Do you daydream about one day becoming a tin-top racing superstar? If so, your fantasies can come true – and that’s according to non-other than reigning BTCC champion Ash Sutton. 

“Dreams are achievable,” encouraged the 30-year-old multiple title winner. “I was once that child. I jumped in a kart at the age of five and now I’m a four-time champion. So that’s the proof of the pudding. It’s just a case of chasing it.”  

“I can only base any advice on my own experiences,” admitted Sutton. “However, nowadays it’s even easier to start off, as I did, in karting – you can even do indoor karting. It’s at grassroots level where young boys and girls can jump into a kart and start chasing that dream.” 

Though clearly now a full-time career racing driver, Sutton is equally keen to point out that there are plenty of other exciting opportunities for those of all ages to get involved in motorsport. 

“You haven’t just got to be in the hot seat,” he acknowledged. “You can be involved as a mechanic, a technician, a team member or a marshal. We wouldn’t be out there on track without our marshals and all the great volunteers working behind the scenes.” 

At the recent Night of Champions, Sutton was presented with the iconic BTCC trophy for a record-equalling fourth time – a feat only achieved by two fellow touring car greats: Andy Rouse and Colin Turkington. 

Last year the NAPA Racing UK star also became the first driver to claim the revered title in both rear- and front-wheel-drive machinery. Moreover, his tally of 12 race wins equalled the record for the most victories in one season and, such was his dominance, he also set a new record for the laps led in a single campaign. Now he’s set his sights on an unprecedented fifth crown. 

“I’m back with the same car and with the same team… but it’s going to be tough,” Ash predicted. “The hunt for a fifth title is there and both Colin [Turkington] and I will be chasing it. We know what developments we’ve made to our car but we don’t know what progress others have made over winter. Hopefully, we’ve done enough – I’m now looking forward to finding out!” 

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasts off at Donington Park on 27-28 April and will be won – and lost – over 30 spectacular rounds concluding on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in early October.  

History suggests both TV and trackside spectators will be treated to another titanic title battle with many contenders still in the fray until the grand finale. It would be an incredible milestone in British motorsport history should either Sutton or Turkington come out on top.