Oulton Park delivered drama, pace, and more silverware for Birch ambassador and Commercial Director Tom Chilton, who surged to his second British Touring Car Championship podium of the season with a standout drive in Race Two.
Driving the #3 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, Chilton capitalised on clever strategy and relentless pace to secure third place at the picturesque Cheshire circuit — a result that strengthens his position in the tightly contested standings as the BTCC heads into its summer break.
“It’s great to pick up another podium. The pace was strong from the start, and we really made the most of the car when it counted.”
From Qualifying Grit to Podium Glory
Chilton was quick out of the blocks at Oulton with a top-six result in practice and safe passage into Q2 under the BTCC’s split qualifying format. A tidy lap in changing conditions earned him seventh on the grid for Sunday’s opener — a prime launchpad.
In Race One, Tom battled wheel-to-wheel with team-mates Adam Morgan and Senna Proctor, pulling off a committed pass at Hislops to take fifth at the flag — a strong opening result.
But Race Two was the headline act. With the #3 car fitted with the soft tyre while rivals opted for mediums and hards, Chilton delivered a textbook drive: clean, fast, and composed. He ran line-astern with Morgan, pulling away from the chasing pack to claim third place and another trip to the BTCC podium.
Late Drama in Race Three
The final race of the day was shaping up for more points before heavy rain before the start made conditions treacherous. Tom’s charge ended prematurely following contact at Hislops, resulting in damage that forced an early retirement.
“It’s a shame — I locked up in tricky conditions and clipped Mikey Doble, which ended both our races. But the points are so tight this year. I’m still seventh overall and there’s a lot to fight for.”
With BTCC action resuming at Croft Circuit after the summer break, Tom and Team VERTU remain firmly in the hunt — with podiums on the radar and title points still very much in play.
Chilton Off Track: Driving Birch Forward
When he’s not chasing podiums in the British Touring Car Championship, Tom Chilton plays a key role in the success of Birch Gatwick as its Commercial Director — helping deliver a premium service to collectors, investors, and motorsport professionals alike.
At Birch’s secure, discreet facility in West Sussex, vehicles are stored with the same precision and attention to detail expected on race day. From modern supercars to irreplaceable classics, every car is protected in climate-monitored bays, protected by industry-leading fire suppression systems.
“At Birch, we apply a motorsport mindset to vehicle storage. This means care, consistency and attention to every detail.”
With a client list that includes racing drivers, collectors, and discerning owners, Birch is where serious cars go when they’re not on the road or track.
Discover Birch’s secure storage services
Get in touch today to reserve your space
“Whether it’s a track weapon or a vintage GT, I know Birch will keep it in perfect shape.”
Birch offers premium storage with a motorsport mindset.
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Supporting professionals who demand the very best – on track and off it.
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