Do I Not Like Ash Sutton?

Didn't used to.

I thought he was arrogant and how dare a 23 year old become BTCC Champion?

Though maybe he had something to be arrogant about.

I suppose I've always been a Colin Turkington fan - even from when before I bought a BMW.

And Ash Sutton has always been a big rival - and he's made a few caustic remarks too.  Often about Colin Turkington.

But, I have to admit he is brilliant racing driver.  He was brilliant at Knockhill today winning two races.  And the BTCC needs arrogant drivers with attitude - especially this season while Jason Plato is on a sabbatical.  And the grumpy Matt Neal isn't getting much airtime to be grumpy in.

I suppose what worries me most about Ash Sutton is that he became champion in 2017 - the year after the Russians meddled in the Brexit vote and in the US Presidential elections.

Here is Ash Sutton wearing a face mask:

Remind you of anyone?

A Family Affair

Caught this rather nice article in the online Telegraph this week. It came with this very cheesy photo:

It's about BTCC driver (and reigning champion) Matt Neal teaching his twin sons, Will & Harry, to drive now that they have turned 17.

William and Harry!!

I hadn't though of him being a Royalist. I also hadn't thought of him as being old enough to have kids old enough to drive. He's only about my age!

His sons will have an excellent teacher and it looks like he is trying to keep their feet on the ground including some professional lessons as well. I'm not as sure of the car choices though, a sporty Corsa and an old Beetle with no seatbelts. The former will cost a fortune to insure and the latter has no seatbelts.

I've not mentioned the BTCC much this year - but I haven't missed a race and they have been just as exciting as every recent season. I've not watched any f1 meanwhile and am not missing it in the slightest.

The BTCC last weekend was at Rockingham and much rain caused much sliding off but there were no major disputes - unlike last year when this excellent picture was taken:

I don't usually credit the pictures I find on the 'Net but this is worth a link and a mention of Life Exposed Photography as this picture perfectly captures Matt in full-on anger mode where no other picture of the incident I've found does.

Here, Matt is launching himself at Jason Plato after a serious shunt in qualifying. Good! - we like some passion in our racing drivers. Jason is wisely keeping his helmet on given that Matt practises martial arts and is considerably bigger than him. Meanwhile, their dads are in the picture trying to make sure it doesn't get any worse.

A very un-cheesy photo - but, then again, racing-driver Matt Neal will be nothing like family-man Matt Neal - I hope! And it looks like it is family-man Matt Neal that Wills & Harry have as their driving instuctor.