Electric Cars

This exclusive podcast episode offers a captivating journey into the heart of Super Touring Power 3, a highly anticipated annual event that pays homage to the glorious era of the British Touring Car Championship in the 1990s. The discussions provide a unique comparison between the racing vehicles of yesteryear and today, revealing the significant technological advancements and financial commitments involved in high-level motorsport across different generations.

Super Touring Power 3 Unveils Historic and Modern Perspectives in a Riveting Podcast

On July 24, 2025, during the esteemed Super Touring Power 3 event, Autosport's Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Turner, conducted an insightful interview session. This special edition of the Autosport National Podcast brings listeners into the world of legendary touring car racing through the eyes of two prominent figures: seasoned Super Touring competitor Patrick Watts and the 2022 British Touring Car Championship victor, Tom Ingram. Ingram candidly shares his inaugural experience at the event, drawing compelling parallels and contrasts between the touring cars of the 1990s and the sophisticated machines of today. Meanwhile, Watts offers a detailed perspective on the highly specialized nature of the Super Touring era, emphasizing the astonishing expenses required for a comprehensive rebuild of a 90s Super Touring car. Their conversation paints a vivid picture of motorsport evolution, underscoring both the passion and the practicalities of maintaining these iconic racing legends.

This podcast serves as a powerful reminder of how motorsport continually evolves, not just in terms of speed and technology, but also in its financial landscape. The insights shared by Ingram and Watts highlight the enduring legacy of Super Touring cars and underscore the dedication required to preserve and celebrate such a rich racing heritage. It's a testament to the fact that while technology progresses, the raw passion and the stories behind the machines remain timeless.

Ascending the Ranks: A Glimpse into National Motorsport Triumphs

Hills' Persistent Climb Despite Donington Challenge

Aidan Hills, a prominent figure in the Mazda MX-5 series, showcased his unwavering determination at Donington Park. Although his remarkable undefeated run in the Miata Trophy encountered a slight hiccup in the second race, marked by a slide at Melbourne Hairpin, his lone victory propelled him from thirteenth to an impressive seventh position in the national standings. This performance reaffirms his status as a formidable competitor, though maintaining his prior dominance would have placed him even higher, within the top five.

Smyth's Surge in Formula Ford 1600

In a weekend with limited UK car racing events, Jason Smyth emerged as a significant climber, securing his position as the next improver in the rankings. His dual victories in the United championship at Lydden Hill mark his sixth and seventh wins for the year, catapulting him into the top 20, a notable leap from outside the top 50 in the previous week. Smyth's consistent success in Formula Ford 1600 demonstrates his prowess and strategic racing.

Reuben's Triumph in TVR Club's Special Event

Adding to the weekend's notable achievements, Ollie Reuben made a strong reentry into the national rankings, landing in 31st place. His victory in a special race celebrating 60 years of the TVR Car Club at Donington Park, where his Griffith outperformed numerous Tuscans, highlights his exceptional skill and adaptability across different racing machines. This marks his sixth win of the current season, contributing to the overall excitement and competitive spirit within national motorsport.

Astin's Double Victory at Snetterton

Further down the leaderboard, Thorburn Astin also made his mark, entering the top 50 in 38th position following two impressive triumphs in the BMW Supercup at Snetterton. His victories underscore the diverse talent pool and competitive nature of national racing, with drivers across various classes demonstrating their capabilities and pushing for higher recognition.

The Autosport National Rankings: A Benchmark of Excellence

The Ryan Motorsport Insurance Autosport National Rankings serve as a comprehensive barometer for driver performance across UK and Irish car races. The methodology for these rankings is meticulous, excluding qualification, repechage, consolation, and handicap races to ensure a focus on direct competitive outcomes. Class wins are rigorously considered only when a minimum of six starters are present, with specific exceptions for multi-stage events or merged championships that meet particular criteria. This ensures that only significant victories contribute to a driver's standing, reflecting true competitive merit. In cases of tied performances, overall wins are prioritized, and if a tie persists, the average grid size from a driver's victories is used as a tie-breaker, providing a fair and detailed assessment of each competitor's success.