Michael Crees finished the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship as the Jack Sears Trophy winner.

Crees claimed two of the three class victories at the final round of the season at his home circuit of Brands Hatch. It caps an excellent second season for Crees and his first with the BTC Racing team.

With the weather playing a big part in proceedings over the final meeting, the season finale delivered plenty of drama from the start. A much-interrupted qualifying session in very tricky conditions left Crees struggling with the weather and set-up ending the session in P22.

A strong start from Crees in the opening contest saw all three drivers move their way up the grid in the treacherous racing conditions extending his lead at the top of the Jack Sears Trophy standings finishing ahead of his main rival.

With very different track conditions presenting themselves for race 2 on a drying, but greasy track, Crees choosing to run on slicks. An epic drive from Crees saw the Broadstairs-racer pick his way up through the pack to collect another strong points-finish, bringing the #777 home in P13 overall to collect his 11^th class victory of the year and secure the 2020 Jack Sears Trophy title at his home circuit.

Another torrential downpour just before the season closer saw the return of the perilous conditions out on track. Picking up his second points-score of the day, Crees brought his #777 FK8 home in P15, claiming his 12^th Jack Sears Win of the year and extending his title-winning championship lead to 48 points.

The season finale signed-off a rollercoaster season for the BTC Racing Team. Having amassed a total of three outright victories and four further podium finishes – Bert Taylor and Steve Dudman’s team ended the season placed 5^th in the Teams’ Championship and 3^rd in the Independent standings, collecting 4 Independent wins and 10 podiums along the way.

Speaking at the end of the weekend a delighted Crees said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. That’s another one ticked-off the bucket list! I want to thank Vince Caldicott, Paul Whitnell, Jodie and the kids, and all of my family and friends for supporting me through this and helping me to realise my dream. I had my doubts if we could pull it off after a bit of a wobble, but we’ve shown that you can achieve your dreams if you keep pushing, and never give up.

“Thanks to the whole BTC Racing team for their efforts, and also to Bert [Taylor] and Steve [Dudman] for giving me the opportunity to show what I’m capable of. It’s been an unbelievable season, and one I’ll never forget.”

Image courtesy of Phil Laughton