Trade Price Cars Racing and Jake Hill completed a superb debut season together with a season-best qualifying.
With three impressive races, culminating in two fastest laps, and points in the final race of the season, securing 4th in both the Independent Drivers and Independent Teams categories.
A soaking wet qualifying saw Hill slither to an excellent P6 overall, and with Sunday’s opening race overcast and with a slippery track, it was yet-another strong start, ending the opening lap P5 having passed Oliphant early on.
As the track became more slippery, both Hill and AmD stablemate Butcher made progress, Hill passing Jordan’s BMW in a brave move around the outside of Surtees, and now P4, before passing Turkington a lap later and now in a Podium Position, before both Butcher and Hill passed Sutton to run first and second.
Meanwhile Cammish’s Honda had worked his way onto the back of Hill, as the AmD Tuning cars battled hard, Hill set the fastest lap for Independent Drivers in the process.
With just four laps to go and another Podium looking likely, Hill suddenly slowed and was devastated as he was forced to pit when a turbo intake pipe worked loose, causing the car to lose all of its power.
“What a race! The car was working so well as it often does in mixed conditions, and both Rory and I were quicker than all the Rear Wheel Drive cars. I really do feel we could have challenged for another Win. I felt so deflated cos the whole team have worked so hard, and we were chasing down Chilton for P3 in Independants. Gutted.
Hill sat in his Audi S3 for some time after the race taking in the frustration and disappointment, before embracing each of his team members, plus his Mum Tina who was their to support him.
“When you feel low it’s always nice to get a hug from your Mum!” smiled Hill afterwards.
Hill was classified P24, so gambled on slicks for race two on a greasy track. Ultimately the circuit took longer than expected to dry, but a brave final lap saw the 25 year-old BRDC member once again take fastest lap, but this time fastest overall and P19.
“It was the right call, but the temperature meant it just didn’t dry quickly enough – the car was good through, and it’s nice to have my first overall Fastest Lap.
For the final race not only of the day, but the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, the conditions were dry so Hill was prepared to give his all and try and work into the points.
A frantic opening lap saw Hill bundled wide and end the opening lap in P22, before working his way past Rowbottom, Collard and Boardley in the next couple of laps, also benefiting from Chilton and Proctor dropping out.
Now charging hard, Hill dived past Moffat and then Caine in successive laps, and gained further places when Thompson and Bushell tangled.
With only two laps remaining the 2019 title looked to be going to Honda’s Dan Cammish, before a spectacular off caused by brake failure handed the initiative back to BMW’s Colin Turkington, who had driven a spectacular race up from P25 on the grid up to a remarkable P6, and with it secure his fourth BTCC title.
Cammish’s retirement saw Hill now well in the points in P13, before pulling off a bold move at Hawthorn’s to pass Matt Neal’s Honda, and finish the race in P12, securing P4 in the Independent Driver’s Category with his 18th points scoring finish, taking points at all ten BTCC events, a superb debut season for him and Trade Price Cars Racing.
“The car was good again, I had some good battles and I was determined to get past Neal at the end, so overall it’s been another good weekend in terms of performance, and a fantastic year overall.
“We have had a podium on our debut, taken two wins on the road and one that definitely stuck – I know I’ve got the trophies! Winning my first BTCC race has been immense – plus we scored points every weekend, qualified strongly here at Brands and taken three fastest laps over the year. To finish P4 ahead of top guys like Morgan, Smiley, Moffat and Jackson is really rewarding for us all.
“So pleased for the guys at AmD Tuning for their success – winning the Independent Drivers with Rory (Butcher) and the teams, plus the Jack Sears Trophy is incredible.
“Huge thanks to Shaun (Hollamby) and Rob (Tickner) from AmD Tuning and all the guys on my car especially Stuart, Biscuit, James, Dave, Tom, Ian, Michael, Dan and Marco from Swindon Engines, plus everyone else involved. And of course on the Trade Price Cars Racing side Dan (Kirby) and Andy (Wimot) plus the awesome media and hospitality team Lo, Chris, Zak, Sam, Dan, Tom and everyone back at base. As always my Dad has been there working as hard as ever, I will always be grateful for all he’s done.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of some fantastic partners, so in no particular order thanks so much to Aston Lark, Lost Boys Motor Club, Oodle, Racetruck, Ecoflam, ABGO, Danfoss, Procurri, Bill Rawles Classic Cars, ScoriaTech, Robin Austin, Smarttrams, CMC Civil Engineering, Ocean Fire & Security, Seaton Tramway, Connect, UK Tram, Point CNC, Model World, Spine Optics, Zynth, JEP, Octane Hair for Men, Hydrorace, and also the BRDC, Matt James, Matt Salisbury, Mat Acton, Peter Laborne and Andrew Shrimper for their help and support….and not forgetting my great friend John Miskin.
“Also it’s been so cool having the legend that is Mark Blundell as my team mate. He is an incredible guy, and it’s been an honour racing with him – him and Alex and the whole MB Partners team have been fantastic this year.
Last but by no means least a big thanks to everyone at TOCA and BTCC, the officials, the media, the Orange Army, the Jeff Army, and my incredible girlfriend Hannah, my family, friends, fans and supporters – especially TeamHILL. If I’ve not mentioned anyone – you know who you are!
Images courtesy of www.pspimages.co.uk