19 Apr Ashley Sutton ready for BTCC blast off at Donington Park

Ashley Sutton’s pursuit of a record-equalling fourth Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title blasts into life at Donington Park this weekend (April 22/23) and the three-time champion has admitted he feels better than ever going into the new season.

Remaining with NAPA Racing UK and the Ford Focus ST for a second successive campaign, the 29-year-old has his sights firmly set on reclaiming the biggest prize in UK motorsport – having previously won it in 2017, 2020 and 2021.

Spearheading what is now an expanded line-up for the reigning Teams’ champions – which also includes Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom and Sam Osborne – the Essex-based racer has been left buoyed following the conclusion of pre-season testing.

Armed with the knowledge and experience that was gained by competing in the front-wheel-drive machine last year, Ashley and the team have left no stone unturned as they wracked up miles across a number of different UK circuits in recent months.

Making a number of improvements to the car, the BRDC Member has sounded out that he is pleased with where both he and the Motorbase Performance-run outfit stand as they gear up to tackle Donington Park’s National layout this weekend.

Ashley Sutton: “I’m really looking forward to being able to kick things off at Donington Park this weekend. I’d go on record as saying that this is probably the best I have ever felt – both in and out of the car – ahead of a new season.

“We’ve got a year under our belt with the Focus and the winter has been all about making lots of little improvements to the car; the team have done a mega job. We’ve really focused on trying to ensure we have a car that is consistently closer to that sweet spot that we’re always craving.

“Testing has been very productive, although realistically the wet weather has limited us a little as we’ve perhaps not tried everything we wanted to. Between us though we’ve really pushed the car in the right direction I feel.

“Tweaks to the hybrid deployment and the re-introduction of the option tyre is going to spice things up this year so I really think it’s going to be about boxing clever and picking the points up where you can as there will be at times where strategy isn’t going to go your way.

“Heading into this weekend, if we can leave Donington Park sitting in the top five and with a car that is capable of being the mix at the sharp end of the grid then I’ll be happy.”