Ash Sutton claims fourth BTCC title

Ash Sutton is a record-equalling four-time Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion – the youngest driver ever to do so – after the NAPA Racing UK star clinched the crown with two wins around the legendary Brands Hatch GP circuit on 8 October.

The 29-year-old claimed a record matching six pole positions and 12 race wins during the campaign, as Sutton also became the first driver to claim the title in both rear-wheel and front-wheel-drive machinery.

The only driver to previously score six pole positions in a season was James Thompson in 2003 and the sole racer to take 12 race wins was Alain Menu back in 1997, whilst Sutton’s four crowns now equals Andy Rouse and Colin Turkington.

That list of records and accolades goes some way to highlighting Sutton’s sublime season, which will surely go down as one of the most successful in the illustrious 65-year history of Britain’s premier motorsport championship.

Unsurprisingly, Sutton was chased home all the way by runner-up and outgoing champion Tom Ingram, as the Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 man finished second in both of the opening two races.

BMW ended its 2023 campaign on a high as Jake Hill won the final encounter for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, although the Bavarian marque fell just short in its quest to win an eighth successive Manufacturers’ title.

That honour went to the NAPA Racing UK/Ford outfit, as did the Teams’ title, whilst Josh Cook and his One Motorsport with Starline Racing squad took Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ laurels.

The Jack Sears Trophy – which has been a five-way scrap throughout the year – was eventually won by CarStore Power Maxed Racing’s Andrew Watson in his rookie BTCC season.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship returns next April with the opening rounds of the 2024 season taking place at Donington Park.