Speedworks Motorsport’s Tom Ingram has described his 2018 British Touring Car Championship campaign as “nothing less than incredible,” after bringing his title battle with Colin Turkington down to the final two contests.
Although Turkington took the overall Drivers’ honours, Ingram secured the Independent Drivers’ Championship for the second consecutive season.
Speedworks Motorsport also emerged victorious in the Independent Teams’ Championship, ending the year nine points clear of Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher.
Ingram told TouringCars.Net his season has been “remarkable” after taking the title fight to Turkington down to the season finale, and regularly challenging manufacturer teams with victories and podiums.
“It’s been incredible; an absolutely remarkable season,” he said.
“You look back at what we’ve achieved and it’s nothing less than incredible really.
“When you think we’ve taken it to the works teams every single weekend, and consistently been outscoring them and scoring as many points as we can – it’s been incredible.
“We’re a small team and what we’ve achieved has just been amazing. I can’t thank every single person in this team enough. They all know who they are, but it’s just been incredibly.”
Ingram was also keen to point out the level of support he has received in 2018, both from within the team itself and by fans and friends on social media.
“The support we’ve had has been incredible – from social media and everywhere else – the work that has gone in to get us to this stage has been nothing less than breathtaking,” Ingram said.
“So it’s amazing to see the support we’ve had, but it’s also amazing to have the support that has come because of the hard work that’s gone in from all the boys.”
Having improved step by step each campaign in the BTCC, Ingram admits the intention has to be the overall Drivers Championship next season, but is not downplaying the “amazing” year he has enjoyed in 2018.
“We set about it this year – this has been the first time we’ve ever launched a proper attack and gone into the championship finale in contention,” he said.
“So we’ve done some amazing things this year and of course our attention turns to trying to win it overall next year.
“We know that’s an incredibly difficult task to try and manage, but I wouldn’t put it past us that’s for sure.”