In a striking display of prowess, Tom Ingram has set a commanding tone for the British Touring Car Championship’s third round at Snetterton. Clocking in an impressive time that eclipses the competition by more than 0.4 seconds, Ingram has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the motorsport arena. Despite having not secured a victory yet this season, his performance in the Excelr8 Motorsport Hyundai i30 N Fastback has solidified his position as the second contender in the championship standings—a clear indicator that potential for triumph looms large in his immediate future.
As the only session held in dry conditions, Ingram utilized the practice session to refine his strategy rather than chase speed right away. This cautious approach allowed him to assess the track, identify optimal lines, and ultimately balance performance with durability. Ingram’s focus on ‘housekeeping’ during the initial phases of the practice session was a tactical move that set the stage for his impressive last-minute dash. With just over ten minutes left, he leaped from the bottom of the timing sheets to the top. The margin by which he ultimately secured the fastest time—0.408 seconds—exemplifies not only his driving skill but also how vital it is to seize the critical moments within a race weekend.
Challengers Rising
While Ingram’s speed was formidable, he was not the only driver turning heads during the session. Mikey Doble, representing the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra team, had earlier been a time leader until Ingram’s surge. Doble’s theoretical pace indicated he was a mere 0.2 seconds behind Ingram when combining the best sectors of his laps, showcasing that he has the capability to challenge for top honors. Still, in a late surge, Dan Lloyd from Restart Racing demonstrated fierce competitiveness, snatching second place away from Doble by a scant 0.003 seconds—a testament to the razor-thin margins that define this high-stakes competition.
Additionally, Dan Cammish showcased remarkable consistency in the Alliance Racing-prepared NAPA Ford Focus ST, rounding out the top four. His performance, alongside Adam Morgan in fifth place—another driver from the Excelr8 team—illustrates the tight grouping of talent competing in these races. Meanwhile, reigning champion Jake Hill, who has proven his skill with a recent victory at Brands Hatch, came in sixth with his West Surrey Racing-run BMW 330i M Sport. Hill’s previous experiences enable him to adapt quickly to varying conditions, a skill that could serve him well as the championship progresses.
Unpredictability and Challenges
The unpredictable nature of the sport was highlighted by the session’s challenges, including the unfortunate technical issues that befell championship leader Ash Sutton. Ending his session equipped with a tow rope after suffering a substantial glitch, Sutton’s performance at thirteenth place leaves him in a precarious position as he heads into qualifying. His placement with Ingram in the opening qualifying group creates an interesting dynamic—both will be desperate to make an early statement.
In contrast, Hill’s impressive wet weather performance in the first free practice session positions him favorably for the endurance of the season, demonstrating that adaptability is key. This session, however, was marred by an unexpected interruption due to radio communication failures. Such hurdles are merely par for the course in a sport that thrives on split-second decisions and strategic prowess.
Adaptation and Team Dynamics
An additional storyline developing over the weekend is the notable change in driver line-up with Ryan Bensley temporarily stepping in for Michael Crees in the Excelr8 Hyundai. This sort of mid-season alteration can drastically affect team dynamics and overall performance. Bensley, a local TCR UK racer, brings fresh energy, which could inject a new strategy into the Excelr8 camp. His integration into a highly competitive environment could yield unexpected results and reflects the ongoing evolution of the sport.
As the racing action unfolds, the intrigue surrounding team strategies, driver performances, and the potential for upsets continues to build. The stage is set for an exhilarating round of racing at Snetterton, where every driver will be keen to establish their place as a contender in what is shaping up to be an unforgettable season.