Former Birchwood High School student Ashley Sutton claims second Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship win of the season at Oulton Park
Ashley Sutton excelled in the rain as he claimed his second Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship victory of the season at Oulton Park.
The 26-year-old Laser Tools Racing driver also secured eighth- and fourth-place finishes at the Cheshire venue to maintain his position in second place overall behind, 19 points behind leader Colin Turkington.
Entering the third event of the season ladened with 54kg of success ballast, the Bishop's Stortford racer pushed his rear-wheel-drive machine to the limit in qualifying and ultimately finished what proved to be an ultra-competitive session in 11th.
Heavy rainfall ahead of the opening race added to the drama and a mud-filled radiator duct limited the former Birchwood High School student's chances and he settled for eighth.
Sutton then took centre stage in the second race as he stormed to his 16th career success in the championship.
The 2017 champion scythed his way into fourth early on and then pulled off a pair of opportunistic overtakes to jump into second.
Closing down race leader Rory Butcher in little over a lap, Sutton made his move for the lead with an eye-catching piece of driving around the outside of Old Hall Corner before cantering to the chequered flag.
Starting the reverse grid race from 10th with maximum success ballast, Sutton made a lightning start and soon found himself in fourth.
Unable to find a way past the battling trio ahead of him, a red flag in the latter stages brought the contest to a premature end with Sutton in fourth place.
The championship continues this weekend with rounds 10, 11 and 12 at Knockhill in Scotland.
"Qualifying outside the top 10 wasn't ideal, but we were able to make progress in race one despite having to nurse the car home," said Sutton.
"The car was on rails in race two though, and I was able to put it wherever I wanted and I knew what we were capable of.
"I wanted to get the first few laps out of the way and once we were into fourth and, more importantly, in clear air, it was game on. I took my opportunities and once out front I was able to push on - I love those conditions.
"We've had a really strong start to the season and the aim is to continue this form heading into Knockhill. I love the circuit so I'm hopeful we can start closing that gap to the top."