The BTCC gave us a preview of what the World series could look like next year and it's not a bad vision: few manufacturer teams following a couple of drop-outs at the end of 2008 (notably SEAT), but a strong grid of well-sorted ex-works or self-prepared independent professional teams. And most importantly, great racing. Eight drivers in four different

The last round of the British Touring Car Championship is all about the title fight: three races and three men in a fight to be the 2009 champion. First up is the points leader, Colin Turkington in the West Surrey Racing-run BMW 320. The Northern Irishman has been racing in the BTCC since 2002 and has already won the Independents' title for the

Six months ago the Arena Ford Focus team barely made the opening round of the 2009 British Touring Car Championship and qualified near the back. They rarely bothered the front-runners over the first half of the championship and a first points-paying position – 10th, back at the Croft circuit – was celebrated like a win. Fast forward to this

The next round of the BTCC is at Thruxton in Hampshire at the end of this month, but in the meantime here is some more behind the scenes eye candy from the opening Brands Hatch round. BTCC pit garages are highly professional, spotless places: check out the Vauxhall pits. From what I've seen Auto Glym is obviously the number one product around here