Ash Sutton has become a record-equalling four-time British Touring Car Champion, clinching the title with two wins at the renowned Brands Hatch GP circuit last weekend.
The 29-year-old achieved an impressive feat of six pole positions and 12 race wins during the season, making him the first driver to claim the championship in both rear-wheel and front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Previously, the only driver to achieve six pole positions in a season was James Thompson in 2003, and the sole racer to secure 12 race wins was Alain Menu back in 1997. Sutton’s four titles now put him on par with Andy Rouse and Colin Turkington.
Sutton faced strong competition from the runner-up and outgoing champion, Tom Ingram, who finished second in the first two races. Ingram pursued Sutton throughout the season, but Sutton held onto his lead to secure the championship.
“It feels incredible, I’m lost for words,” said Sutton. “The car has been absolutely fantastic, and I’m immensely grateful to NAPA Racing UK and everyone involved. Becoming a four-time BTCC champion is an amazing achievement!”
Sutton further expressed his relief, acknowledging the pressure of maintaining his lead throughout the season. “Even though we had a significant points gap, Tom [Ingram] was right. It was ours to lose. A single bad race could have changed everything… People talk about breaking records, which is great. We always strive to push further. But what’s truly special is being the first driver to claim the title in both front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. That’s what we were ultimately aiming for because I don’t plan to stop at four titles.”
The 2023 season concluded on a high note for BMW as Jake Hill won the final race for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport. However, BMW fell just short of securing their eighth consecutive manufacturers’ title. The NAPA Racing UK/Ford team claimed both the Manufacturers’ and Teams’ titles, while Josh Cook and his One Motorsport with Starline Racing squad took home the Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ accolades.
The Jack Sears Trophy, which saw a close competition throughout the year, was won by CarStore Power Maxed Racing’s rookie driver, Andrew Watson.
The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will return in April, with the opening rounds of the 2024 season taking place at Donington Park.
Sutton seals the deal with race one success
NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton secured a lights-to-flag victory in the opening race, solidifying his lead in the championship battle.
It was a fitting win for Sutton, who was undoubtedly the star of the 2023 BTCC season. He was closely followed by his main rival for the championship, Tom Ingram of Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8.
Ingram kept the pressure on Sutton throughout the race and made a final attempt to snatch victory after a late safety car period. However, Sutton held his ground and crossed the finish line ahead of Ingram, sparking wild celebrations in the NAPA Racing UK garage.