BTCC 2019: Croft Preview
The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads to the Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire for rounds 10, 11 and 12 this weekend for what is already shaping up to be a spicy weekend of racing.
There has already been 5 different winners so far this season and at least half of the heavily talented field have visited the podium, thus outlining how competitive this season has been already and we aren't even half way.
Croft as always will be filled with spectators as in previous years it has proved to be one of the more popular race meetings of the year with its unique layout.
Historically, the North Yorkshire circuit has been a playground for the rear wheel drive touring cars, so are we going to be set for another battle of the BMW's? Or will Subaru get in on the act. Two drivers who have gone well in the past here are Ashley Sutton and Colin Turkington, with the latter, being given the nickname "the king of croft".
Rear wheel drive cars have taken 11 of the last 15 BTCC races here in recent years which outlines just how good the cars are around this track which poses a lot of different challenges for the drivers.
Sutton is technically the in form man at Croft, despite not winning a race so far this season. This could be the ideal place for the Team BMR man to get the monkey off his back and put his title challenge in a good position going forward.
The BMW's have looked impressive since the start of the season at Brands and they too will be looking to really lay down a marker and put some more pressure on the other teams this weekend.
One thing that could pose a threat this weekend is the track surface. It was resurfaced back in April which means this could have an interesting effect on how the drivers line up for the three races on Sunday. Potentially a grid shuffler?
The BTCC's Yorkshire boys, Dan Cammish, Senna Proctor and Sam Tordoff will all be looking to put on excellent displays in front of many friends, family and sponsors at their home circuit. Cammish will be buoyed by the pace of the Civic Type R last time out at Thruxton, Tordoff will also be confident he can challenge at the sharp end and Senna Proctor will have the rear wheel drive advantage going into this weekend.
With the championship as wide open as it has been in recent years, Croft looks likely to be the place where battles are recommenced and rivalries reignited. And with also the weather playing a huge part in the build up, who know's who will be sitting at the top of the touring car tree come Sunday evening.
