Cammish Masters Donington Deluge for Fifth BTCC Victory
In an unforgettable display of skill and resilience, Dan Cammish conquered treacherous conditions at Donington Park to claim a remarkable victory in the British Touring Car Championship's second race. A sudden and intense downpour transformed the circuit into a challenging arena, leading to a dramatic moment where the leading cars, including Cammish's, were forced off course. Yet, Cammish skillfully managed to regain control and preserve his front-running position, ultimately crossing the finish line under safety car conditions. This hard-fought win was particularly significant for Cammish, as it marked his fifth career triumph at Donington Park and coincided with his 200th start in the prestigious touring car series, adding another highlight to an already distinguished career.
The race at Donington Park evolved into a true test of nerve and adaptability, punctuated by a sudden and intense downpour that drastically altered track conditions. Following an initial safety car period, the race length was extended, setting the stage for increased tension. As the field entered the 15th lap, a cloudburst at McLeans sent the top six competitors, including Cammish, careening into the gravel. Reminiscent of a legendary 1975 British Grand Prix incident, this moment of chaos could have derailed any driver’s hopes. However, Cammish demonstrated remarkable composure, maintaining his lead in the Valvoline-liveried Alliance Racing Ford Focus ST. The race concluded under a second safety car, cementing his dramatic win.
The Unforeseen Downpour and Cammish's Calculated Triumph
The second British Touring Car Championship race at Donington Park was transformed by an unexpected weather event. A sudden, torrential cloudburst struck the circuit, particularly impacting the McLeans section. This abrupt change in conditions led to a dramatic off-track excursion for the entire top six, highlighting the perilous nature of motorsport when elements intervene. Despite the chaos, Dan Cammish, driving the Valvoline-liveried Alliance Racing Ford Focus ST, managed to navigate the perilous gravel trap and retain his lead. This incident underscored his exceptional car control and presence of mind under pressure, allowing him to secure a hard-fought victory as the race concluded under safety car conditions.
The race began with Tom Chilton leading from pole, closely followed by championship leader Tom Ingram and the Alliance Fords of Sutton, Rowbottom, and Cammish. An early three-car collision involving Aiden Moffat, Sam Osborne, and Senna Proctor triggered the first safety car. Upon the restart, Ingram made a move on Chilton, but a lack of grip on hard tires for Rowbottom led to a chain reaction, involving Sutton and Chilton, severely impacting their races. Cammish capitalized on this, moving from fifth to second. He then meticulously overtook Ingram, who was struggling on hard tires, and later engaged in a strategic battle with Adam Morgan, controlling the race until the dramatic late-race downpour. Cammish's composure during the sudden deluge, which sent other competitors wide, was pivotal. He described the moment the rain hit "like a ton of bricks," turning him into "just a passenger," yet his ability to survive the gravel trip and emerge victorious underscored his exceptional skill and earned him his fifth win at Donington in his 200th BTCC career start.
Championship Implications and Post-Race Adjustments
The dramatic events at Donington Park had significant repercussions for the championship standings and the grid for subsequent races. Despite the challenging conditions and his own gravel excursion, championship leader Tom Ingram managed to extend his points advantage over Ash Sutton, who faced early race incidents. The chaos also led to a significant reshuffling of positions for other drivers, with some benefiting from the misfortunes of others. Post-race scrutiny added another layer of complexity, as technical infringements led to exclusions, further altering the final results and impacting the starting grid for the following reversed-grid race. This highlights the tight regulations and competitive nature of the series, where every detail matters.
While Cammish celebrated his victory, the race outcomes had broader implications for the championship battle. Tom Ingram, despite facing challenges including running on hard tires and a gravel trip, managed to extend his championship lead over Ash Sutton. Sutton, whose race was compromised by an early multi-car incident, eventually finished eighth, consolidating Ingram's position at the top. Adam Morgan secured second place, maintaining his position despite the late-race drama. However, post-race events continued to shape the final results; Chris Smiley, who had climbed to fourth, was disqualified due to a ride-height infraction, promoting Ingram to fourth and Daryl DeLeon to fifth. This technicality also benefited Josh Cook and Aron Taylor-Smith, whose Speedworks Toyotas were elevated to seventh and eighth. Crucially, Sutton's adjusted position allowed him to secure pole for the reversed-grid race, albeit on hard tires, further emphasizing the unpredictability and competitive depth of the BTCC series.