The BTCC Media Launch Day at Donington Park Racing last week was an event to remember. Despite the cold weather, the sun was shining, and the public turned out in large numbers to kick off the new season.
However, there were some notable absences from this year's lineup, with drivers Rory Butcher and Team Dynamics missing from the action. It was disappointing not to see these beloved characters on the track, but the show must go on.
Last year's champions from Napa Racing, Ash Sutton and Dan Cammish, were in top form as usual. Many of their fans were sporting Napa merch clothing and showing their support for their favorite drivers. Ash Sutton even secured the fastest lap of the day, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
I had the pleasure of catching up with the hardworking Kwik-Fit media team and Simon Melluish. It's always inspiring to see a group of professionals dedicated to showcasing the best of the BTCC to fans around the world.
Tom Chilton put his Hyundai i30N in third place at Donington Park, a venue where he had previously claimed a series win. His teammate, Tom Ingram, the reigning champion from 2022, was hot on his heels. The competition was fierce, setting the stage for an intense season ahead.
One of the most exciting developments for this year's BTCC season is the introduction of a new ‘quick six’ qualifying format. This format will break the session into a series of 10-minute shoot-out style segments, similar to those seen in IndyCar. The fastest six drivers from each session will advance to a final 10-minute dash to decide pole position and the top-six grid positions. This new format promises to add an extra level of excitement and unpredictability to the races.
I also had the chance to speak briefly with Alan Gow, only about the cold weather though, but he did express his excitement for the upcoming season with the Kwik-Fit media team. He believes that this year's championship will be one to remember and is looking forward to the close competition between the teams.
Overall, the 2024 Kwik Fit BTCC entry list is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. With top drivers like Ashley Sutton, Tom Chilton, and Andrew Watson all vying for the championship title, fans can expect some thrilling races and nail-biting finishes.
As the BTCC season kicks off, make sure you don't miss any of the action. Get ready for heart-pounding races, fierce competition, and plenty of drama on the track. With the new qualifying format and revised tyre regulations, this season is sure to be one for the history books. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to witness the best of British touring car racing in action.
