Smited and blighted by torrents of summer rain, right now, the BTCC’s annual trip to Scotland is instantly more memorable for the deluge that shaped outcomes, rather than finesse on the track. However, it’s the longer lasting impressions that will really count, and this means not only points won, but points lost, and points taken away.

Jake Hill and the Laser Tools Racing squad can rightly revel in the doubling of his win tally for the season, yet behind the celebrations lies the inescapable fact that Ash Sutton returned home with a significantly increased points advantage over each of his three main rivals. Tom Ingram’s disqualification from Race 1 (for failing post-race ride height checks) not only removed a dramatic win but also the opportunity to score well in Race 2. The reigning champion’s deficit to Sutton is now extended to 37 points (from 6), whilst Hill’s earlier efforts were partly undone after he hit teammate Stephen Jelley in Race 3, removing another good points scoring opportunity and leaving the BMW man even further adrift of the title chase.

Whilst there was obvious celebrations for some, most teams endured wildly mixed fortunes: Though Hill won twice with BMW, Colin Turkington’s dismal points return effectively ended the former champion’s title hopes; and whilst Sutton’s weekend finished on a high, teammate Dan Rowbottom’s didn’t even get started due to electrical gremlins.

However, one team that left Scotland brimming with silverware was CarStore Power Maxed Racing (having celebrated its 250th BTCC start). Andrew Watson scored his first outright podium (whilst also winning the Independents’ class) in Race 1; Árón Taylor–Smith then repeated the squad’s Independent success in Race 2, whilst Mikey Doble retained his lead of the Jack Sears Trophy standings.

Here are twenty of our favourite images from the weekend. Onwards now to Donington.

 

All images by Steve Hindle

He might have inherited the Race 1 win, but Jake Hill was rightly jubilant after holding-off Ash Sutton's challenge to win Race 2
The Laser Tools Racing car was the class of the BMW stable in every session.
Ash Sutton and Josh Cook fought close and hard as they battled for the Race 1 lead ...
It didn't end well for the One Motorsport man, though he recovered superbly to end his day with P2 in Race 3.
Racing on wet tyres in mixed conditions always risks exceptional wear to the rubber, which can lead to disqualification for failing post-race ride height (as per Ronan Pearson at Donington on the opening weekend of the season). It's a risk that the EXCELR8 team have taken when setting-up their cars.
Tom Ingram arrives in the technical area as Race 1 winner, but it's very soon discovered that his final ride height doesn't meet the regulations.
Andrew Watson leads Stephen Jelley as he races to P2 in Race 1, securing his maiden BTCC outright podium.
And receives congratulations from fellow MB Motorsport man Simon Hill.
Árón Taylor-Smith repeats PMR's Race 1 success with the Independents' win in Race 2.
And is another to enjoy support from his team.
Mikey Doble makes it a hat trick of success for Power Maxed Racing by scoring three strong points finishes to end the day still leading the Jack Sears Trophy standings.
Aiden Moffat's crew have worked relentlessly to give the local man the confidence he needs in his car to score well.
And P7 in qualifying, together with P7 in Race 3 shows that the young Scot is moving ever closer to returning to the podium.
Former WTCC champion Rob Huff made a welcome return to the BTCC, taking over Nic Hamilton's vacated seat.
Two points finishes for Huff continued Team HARD's run of mixed fortunes for its drivers.
George Gamble's form and results with the Toyota are improving with every round, though it's fair to say that his confidence has never been in doubt.
Adam Morgan (behind) is another who never fails to show his determination as he battles here with Tom Ingram and Rory Butcher.
Local man Ronan Pearson finally returned the results we know he's capable of, securing three points finishes, including P4 in Race 3.
It was also a productive weekend for Team BMW's Stephen Jelley, going one better than Pearson to earn P3 in Race 2
We end with Dick Bennetts and Ash Sutton, the two men who round by round make this championship exactly what it is - brilliant!
Ash Sutton btcc Jake Hill knockhill touring cars