Sensational Sutton strikes again
Napa Racing UK’s Sutton produced one of the finest performances of his illustrious BTCC career so far, as the Ford Focus racer fought from 23rd on the grid to score an extraordinary victory.
Hill looked to be cruising to a second victory of the day while Sutton and fellow title contender Ingram were battling their way through the order until a safety car intervention threw the contest wide open.
Hill’s BMW 330e M Sport seemed to slow with a misfire problem following the restart and, although able to continue, he was quickly shuffled down the order, and ultimately out of the championship fight.
Sutton and Ingram had fought their way into the top six by that point and neither was done there as they continued picking off the front-runners until the finish.
The move that really mattered from Sutton came on the final lap as he dived down the inside of leader Árón Taylor-Smith (CarStore Power Maxed Racing) and into the lead, while Ingram had got by Rory Butcher (Toyota Gazoo Racing UK) for third.
Turkington takes BMW’s 150th BTCC victory
Four-time champion Turkington scored BMW’s 150th victory in the BTCC, as the tin-top legend triumphed in the reverse-grid race around the 1.64-mile National circuit.
Pole-sitter Michael Crees (Autobrite Direct) was eased out of the lead early on as Rowbottom initially took over top spot.
Turkington was making progress in the early laps, too, as he soon hauled his #4 machine alongside Rowbottom and into the lead.
Rowbottom was fending off the Hyundai duo of Ronan Pearson and Ingram, while Sutton soon joined the battle.
Ingram slipped by Rowbottom as he hit the hybrid button with the pair crossing the start/finish line, and Sutton was eventually up to third after a late race shuffle.
The final word went to Turkington and BMW, as it seeks a 10th manufacturers’ title.