In a striking performance during the British Touring Car Championship’s third round at Snetterton, Tom Ingram showcased his prowess on the track, clocking in a time that left competitors in the dust—over 0.4 seconds ahead of the pack. As the 2022 champion, Ingram is no stranger to victories. However, this season has seen him chase that elusive win. Securing the runner-up positioning in the championship standings, Ingram’s skill behind the wheel of the Excelr8 Motorsport Hyundai i30 N Fastback is a testament to his competitive spirit and technical acumen.
The session marked a singularly dry window amid otherwise unpredictable weather. Ingram utilized the time strategically, executing what could be described as his ‘housekeeping’ routine before launching into more ambitious laps. The turning point arrived with just over ten minutes left on the clock when he went from the last position to the top, achieving an impressive flying lap. Not resting on his laurels, Ingram pushed further, topping his own previous best by an additional 0.3 seconds, firmly establishing himself as the fastest driver of the day with a time that would remain unchallenged.
The Competition Heats Up
While Ingram made his intentions clear, competition remained fierce. Mikey Doble of Power Maxed Racing quickly gained attention, sizzling in the Vauxhall Astra and sticking closely to Ingram’s remarkable pace. Doble’s theoretical combine lap brought him within 0.2 seconds of Ingram’s benchmark, indicating his solid start to the season. Yet, the dynamics shifted as Dan Lloyd in the Restart Racing Hyundai made a late surge, injecting drama into an already electrifying session. Just a whisper separated them, with Lloyd edging into second place by a mere 0.003 seconds—a microcosm of how tightly contested the BTCC can be.
Dan Cammish, driving the NAPA Ford Focus ST under Alliance Racing, also demonstrated formidable talent, finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Adam Morgan rounded out an impressive quintet of Hyundais in the top five spots, reinforcing the stature of the Excelr8 team and its remarkable machinery—a stark reminder of their strength in a league renowned for its competitiveness.
A Remarkable Debut Amidst Challenges
Reigning champion Jake Hill, fresh off an exhilarating win at Brands Hatch, was also deemed sixth fastest in his West Surrey Racing-run BMW 330i M Sport. Hill’s previous performance in challenging wet conditions during Free Practice 1 highlighted not only his driving skills but the ability of his team to adapt. He effortlessly set benchmark laps that outshone his rivals — a sign of his indomitable form.
However, not all went smoothly for every competitor. Ash Sutton, the current championship leader, found his session cut short due to an unexpected technical issue with his Alliance Ford. Ending up 13th and on the tow truck, Sutton faces an uphill battle as he readies himself for qualifying—the stakes are higher than ever. This twist adds an intriguing layer to upcoming events, as he will now compete in the opening qualifying group alongside Ingram, setting the stage for a riveting battle.
Minor Setbacks and Maximizing Opportunities
A further layer of complexity was added to the session when a radio glitch compelled race control to interrupt operations with a red flag. This hiccup served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature inherent in motorsport—something that all teams must navigate with ingenuity and resilience.
The lineup for the weekend sees a minor change as Michael Crees stood aside to allow local TCR UK driver Ryan Bensley to jump behind the wheel of his Excelr8 Hyundai. This decision underscores a competitive culture in touring car racing, where camaraderie and navigating changes on the fly are critical attributes in maximizing point-scoring opportunities.
In this electrifying atmosphere at Snetterton, the track wasn’t simply a stage for competition but a crucible wherein the most adept drivers, teams, and strategies would be tested. As the championship unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that thrilling battles lie ahead, shaped by the motivations and aspirations of racers prepared to seize each opportunity.
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