Ash Sutton has rewritten the Motorsport UK British Touring Car Championship record books by becoming the first driver in the series’ illustrious 68-year history to win an unprecedented five Drivers’ titles.
The 32-year-old from Hertfordshire sealed his place among the all-time greats in spectacular fashion at Silverstone, claiming his ninth victory of an extraordinary 2026 season from 12th on the grid to wrap up the championship with four races still remaining.
It is a remarkable milestone that takes Sutton clear of touring car legends Andy Rouse and Colin Turkington, with whom he had been level on four titles after claiming his fourth crown with the Napa Racing UK’s Ford Focus ST in 2023.
Sutton’s extraordinary collection of championships began in 2017 when, on his first season with Subaru, he guided the distinctive Levorg GT to his maiden title. He then went back-to-back with the Infiniti Q50 in 2020 and 2021 before matching Rouse and Turkington’s four-title record three years later.
Now, with a fifth crown secured, Sutton stands alone at the summit of the BTCC record books.
And his achievement is even more remarkable for the breadth of machinery in which he has achieved it. Sutton is the only driver in BTCC history to have won the coveted title in both front- and rear-wheel-drive cars, underlining his versatility as well as his exceptional speed.
His latest championship has been secured in similarly dominant fashion. Nine wins from the opening 26 races have been complemented by a relentless accumulation of points, allowing Sutton to build a lead that could not be overhauled despite the 2026 campaign still having four races to run.
“The first one will always be fantastic but this one is very special – above and beyond,” admitted an emotional Sutton. “We’ve had some phenomenal results this season and, when I haven’t been on the podium, I’ve still been picking up points. And we did it in proper ‘Sutton’ style!”
The record-breaker’s remarkable journey to the top of Britain’s premier saloon car championship began in karting before progressing into Formula Ford single-seaters. But it was a game-changing switch to the fiercely competitive Renault Clio Cup in 2015 that set him on the path to BTCC greatness.
He immediately demonstrated his potential by winning the title at the first attempt, taking the crown against a field of considerably more experienced rivals.
Graduation to the BTCC was the natural next step – and what followed has become one of the most extraordinary careers in the championship’s history.
From MG and Subaru to Infiniti and Ford, from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, Sutton has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to adapt, win and ultimately dominate.
Now, with five British championship titles to his name, Ash Sutton has not merely joined the BTCC record books – he has rewritten them.