Photo credit to; BTCC
Lewis Gilbert’s Horror Crash;
The British Touring Car Championship made International headlines this weekend at Donington Park GP amid a horror crash for Lewis Gilbert in race one on Sunday morning, with the driver being turned by Tom Chilton, however clearly no malice in the incident at all. It appeared the crash began as Gilbert tried to cover off Chilton on the approach to the Melbourne Loop on lap one, with the gap seemingly being misjudged squeezing Chilton towards the grass. Causing slight nose to tail contact between the cars sending Gilbert into a stuck out barrier with an extremely heavy impact against the armco barrier, causing the car to ricochet round with the rear of the car hitting the armco again. The car appeared to dig in and throw the car onto its side, spinning it 180 degrees simultaneously, when the front end of the West Surry Racing machine hit the ground it dug in almost bouncing the car back up, completing a barrel roll completely in the air before landing mere meters from the apex.
Lewis Gilbert was able to get out of the car under his own strength and walked away unharmed.
Users on X commenting about the crash calling the crash “horrendous” while others talked about how the crash was “Scary to watch” with the general opinion being shock about the crash and the fact that Gilbert walked away from it showing how far motorsport safety really has come!
CPRL Drama Continues;
This morning, former CPRL CEO, director and team principal Jason Plato released a statement about the collapse of Plato Racing and his involvement with the team, which was read aloud on the ITV4 broadcast. The statement reads;
“Earlier this week, I learned that my involvement in the company and the racing operation that I created back in July 2025 had been terminated. I was removed from my positions as CEO, Director and Team Principal without warning, explanation or discussion. The decision has left me stunned and deeply unsettled.
“My 26-year driving career in the British Touring Car Championship from 1997 to 2022, and my return to the grid with Plato Racing this season after the struggles I faced in retirement, means the world to me. I reman truly grateful for the opportunities, the success, and the relationships formed with sponsors, colleagues, rival teams and, of course, the fans along the way.
“To establish a brand-new BTCC team from nothing – not a nut, bolt or even a tie-wrap to its name – in under six months, and to secure pole position on our debut at Donington Park, was a significant achievement. Against considerable odds the team then delivered exceptionally strong results at Knockhill two weeks ago, taking first and second places in the opening race followed by two further podium finishes.
“In qualifying at Donington Park yesterday the team was once again top of the charts. These results represent a remarkable collective team effort and an achievement of which I am immensely proud of.
“My backing for the team remains absolute, even though I am no longer involved and will not be present at Donington Park this weekend. I hope the drivers and team personnel enjoy a successful race weekend.
“The warmth shown to me by fellow competitors, long-standing friends, sponsors, the media and fans across motorsport and beyond over recent days has been overwhelming and is truly and deeply valued. To have built Plato Racing and contributed to the BTCC for more than twenty-five years remains an important chapter in my life – and the chapter is not over yet.
“Because of the manner of my enforced departure and the impact it has had on both my aspirations and my mental health, I will be making no further public comments on these matters for the time being.”
Plato states that his removal from the team after it had entered administration came “without warning, explanation or discussion” Suggesting rumours about the ownership of the team being 100% in the hands of Cataclean – Daniel Rowbottoms primary sponsor throughout his BTCC career – are correct, with Cataclean previously owning 50% of the team.
Plato also makes it clear that he is supporting the team even after his removal, wishing that “the drivers and team personal enjoy a successful race weekend.” which they would go ahead and do, with CPRL winning 3/4 races taking place during the weekend
X users commented on Plato’s post with overwhelming support with users telling Plato to “remember who you are and everything you have achieved” and to “keep your head high”. Users have also spoken out about the way Plato has been treated around this issue, especially regarding “the impact it has had on both my aspirations and my mental health” saying that it’s “Absolutely appalling the way you have been treated fella, you deserve better!!” and many fans commenting wishing Jason well with his mental health.
Adam Morgan Dominates Taking 3/4 Wins!
Adam Morgan saw major success in the blacked out Mercedes taking pole position and converting it to a “race to pole” victory, with Daniel Rowbottom getting the second fastest time but started third. Securing a front row lock-out for CPRL in race one at Donington Park!
Race 1 saw drama up and down the field with the massive crash for Lewis Gilbert taking the spotlight from Sam Osbourne’s misfortune dropping an enjoy on the way to the grid and an Adam Morgan runaway victory! Keeping the lead through 2 safety car restarts to win from Ash Sutton by around 3 seconds, with his teammate and fellow front-row starter Rowbottom dropping to fifth during the 12 lap affair. Gordon Shedden also took a podium with the Scottish hero driving a brilliant race, avoiding all the trouble, using the experience that he has gained across decades in the BTCC! Josh Cook and Tom Chilton also suffered mechanical issues during the race, with Chilton stopping dead at one point brining out the safety car. With Cook becoming a non-finisher on lap 6 after crawling round the track for a lap and dropping to last.
Race 2 saw less success from Morgan, dropping to P9 during the race with the Fords driven by NAPA Racing taking a 1-2 finish, with Ash Sutton in P2 and Dan Cammish winning by only 4 tenths of a second, with Tom Ingram coming from 9th to finish 3rd just behind the NAPAs! Daniel Lloyd had a scary moment on his return to the BTCC with a huge engine fire writing off the car for the weekend. Lloyd was able to get out of the car and away unharmed from this incident
Race 3 saw a return to the top step for Adam Morgan, running away from the Scottish pair at PMR of Aiden Moffat and Dexter Patterson – who would drop to 10th by races end. Daryl De Leon finished off the podium in third with his teammate Charles Rainford grabbing 5th, with championship headers Tom Ingram and Ash Sutton finishing 8th and 9th after contact earlier in the race, with Sutton leading the pair. Finishing off another dramatic weekend in the BTCC