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BTCC Ready for Party in the Park

Spectators back in force as tin-top action returns to Oulton Park

 

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will be back to its brilliant best at Oulton Park next weekend (31 July/1 August), as the venue opens its gates to BTCC fans for the first time in more than two years.

A restricted number of spectators enjoyed the recent BTCC events in June, but the visit to Cheshire will mark the series’ first sizeable attendance since the 2019 season finale at Brands Hatch.

The picturesque and popular circuit has always been a fans’ favourite – with record attendances being attracted in the recent years prior to the pandemic – so it’s a fitting venue for the UK’s premier motorsport series to welcome back its loyal and passionate fanbase.

Story So Far… 

Six drivers have already stood on the top step of the podium just three race weekends into a 30-race campaign, highlighting the ultra-competitiveness of the BTCC.

Reigning champion Ash Sutton (Laser Tools Racing) is currently edging proceedings, having won two races so far, as have Tom Ingram (Ginsters EXCELR8 with TradePriceCars.com) and Josh Cook (BTC Racing), who are second and third respectively in the overall standings.

Sutton is the BTCC’s leading light, having followed up his second title in 2020 by scoring points in each and every race of the 2021 season so far… the driver of the #1 Infiniti Q50 remains the man to beat.

Colin Turkington is fourth in the order although the Team BMW star has experienced an uncharacteristically inconsistent start to his campaign. A steady start at Thruxton was followed by a sensational Snetterton, before a dismal Brands Hatch put a spanner in the works for the four-time champion.

Jake Hill is the highest placed driver in the standings yet to win a race this season, but the MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square driver has speed in abundance and is fast becoming a genuine championship contender.

A special mention for Tom Oliphant (Team BMW) and Daniel Rowbottom (Halfords Racing with Cataclean), who are forging their own challenge for the first time in their respective BTCC careers.

Tin-top legend Jason Plato is the most successful driver at Oulton Park with an incredible 11 victories, and the Adrian Flux with Power Maxed Racing man will be looking to kickstart his own title fight next weekend.

Local Lights and Support Races 

Team BMW’s Tom Oliphant will be banking on home Cheshire support next weekend, as will Adam Morgan and his Car Gods with Ciceley Motorsport squad from nearby Lancashire, and both couldn’t be in better form having each won last time out at Brands Hatch.

Both drivers are on the fringes of the title chase, knowing that a stellar home event could propel them into the hunt for the BTCC crown.

Antrobus-based Speedworks Motorsport – which operates the manufacturer-backed Toyota Gazoo Racing UK – is still looking for its first victory of the season and will be hoping to deliver a race-winning result next weekend.

The three showpiece BTCC races at Oulton Park will be complemented by a full support programme, including some of the country’s leading one-make sports, saloon and single-seater series.

British F4, Ginetta Junior, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Ginetta GT4 SuperCup and MINI Challenge will make for a bumper weekend of action with a total a 14 races scheduled across the event.

Ticket Prices and TV Times  

Discounted advance tickets are available in advance until 4pm on Thursday 29 July with FREE entry for under-13s. Adult weekend tickets are £43 when booked in advance, with Sunday admission £32. Click here or call MSV on 0843 453 9000 to book now.

The BTCC paddock will be open to fans throughout the weekend. There will be no pit-lane walkabout, but a drivers parade will take place on Sunday.

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship qualifying on Saturday 31 July will be streamed live on itv.com/btcc, with the action kicking off from 1500, before the race day broadcast on Sunday 1 August commences at 1150 on ITV4.

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