Ashley Sutton has set his sights on repeating his race-winning Renault UK Clio Cup performance at Brands Hatch today in the final race of the season tomorrow to give himself the best chance possible of securing the tin-top title.
Sutton led from the opening lap to the chequered flag for his fourth win of the season in an action-packed first race of the weekend this afternoon, a result that keeps his championship hopes alive heading into the season’s final encounter.
Speaking to The Checkered Flag after the race, the Team BMR-backed racer admits he couldn’t help but use the race’s two safety car periods to keep an eye on where championship leader Ash Hand was positioned – with his team-mate eventually climbing up to second at the finish.
“After the first safety car I was coming out of Druids and I could see Ash [Hand] coming into Paddock Hill, and while I didn’t know who was between us I could see it was a few cars,” Sutton told TCF.
“At the second safety car I could see he was third and I was instantly calculating the points in my head. When he got second I was a bit disheartened as I needed him further back really, but I focused on pulling away and taking the win.”
Sutton heads into the final race of the season knowing only a first or second place finish could win him the title depending on where Hand finishes, though his focus is firmly on adding another race win to his five so far this campaign.
“We came here wanting and needing to win both races and take the fastest laps, so we’ve done half of that so far and now we just need to fulfil the other half,” Sutton added.
“Starting from second it’s going to be hard again, don’t get me wrong, but we need to get out of the carnage like we did today, break away and maintain a lead.
“There’s going to need to be a little bit of luck for me, and we’ve both got some work to do and need to gain places to get the title. I’m going to give it my all and do everything I can.”