The final Kwik Fit British Touring Car race of an eventful second visit to Thruxton’s high-speed sweeps, saw the drivers skilfully cope with increasingly heavy rain in the final few laps, and 25 year-old Jake Hill take his 14th points scoring finish in 20 races so far in the 2019 series.

Hill had survived the disappointment of a high-speed spin on his quickest lap in qualifying to start 20th for race one, but benefitted from dramas for Chilton and Jackson’s Motorbase Ford Focus’ on lap one, having also passed Goff at the start.

A lap later Plato served his drive-through penalty, and then passing Proctor Hill was now in the points in P15, and battling hard with former team-mate Thompson.

However increasing understeer meant a late charge from a recovering Jackson saw Hill demoted to P16.

“Tough race, but we did make progress” shrugged Hill afterwards.

Starting P16 Hill was passed by Plato and then battled hard with the double-champion, before Jackson dropped back, although a lap later Chilton edged past Hill. After Smiley hit problems, Hill then passed Thompson and took a hard-fought P15, maintaining record of scoring points at every race weekend in 2019.

“The car was a lot better, and I’m really pleased with the job the team have done to give me more pace” said Hill.

Starting the final race of the weekend, Hill had gained a position due to the misfortune of friend and colleague Rory Butcher who failed to start, then maintained a solid race pace for the first half of the race.

However a flying Dan Rowbottom edged past mid-race..but things were about to get interesting!

Fierce battles ahead saw Hill start to catch the pack ahead, and as the rain fell late on, Hill began to skilfully close and then pass Rowbottom and a sideways Chilton and up to P13.

On the final lap Hill was on the tail of race-one winner Tordoff and Championship Leader Turkington, Hill just edging past the BMW driver (see photo below)  as they charged to the line to finish a happy P12.

“If only it had rained a couple of laps earlier! The car was fantastic in the rain on slicks – I think i was as fast as Cammish (who won) and faster than everyone immediately ahead. It felt great to pass Colin on the final lap, a reward for the team’s hard work”

Hill was delighted to welcome guests from Aston Lark, Racetruck, Ocean Fire and Security, Procurri, and Zynth and is now focused on the challenge of the tight an tricky Knockhill next month.

“Great to have our guests with us today, can’t wait now for three tracks – Knockhill, Silverstone and Brands Hatch GP – that I not only love racing on but I feel sure will suit our car. Bring them on!”

Images courtesy of www.pspimages.co.uk