Topgear.ie Ponders BTCC Championship Decider At Brands Hatch

 

Title-Decider

The excitement surrounding the BTCC championship decider this weekend at Brands Hatch is building.  The pinnacle of tin-top motorsport in the UK will crown it’s 2017 champion at the famous GP circuit. For the two real championship contenders, Ashley Sutton from Essex and Colin Turkington from Northern Ireland the stakes could not be higher.  With only ten points separating the two, and a maximum of sixty-seven available, the battle looks set to deliver an incredible climax.

Although, mathematically, Gordon Shedden and Tom Ingram could clinch the title, Sutton and Turkington are the most likely to succeed.

Both have had an incredibly consistent season.  Sutton, leading the championship by 10 points, is fast and reliable and has matured in his second season in BTCC.  Driving with the Team BMR / Adrian Flux Subaru Racing team he is a ‘junior’ member of the team, however has delivered over teammate Jason Plato who is eleventh in the championship and his closest teammate in the standings.  Sutton has also delivered a fantastic six race wins so far this season, outstripping Turkington and Shedden by double.

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Colin Turkington switched from Subaru to drive with the BMW backed West Surrey Racing (WSR) in the BMW 125i M-Sport this season.  Turkington has had his two championship title successes with WSR and has returned to a successful family reunion.  Turkington who lies 2nd in the championship with closest teammate Rob Collard in 5th.  Turkington has delivered three race wins so far.

Being only his second season at the wheel of a BTCC machine, Sutton may find it difficult to convert his championship lead into a championship title.  Nerves will be a big factor and his ability to deal with his emotions will become evident over the course of the deciding weekend.  It’s often said, ‘it’s harder to lead from the front’.

Turkington has been through it before though and will find it easier to prepare.  With two championships under his belt, it will be mentally easier for him to manage his way through the weekends action.

Both drivers are quick and, it must be said, clean when it comes to on-track driving.  They will both respect each other.  It will be interesting to see how the teammates will assist each driver.  Sutton has been noticeably quiet approaching the weekend, however Turkington has said, “Second place is not an option for me. I have two super quick team mates to bolster my charge and together we can make this happen for BMW.”

The scene is set in this monstrous title decider, the most prestigious crown in British motorsport.  With his experience, taking two wins on his last visit to the Brands Hatch GP circuit and his consistency in this year’s championship, Colin Turkington is our tip for the win. And here is our ‘get out clause’ and the ‘joker in the pack’, Jason Plato’s intervention. It’s going to be exciting!!!

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