![Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK [Motorbase Performance]](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/RACE2_KH_220731_347.jpg "Photo: PSP Images")
Ash Sutton was pleased to finally stand on the top step of the podium this year, whilst also securing the first victory for the NAPA Racing UK squad in the British Touring Car Championship.
Whilst Motorbase Performance has been a prolific winner in the BTCC in recent decades, Sutton secured the first victory for the newly-branded NAPA Racing UK squad at Knockhill on Sunday.
The reigning champion followed up on his second in race one by capitalising on a mistake by early leader Jake Hill to take the lead on lap five, and withstand late-race pressure from the MB Motorsport driver to win the race.
It is Sutton’s 25th win in the BTCC, and moves the 28-year-old to just eight points from the top of the drivers’ championship standings.
“It made it a little bit easier with Jake’s mistake at the chicane,” said Sutton of his win. “I think he was just trying to match what we were capable of doing through there and that’s been our strongest thing all weekend. I just focussed on that and gave it full send every lap.
“We did a good job of managing [the gap] in the middle of the race. Despite the mistake, we then maintained that gap – he closed it and then we stretched it.
“In the last few laps the front tyres had just had enough, so I was getting to that point as well. Jake then really honed us in, and tried to put an attack on the start / finish line, but I was not letting that one go!
“The tyres just started degrading and funnily enough we were actually losing the rear tyres rather than the fronts, so it was a bit of a shock to us – it was a shock to us in race one.
“But I’m just pleased we got the first win for NAPA Racing UK.”