As the British Touring Car Championship heads into its third round, Tom Ingram has firmly established himself as the driver to watch at Snetterton. Clocking in a blistering time that surpassed his nearest rival by over 0.4 seconds, Ingram has sent a powerful signal to his competitors. The reigning champion — who, surprisingly, is yet to clinch a race win this season — seems poised to change this narrative with his impressive performance in free practice. Behind the wheel of the Excelr8 Motorsport Hyundai i30 N Fastback, Ingram has combined experience, skill, and strategic foresight to secure an advantageous position in the championship standings.
Ingram’s session was particularly unique as it turned out to be the only dry one amidst the unpredictable conditions that often define motorsport events. While many teams were perhaps underestimating their configurations and tweaks, Ingram utilized this time wisely, engaging in “housekeeping” duties that would lay the groundwork for his ultimate performance. It was not until late in the session that he unleashed his full potential, going from the back of the grid to take the top spot with an unwavering focus.
The Stiff Competition
While Ingram has shown that he can dominate, it’s important to not overlook the significant talent present in the field this season. Mikey Doble, who was the pace-setter before Ingram’s surge, has steadily been building momentum with Power Maxed Racing. His theoretical speed indicated a performance that nearly bridged the gap to Ingram, showcasing just how close the competition is becoming. Doble’s impressive sector times suggest that he is on the cusp of breaking through, and if this pace continues, he could very well spoil Ingram’s plans.
Just a breath behind Doble was Dan Lloyd, who secured second place by a mere 0.003 seconds with a late burst from his Restart Racing Hyundai. Lloyd is a fierce competitor, and this close finish emphasizes the razor-thin margins that define this thrilling championship. Additionally, Dan Cammish gave a strong performance with his fourth-place finish in the Alliance Racing NAPA Ford Focus ST, adding another layer of intrigue as multiple teams showcase powerful machinery and skilled drivers.
Notable Mentions and Unexpected Twists
Reigning champion Jake Hill, despite his strong performance at Brands Hatch, ended up sixth, indicating that consistency may be more valuable than singular outstanding performances as this championship unfolds. With every session, the pressure of the standings adds weights to the minds of the drivers, and Hill’s current third place in the championship adds an air of unpredictability concerning his approach in upcoming rounds.
Unforeseen complications also play a major role in the narrative of the championship—current leader Ash Sutton faced a troubling technical issue with his Alliance Ford. Ending the session at 13th, Sutton’s misstep placed him in a challenging position for qualifying, ensuring an interesting dynamic as he too will be vying for a strong performance while dealing with his setbacks. The unpredictability of mechanical failures has proven to be as crucial as the competitive edge on the track itself.
Moreover, the ludicrous nature of motorsport was showcased with a radio communication failure that interrupted FP1, leaving teams at the mercy of unclear instructions and uncertainty. Such factors can impede even the most prepared teams, slinging them into a valley of potential pitfalls, making this championship not only a test of speed but also a test of adaptability.
The Returning Talent
Adding to the excitement, there has been a slight alteration in the roster, with local racer Ryan Bensley stepping in for Michael Crees in the Excelr8 Hyundai team. The ecological system of the racing world thrives on such last-minute changes that can breathe new life into the teams’ strategy and dynamics. Will Bensley make an impactful entrance in the high-pressure environment of the round? Only time will tell, but it showcases the fluid nature of competition where every point matters profoundly.
The stakes have never been higher, and all eyes will be on the championship leaders as they gear up for what promises to be a thrilling round at Snetterton, highlighted by Ingram’s eagerness to finally secure that elusive victory while navigating through the perennial challenge posed by his competitors.