The Official Website of Professional Racing Driver Jake Hill
  • Home
  • About
  • News
    • JAKE HILL CLAIMS 3RD IN THE DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP
    • JAKE HILL CLAIMS VICTORY AND BIG POINTS AT SILVERSTONE
    • SOLID POINTS HAUL FOR JAKE HILL AT THRUXTON
    • TWO PODIUM FINISHES FOR HILL AT SNETTERTON
    • THREE TOP-FIVE FINISHES FOR HILL AT CROFT
    • TOUGH WEEKEND FOR JAKE HILL AT OULTON PARK
    • PODIUM BRACE FOR HILL AT THRUXTON
    • PODIUM-SCORING PERFORMANCE AT BRANDS HATCH FOR ROKiT MB MOTORSPORT
    • POLE AND VICTORY FOR JAKE HILL AT THRILLING DONINGTON PARK BTCC SEASON-OPENER
    • New Archive 2021 >
      • BTCC Rounds 4, 5, 6 - Snetterton
      • BTCC Rounds 1, 2, 3 - Thruxton
    • News Archive 2020 >
      • Hill rounds out 2020 BTCC season in style at Brands Hatch
      • Hill takes superb debut Independant BTCC Win for MB Motorsport
      • Superb Double-Podium for Hill in BTCC blast at Croft
      • HILL TAKES MORE POINTS IN SILVERSTONE SCRAP
      • Hill battles through at Thruxton to take more BTCC points
      • Other >
        • Hill qualifies in the top-half of BTCC grid at Brands
        • HILL FLYING AT KNOCKHILL BTCC
        • PODIUM AND POINTS FOR HILL AT OULTON PARK BTCC
        • Points and Pace for Hill at Blistering Brands Hatch BTCc
        • HILL FRUSTRATED AT DONINGTON PARK BTCC OPENEr
        • MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square back on track at Snetterton
        • Hill achieves ambition in Historic Action
        • MB Motorsport's Hill stars at Silverstone BTCC Season Launch
        • MB Motorsport welcome Blue Square to 2020 BTCC Programme as Hill enjoys Brands Hatch testing
        • Hill thrilled with MB Motorsport BTCC Debut run
        • 'Crazy' 24 Hours for BTCC Star Hill
        • Hill selected as British Racing Driver's Club Superstar for 2020
        • Jake signs for AmD Tuning for 2020 BTCC Campaign
    • News Archive 2019 >
      • Hill ends on a high in battling Brands Hatch BTCC finale
      • Season-Best Qualifying for Hill at Brands Hatch BTCC Finale
      • Hill splashes to more BTCC points at Silverstone
      • Hill ready to charge forward at Silverstone BTCC
      • Hill takes Stunning Debut BTCC Win at Knockhill
      • Other >
        • Hill ready for Knockhill BTCC Challenge
        • Hill gets 'Dream Drives' in Holden V8 Supercar and Nissan Skyline GTR at Oulton Park Gold Cup and Mini magic at blazing Brands Bank Holiday
        • 'Dream come True' for Hill to race Calsonic Nissan at Oulton Park Gold Cup AND Mini at Brands Hatch
        • Trade Price Cars Racing's Hill slithers to superb points scoring finishes in BTCC Thruxton battle
        • Points, Pace and Pain for Hill in Snetterton BTCC Thriller
        • Trade Price Cars Racing's Hill qualifies in top-half of BTCC Grid at Snetterton
        • Fenn and Hill take stunning Win at Silverstone Classic Thriller
        • Red Rooster on Pole Postion at Silverstone Classic
        • Trade Price Cars Racing's Hill bang on the Pace at Snetterton BTCC test
        • Victory then Heartbreak for Hill in Oulton Park BTCC Thriller
        • Another Top-Ten qualifying for new BRDC Member Hill.
        • Hill ready to bounce back in BTCC blast round the 'Park
        • Points and Pain for Hill in chaotic Croft BTCC battle
        • Season best qualifying for Hill at Croft
        • Hill heading to Yorkshire for more BTCC action
        • Fenn and Hill take Victory in Pre 66 Touring Car race at Brands Hatch Masters Historic
    • News Archive 2017/18 >
      • Hill's Tough Times at Croft BTCC
      • Hill back to where his BTCC Journey began
      • Hill Battles to BTCC points in the Park
      • Hill Shows Fighting Spirit at Thruxton
      • HILL WINS JACK SEARS TROPHY AND DUNLOP FOREVER FORWARD AWARD IN DONINGTON PARK THRILLER
      • Hill Wins Independent Class and Takes Debut Podium in Brands BTCC Thriller
      • 2018 Season
      • Hill ready for BTCC Brands Hatch opener
      • BTCC 2018 Media Day (2018)
    • News Archive 2016/17 >
      • Jake Hill 2017 VW CC Scalextric Model
      • Hill and Wheeler Take Double Win in Brands Hatch CSCC Finale
      • HILL TAKES POINTS IN BRANDS BTCC FINALE
      • Hill Strong in BTCC Qualifying at Brands Hatch finale
      • HIGHS AND LOWS FOR HILL AT SILVERSTONE BTCC
  • History
  • Gallery
    • Gallery 2019 Archive
    • Gallery 2017/18 Archive
    • Gallery 2016 Archive
  • Contact

​Tough weekend but more points for Hill at Croft BTCC

Picture

On a difficult and emotional weekend for the whole Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship paddock, Jake Hill again showed strong pace and great race craft in his TAG Racing VW Passat CC, maintaining his record of scoring points at every BTCC race weekend in 2017.

