BTCC Brands Hatch: DeLeon Secures Consecutive Pole Positions
Daryl DeLeon achieved his second consecutive pole position in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Brands Hatch. This successful qualifying session marks a significant milestone for the West Surrey Racing driver, strengthening his bid for the Jack Sears Trophy.
Key Qualifying Highlights at Brands Hatch
- Daryl DeLeon claimed pole position, continuing his impressive performance in the BTCC.
- Tom Ingram and Ash Sutton, both championship contenders, faced elimination in Q2.
- Ingram qualified in seventh place, while Sutton ended up in 11th.
- Ingram was just 0.126 seconds behind DeLeon’s leading lap time.
- DeLeon’s lap time was initially disqualified for track limits but secured a valid time shortly after.
Performance Insights
Tom Ingram’s season-long performance earned him the Goodyear Wingfoot Award for qualifying points. Despite qualifying for seventh, this achievement puts him ahead of his closest competitor, Dan Cammish.
Ash Sutton’s performance was hindered, as his NAPA Racing Ford Focus ST struggled to find necessary grip during Q2. In contrast, DeLeon’s competitive advantage included the full 15 seconds of TOCA Turbo Boost, which played a crucial role in his lap times.
Close Competitive Times
- DeLeon faced stiff competition, with Dan Cammish coming in second, only 0.023 seconds behind.
- Tom Rowbottom finished just 0.033 seconds off pole position, further highlighting the tight competition.
- The top five cars were separated by a mere 0.102 seconds, showcasing the intensity of the qualifying session.
Other notable performances included Tom Chilton and Adam Morgan, who also made strong showings in their Excelr8 Hyundai cars.
On the Horizon
With the upcoming race, all eyes will be on how Ingram and Sutton adapt after their qualifying setbacks. DeLeon’s momentum places him as a formidable contender, particularly as the championship race intensifies. Fans expect thrilling action as the BTCC season approaches its closing stages.
Brands Hatch has proven to be an exciting venue, with what’s next set to unfold in the remaining BTCC rounds.
