Silverstone Delivers Drama in Chilton’s Penultimate BTCC Battle

After previewing Silverstone with optimism, Birch Commercial Director Tom Chilton returned from the Home of British Motorsport with mixed emotions – pride in his performance, but frustration at what might have been in the penultimate round of the British Touring Car Championship.

“It’s a weekend of what could have been, to be honest,” Tom reflected. “We had a fantastic car. I think I had one of the fastest cars thisweekend and sadly haven’t come back to Birch with two trophies, which I really feel I should have.”

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A Strong Start Dampened by the Weather

Free practice immediately showcased the pace of the Team VERTU Hyundai.On used tyres, Tom was third quickest and full of confidence heading into qualifying. A front-row slot, even pole, looked possible.

But then the heavens opened. “Sadly, it started to rain and I ended up doing an extra warm-up lap to get more heat in the rears,” Tom explained. “As I went out the pit lane to start the flying lap, it started to rain really hard. A lot of people had already done their lap time before the rain, so I couldn’t make it through Q1. Last year I was P1 and P18 in qualifying – and once again, I didn’t get through. It was rotten, if I’m honest.”

 That weather twist meant starting deep in the pack for race one, and the hard work began.

Fighting Drives Through the Field

Race one saw Tom at his combative best. From 19th on the grid he sliced through the field, climbing to 10th place before misfortune struck. “I had a real earth-shattering puncture,” he recalled. “It was gutting,because I’d done the hard work to get into the points.”

Undeterred, he regrouped for race two. Starting 20th, Tom launched another charge, overtaking his way into seventh and on course for atop-five finish. But again, fate intervened. “Charles Rainford cut across me on the apex at Brooklands, broke my front left and put me into the barrier. It was a real shame – I had nothing to show for it, and it meant missing the reverse-grid opportunity for the last race.”

A Strong Finish Amid Setbacks

Despite two bruising encounters, Tom saved the best for last. Race three saw another storming drive from 20th to eighth – a net gain of 12 positions. Across the weekend, he’d overtaken an extraordinary 32 cars.

“I really enjoyed that,” he said. “I definitely overtook the most amount of cars out of everyone, and from a pure racing point of view, it was brilliant. But sadly, I didn’t come away with as many points as I deserved.”

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Still in the Championship Hunt

Despite the setbacks, Silverstone kept Tom firmly in the mixas the British Touring Car Championship heads to its finale at Brands Hatch.

“I’m still sixth in the championship, just one point ahead of my teammate Adam Morgan,” he noted. “In the teams’ battle, we’re within a few points of NAPA Racing. It’s super close, and it’s all going to come down to Brands Hatch – for us to win the Manufacturers’ and Constructors’ titles, and for me to secure sixth in the drivers’ championship. It’s going to be an exciting last race.”

All Eyes on Brands Hatch – Home Turf for Birch

The finale couldn’t be at a more fitting venue. Brands Hatch is not only one of the most iconic circuits in the UK, but also the closest to Birch Gatwick – making it a true home event for both Tom and the business he helps lead as Birch’s Commercial Director.

For Birch, it’s the perfect backdrop: a high-pressureshowdown where preparation, performance, and resilience will decide theoutcome. Just as Tom has shown grit and pace throughout the BTCC season, Birchcontinues to channel those same values into its operations.

And the story doesn’t end at Brands Hatch. Birch itself is racing toward some exciting announcements in the coming months – developments that will expand its role at the heart of the automotive world.

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Birch’s Take

Silverstone proved the resilience, racecraft, and sheer determination that Tom Chilton brings to the BTCC. Over three races, he produced some of the standout drives of the weekend, overtaking more cars than anyone else. While cruel luck robbed him of the silverware his pace deserved,his efforts have set up a thrilling season finale at Brands Hatch – right on Birch’s doorstep.

As Birch looks ahead to its own next chapter, Tom’s performance is a reminder that persistence, adaptability, and drive always payoff in the long run.

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