the event includes a packed support programme that features the Renault UK Clio Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Ginetta Juniors and British F4.
In addition to racing action, visitors can test drive the very latest electric and hybrid cars thanks to the free EVOLUTION motor show. A range of vehicles from small city cars to BMW’s i8 supercar will be on display all weekend, and available to drive on the hallowed Brands Hatch Grand Prix tarmac, for anyone bringing a valid drivers’ licence. Further details can be found at:www.brandshatch.evolutionshow.co.uk
Other attractions include a funfair, go-karting, adventure playground and display of fast Fords from the Ford RS Owners Club.
Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on 1/2 April are available from £27, with free entry for under-13s. For more information or to book, call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk