Jake Hill was crowned the 2024 BTCC Champion as he clinched the British Touring Car Championship title in a thrilling finale at Brands Hatch.
The Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver started the final race day of the year in sixth place, with his main championship rival Tom Ingram lining up on the front row in second place.
On the opening lap of the race, Jake's championship rivals came together at the Druids hairpin and he found himself in second place by the exit of the second turn. Jake then took the lead of the race after passing his WSR stablemate Colin Turkington and stayed at the front of the field to claim his eighth victory of the season.
Starting from pole in his WSR-run 330e M Sport for race two, Jake held his position at the front during the opening laps, earning a valuable point for leading a lap.
However, the cool, damp conditions favored the front-wheel-drive cars, and he lost the lead to championship rival Tom Ingram on the fifth lap. Finishing in second place, Jake entered the season finale just one point ahead in the championship standings, lining up in sixth, with Ingram in seventh.
In wet conditions, the race began with a chaotic start and Hill found himself in sixth place, having been overtaken by his championship rival, Ingram, who was running fourth. The Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver eventually overcame Dan Cammish in a fierce battle, moving up to fifth and closing in on Ingram.
On the fifth lap, Hill executed an incredible move, passing Ingram on the outside at Surtees. As they both activated their hybrid systems on the long back straight, Hill managed to secure the inside line for Hawthorns', taking fourth place.
Hill continued his charge and passed both Taylor-Smith and Cook to get into second place and took the chequered flag to claim the BTCC crown.
Winning his maiden BTCC Drivers' Championship title, Hill rounded off a sensational 2024 campaign that saw him accumulate 421 points, thanks to eight wins and 16 podiums.
“Being the 2024 BTCC Champion feels incredible—it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more. I’m overwhelmed by the support; it truly leaves me speechless.
As I approached the last corner at Clearways, the emotions started to hit me, and I got a bit teary-eyed—we just brought it home. Crossing the finish line was an amazing experience.
We had a fantastic race and an unforgettable weekend, especially when I needed it most. It makes all the hard work worth it. I want to extend a huge thank you to the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport team and WSR for their relentless efforts and to our partners for their unwavering support. This journey has been a 15-year fight just to stay on the grid, and now we’ve finally made it happen!” - Jake Hill
“Seeing Jake become the 2024 BTCC Champion is an extremely proud moment. It’s a moment that hasn’t fully sunk in for me yet. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished as a team—this is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.I want to extend my deepest thanks to the entire Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport team for their unwavering commitment and to our partners for their incredible support. This has been a long road, but seeing Jake achieve this milestone makes it all worthwhile!” - Mark Blundell
