A Thrilling Triumph at Snetterton
In a heart-pounding display of skill and determination, Dan Rowbottom clinched a dramatic victory in the second race of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) weekend at Snetterton on May 25. Representing NAPA Racing UK, Rowbottom held off fierce competition to cross the finish line just 0.355 seconds ahead of Adam Morgan, marking his first win of the 2025 season. This triumph ended a 721-day drought since his last victory at Thruxton, showcasing his resilience and strategic prowess on the track.
The race was defined by Rowbottom's tenacious defense and a critical mid-race maneuver where he regained the lead from Dan Lloyd. Starting from fourth on the grid in his Alliance Racing-run NAPA Ford Focus ST, Rowbottom was the highest-placed driver using the soft Goodyear tires, giving him a slight edge over competitors mandated to use hard rubber. His ability to navigate the challenging conditions and maintain his position under pressure was key to securing this much-needed win.
Strategic Moves and Team Dynamics
The race weekend at Snetterton highlighted the importance of tire strategy and team coordination within the BTCC. Rowbottom's teammate, Ash Sutton, also made waves with a blistering start from third on the grid, briefly taking the lead before being boxed in behind polesitter Dan Cammish. Sutton's attempt to spear inside Cammish at the Wilson hairpin demonstrated the aggressive tactics employed by the Alliance Racing team, though it was Rowbottom who ultimately capitalized on his positioning and tire advantage.
Meanwhile, other drivers faced their own challenges. Tom Ingram of Excelr8 Motorsport managed to insert his Hyundai i30 N down the inside during the early laps, adding to the intense competition at the front of the pack. The hard tire mandate for the top three from race one proved a significant hurdle for some, underscoring how strategic decisions off the track can be just as critical as driver skill on it.
A Weekend of Milestones at Snetterton
The Snetterton BTCC event was not just about Rowbottom's victory; it was a weekend of milestones for several drivers. Dan Cammish claimed a commanding lights-to-flag win in the opening race, fending off Ingram and Sutton to secure his first victory of the season. In the finale, Mikey Doble of Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing celebrated his maiden BTCC win, holding off Sutton in a reverse grid race that added yet another layer of excitement to the weekend.
Rowbottom's victory in race two, however, stood out for its sheer drama and the personal significance for the bearded Midlander. As reported by Autosport, his ability to break his season duck after such a long gap was a testament to his perseverance. With eight different winners in the last eight BTCC races, as noted on the official BTCC website, the championship continues to deliver unpredictable and exhilarating racing action for fans across the globe.