In a dramatic display of prowess, Tom Ingram has firmly established himself as the driver to beat during the third round of the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton, setting a qualifying marker that leaves competitors in his dust. Posting a time over 0.4 seconds faster than his nearest rival, Ingram—who is still seeking his first race victory of the season—demonstrated the raw speed and skill that once earned him the championship crown in 2022. Driving his Excelr8 Motorsport Hyundai i30 N Fastback, Ingram’s performance is a clear indication that he is not prepared to take a backseat in this year’s title chase.
The session that day provided slightly drying conditions, and it was in this serendipitous weather window that Ingram shone brightest. Spending a significant portion of his practice time strategizing and fine-tuning his car, he bided his time before unleashing a stellar flying lap that would catapult him from the back of the pack to the top, an exhilarating leap that occurred with just over ten minutes remaining on the clock. This was not merely a fluke; he following up his initial run with an even quicker lap, consolidating his lead and reassuring his fans that his past successes have not dulled his performance.
Rising Stars and Competitive Rivals
While Ingram basked in the limelight, other formidable competitors showcased their talents as well. Mikey Doble, a promising driver with the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra team, was initially leading the charge, anxiously watching Ingram’s ascension before ultimately settling in third. With a theoretical best time that was just within 0.2 seconds of Ingram’s leading time, Doble proved he’s not just a contender but a serious threat in this championship. However, it was Dan Lloyd from Restart Racing who nudged Doble down to third place with a late sprint, finishing a mere 0.003 seconds behind Ingram—a hair’s breadth in the world of motorsport.
Another noteworthy mention was Dan Cammish, piloting the Alliance Racing-run NAPA Ford Focus ST to a commendable fourth-place finish. Just behind him, Adam Morgan added another Hyundai to the top ranks, capturing a strong fifth position amid fierce competition. Rounding out the top six was reigning champion Jake Hill, a previous winner at Brands Hatch, whose experience and skill with the West Surrey Racing BMW 330i M Sport continue to make him a relentless competitor.
Unforeseen Challenges for Leaders
Team dynamics and technical issues also played a role in this practice session. Ash Sutton, the current championship leader, faced an unexpected technical glitch with his Alliance Ford, which ultimately left him dragging to a stop at the end of the session. His 13th-place finish is a concerning development, as it means he will start qualifying in a tough grouping alongside Ingram. Meanwhile, Hill’s ability to produce exceptional times under wet conditions during FP1 only adds an intriguing twist to the mix, as he outpaced his rivals with a considerable margin, thereby solidifying his prowess.
The session was not without its interruptions, as a glitched communication line caused a brief red flag, leading to a pause in the high-octane action that is a hallmark of the British Touring Car Championship. Interestingly, the weekend also sees a shift in personnel, with local TCR UK racer Ryan Bensley stepping in to fill Michael Crees’ seat in the Excelr8 Hyundai—a change that might have implications for team strategy and performance.
Insights on the Road Ahead
As the teams prepare for qualifying, the stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. Ingram’s fast times serve not only as a morale booster for his team but also send a clear message to his competitors: he is a force to be reckoned with. The intricate blend of talent, technology, and tactics is characteristic of the BTCC, and as the next stages unfold, it’s clear that this championship remains wide open—with each driver possessing the potential to upset the status quo.
With the upcoming qualifying and races ahead, the battleground at Snetterton is set, and fans can anticipate thrilling battles and unexpected turns. Ingram may have taken the early lead, but in motorsport, nothing is guaranteed until the checkered flag waves.
Leave a Reply