Bobby Thompson was feeling ‘battered and bruised’ after a spectacular crash ended his British Touring Car Championship weekend at Croft, which had earlier featured his first-ever double top ten in the series.
Thompson, the sole representative for Trade Price Cars last weekend at Croft, was on the pace throughout the weekend, qualifying his Audi S3 in a season-best fifth on Saturday, thanks in part to penalties for Tom Ingram and Senna Proctor ahead.
In race one, after battling with Matt Neal and Ash Sutton, Thompson ended up in a season-best eighth.
The 24-year-old then equalled that result in race two, despite carrying a modest amount of success ballast, before lining up in the same spot for the final race.
However, Thompson was unable to claim a third straight top ten after he crashed out of the final race in spectacular fashion, rolling multiple times after sliding off at the Jim Clark Esses.
“This has been our best weekend of the season by far and we were really strong from the moment we hit the track in practice,” said Thompson.
“Qualifying was absolutely brilliant and fifth on the grid was way than I was expecting – and it could have been even better without losing my best time for track limits.
“Race day was all about trying to stay out of trouble and focusing on the Jack Sears Trophy because there was a really good chance to extend the lead out front.
“The first two races were great as we were able to stick with the front runners on merit, and two top eight finishes set us up really well for race three.
“Obviously, what happened there is really disappointing, but once the car was on the grass there was nothing I could do.
“When it dug in and started to roll, it was just a case of holding on and waiting for it to stop. I’ve been told it looked dramatic on TV, and it certainly felt like it was where I was sitting!
“I’m feeling a bit battered and bruised but I have to give a huge amount of thanks to the team for providing me with such a strong car.
“I have every confidence that they can get the damage repaired so we can try to defend our lead in the rounds to come.”