A soaking wet Saturday saw tough conditions for all Team HARD's drivers, so going into qualifying it was always going to be challenging, with Hill initially in the top-ten but dropping to 18th overall as the Red Flag came out.

Luke Davenport had run across the grass and the oil cooler had been pulled loose, spreading oil onto an already greasy surface. As a result a frightening 11 car accident saw Davenport, Jeff Smith and Aron Taylor-Smith all injured and taken to hospital - Davenport with multiple injuries, Smith with broken ribs and Taylor-Smith with a broken leg, and several other drivers incredibly fortunate not to have been hurt themselves.

"I saw the Red Flag and immediately the team radioed to slow right down, and when I went past it was like an aircraft accident with bits of cars and badly broken chassis everywhere. It reminds you that these cars are incredibly strong but these were such heavy impacts that it's amazing the drivers aren't more seriously hurt. It's horrible that Luke, Jeff and Aron are hurt, and I really feel for them all and their friends and family, and hope to see them all back on the grid with us very soon" said a sombre Jake after qualifying.

With all three drivers withdrawn it meant a 16th place start for Hill, and when Proctor and Plato ran wide Hill crossed the line at the end of lap one in 14th place. Starting on the option 'hard' tyre and with an unknown set-up after no dry weather running, Hill struggled for pace but fought a superb defence, holding off Austin, Jackson and a recovering Plato for several bruising laps. With Price and Cole tangling, it meant as Plato, Austin and Jackson forced by, Hill fought his way to a very hard-earned 13th place - which became 12th when Jackson was penalised.

"That was so hard! I got bashed about several times and on the option tyre with an unfamiliar set-up we were struggling, so I'm delighted to score some points. Also I have apologised to Stephen Jelley as I hit him an pushed him off earlier - it was my mistake and was a genuine error. I have been penalised for it which I think was only fair."

On the 'Prime' tyre for the remaining races and starting 12th, a blistering first lap saw BRDC 'Rising Star'  Hill slice past Plato and Austin at turn one, and as Chilton and Ingram dropped out he finished lap one in a remarkable 8th place - and 2nd in the Independant's Category behind Mat Jackson.

Great pace saw Hill edging closer to Jackson but Plato's Subaru was closing fast and the 95 time race winner soon edged by in the factory-supported car. This left Hill racing with race-one rival Austin closing. As they approached Tower Bend, Austin lunged to the inside from a very long way back and slammed into the side of the #24 machine.

Instantly this broke the rear suspension and caused a high-speed off at the Jim Clark Esses (see photo below). Crawling back to the pits Hill's crew speedily replaced the broken toe-link, and allowed Hill to complete the race, albeit by now 4 laps down and in a very frustrated 25th place.

"After hitting me in race one Rob (Austin) came and apologised which was nice! Then he hits me and breaks the suspension and ruins my race. It's beyond frustrating as the car felt really good and we were quicker than Jackson so could have challenged for the Independant's Win. It's such a shame for TAG Racing and all my other partners and guests because we deserved a top-ten finish there."

Starting 25th Hill battled with Ingram, Newsham and Goff, working his way forward and eventually making his way to 19th position, but frustrated at what might have been after the race two incident.

"It's been so tough with the terrible accidents on Saturday and then not being able to get the result we should have in race two. The TAG Racing crew have worked so hard so a huge thanks to all of the boys for their efforts. We have had some guests from Ecoflam and Zynth here this weekend, and as always a huge 'thank you' to all of our superb partners Rolec, Sportif Cars, Brisky Racing, Ecoflam, Danfoss, AW Supply Services, Bill Rawles Classic Cars and we were delighted to welcome SpinCar and Litchfield on board with us at Croft.

The series now heads into a summer break, with racing resuming at Snetterton on the 29/30th July, but the teams testing at the circuit at the Dunlop Tyre Test on the 5th and 6th July.

"I'm looking forward to a couple of decent days testing to try some of the set-ups we really want to try. Most of the tracks remaining will suit the car, so if we can get some solid data from testing we should be in good shape" smiled Jake.

"Looking forward to re-grouping and really going for it in the second half of the year!"

