Thruxton – the fastest circuit in the British Touring Car Championship – once again delivered drama, spectacle and high-speed challenge in equal measure. For Tom Chilton and Team VERTU, the visit to Hampshire marked a milestone: the squad finally ticked off a long-elusive victory at the only BTCC venue where it had never won before.
But for Chilton himself, the weekend was a case of grit, recovery, and ultimately, a demonstration of the resilience that makes a seasoned driver stand out.
Qualifying unfolded in torrential conditions, with grip at a premium and visibility worse. In classic Chilton style, Tom dug deep to haul himself into the second phase of qualifying, setting his crucial lap at the death to avoid being caught out by worsening weather. He would end up seventh on the grid – solid footing for Sunday.
Race one saw the #3 Hyundai i30 Fastback N embroiled in a tight midfield battle. Tom crossed the line in 10th, but a post-race time penalty for track limits infractions nudged him back to 15th – a frustrating blow at a circuit where momentum and grid position matter more than most.
Race two brought a fresh set of challenges. Setup changes and a circuit evolving lap by lap meant grip was inconsistent, and two off-track moments in high-speed sections forced Tom into an early retirement – his first of the year. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially with teammates Ingram and Proctor scoring strongly.
But if there’s one thing you can count on with Chilton, it’s that he never goes quietly.
In race three, starting from the very back, he launched a charge through the field. Methodical, clean, and ruthlessly effective, Tom picked off car after car to cross the line in eighth place – gaining 14 spots in the process. It was the drive of a racer with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
“Fundamentally, it’s been a bad day at the office,” Tom said. “But it was nice to end the weekend on a high. We pushed hard in race three, and the car felt great – we had real pace. That final result doesn’t erase the frustration, but it gives us something to build on heading to Oulton Park.”
While Chilton’s weekend may not have yielded silverware, it showcased the sort of tenacity that BTCC fans – and Birch Gatwick clients alike – value most: calm under pressure, a willingness to dig deep, and a refusal to back down when the odds stack up.
With Oulton Park just around the corner, Tom will be looking to convert determination into results – and we’ll be following every step of the way.
.jpeg)