Jake Hill battles with Jason Plato and Rob Austin
JAKE HILL (Above) IN A FIERCE BATTLE WITH JASON PLATO AND ROB AUSTIN AT CROFT

Links

Home
​About
News
History

​Gallery
Contact
​Coaching
Website by Zynth 2015-2022© 
Credits: Jakob Ebrey Photography
MB Partners
  • Home
  • About
  • News
    • JAKE HILL CLAIMS 3RD IN THE DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP
    • JAKE HILL CLAIMS VICTORY AND BIG POINTS AT SILVERSTONE
    • SOLID POINTS HAUL FOR JAKE HILL AT THRUXTON
    • TWO PODIUM FINISHES FOR HILL AT SNETTERTON
    • THREE TOP-FIVE FINISHES FOR HILL AT CROFT
    • TOUGH WEEKEND FOR JAKE HILL AT OULTON PARK
    • PODIUM BRACE FOR HILL AT THRUXTON
    • PODIUM-SCORING PERFORMANCE AT BRANDS HATCH FOR ROKiT MB MOTORSPORT
    • POLE AND VICTORY FOR JAKE HILL AT THRILLING DONINGTON PARK BTCC SEASON-OPENER
    • New Archive 2021 >
      • BTCC Rounds 4, 5, 6 - Snetterton
      • BTCC Rounds 1, 2, 3 - Thruxton
    • News Archive 2020 >
      • Hill rounds out 2020 BTCC season in style at Brands Hatch
      • Hill takes superb debut Independant BTCC Win for MB Motorsport
      • Superb Double-Podium for Hill in BTCC blast at Croft
      • HILL TAKES MORE POINTS IN SILVERSTONE SCRAP
      • Hill battles through at Thruxton to take more BTCC points
      • Other >
        • Hill qualifies in the top-half of BTCC grid at Brands
        • HILL FLYING AT KNOCKHILL BTCC
        • PODIUM AND POINTS FOR HILL AT OULTON PARK BTCC
        • Points and Pace for Hill at Blistering Brands Hatch BTCc
        • HILL FRUSTRATED AT DONINGTON PARK BTCC OPENEr
        • MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square back on track at Snetterton
        • Hill achieves ambition in Historic Action
        • MB Motorsport's Hill stars at Silverstone BTCC Season Launch
        • MB Motorsport welcome Blue Square to 2020 BTCC Programme as Hill enjoys Brands Hatch testing
        • Hill thrilled with MB Motorsport BTCC Debut run
        • 'Crazy' 24 Hours for BTCC Star Hill
        • Hill selected as British Racing Driver's Club Superstar for 2020
        • Jake signs for AmD Tuning for 2020 BTCC Campaign
    • News Archive 2019 >
      • Hill ends on a high in battling Brands Hatch BTCC finale
      • Season-Best Qualifying for Hill at Brands Hatch BTCC Finale
      • Hill splashes to more BTCC points at Silverstone
      • Hill ready to charge forward at Silverstone BTCC
      • Hill takes Stunning Debut BTCC Win at Knockhill
      • Other >
        • Hill ready for Knockhill BTCC Challenge
        • Hill gets 'Dream Drives' in Holden V8 Supercar and Nissan Skyline GTR at Oulton Park Gold Cup and Mini magic at blazing Brands Bank Holiday
        • 'Dream come True' for Hill to race Calsonic Nissan at Oulton Park Gold Cup AND Mini at Brands Hatch
        • Trade Price Cars Racing's Hill slithers to superb points scoring finishes in BTCC Thruxton battle
        • Points, Pace and Pain for Hill in Snetterton BTCC Thriller
        • Trade Price Cars Racing's Hill qualifies in top-half of BTCC Grid at Snetterton
        • Fenn and Hill take stunning Win at Silverstone Classic Thriller
        • Red Rooster on Pole Postion at Silverstone Classic
        • Trade Price Cars Racing's Hill bang on the Pace at Snetterton BTCC test
        • Victory then Heartbreak for Hill in Oulton Park BTCC Thriller
        • Another Top-Ten qualifying for new BRDC Member Hill.
        • Hill ready to bounce back in BTCC blast round the 'Park
        • Points and Pain for Hill in chaotic Croft BTCC battle
        • Season best qualifying for Hill at Croft
        • Hill heading to Yorkshire for more BTCC action
        • Fenn and Hill take Victory in Pre 66 Touring Car race at Brands Hatch Masters Historic
    • News Archive 2017/18 >
      • Hill's Tough Times at Croft BTCC
      • Hill back to where his BTCC Journey began
      • Hill Battles to BTCC points in the Park
      • Hill Shows Fighting Spirit at Thruxton
      • HILL WINS JACK SEARS TROPHY AND DUNLOP FOREVER FORWARD AWARD IN DONINGTON PARK THRILLER
      • Hill Wins Independent Class and Takes Debut Podium in Brands BTCC Thriller
      • 2018 Season
      • Hill ready for BTCC Brands Hatch opener
      • BTCC 2018 Media Day (2018)
    • News Archive 2016/17 >
      • Jake Hill 2017 VW CC Scalextric Model
      • Hill and Wheeler Take Double Win in Brands Hatch CSCC Finale
      • HILL TAKES POINTS IN BRANDS BTCC FINALE
      • Hill Strong in BTCC Qualifying at Brands Hatch finale
      • HIGHS AND LOWS FOR HILL AT SILVERSTONE BTCC
  • History
  • Gallery
    • Gallery 2019 Archive
    • Gallery 2017/18 Archive
    • Gallery 2016 Archive
  • Contact