Hill’s challenging weekend
Motorsport
Jake Hill apologised after shrugging marshals aside during an incident in the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton on Sunday.
The Goudhurst-based Volkswagen CC racer, 23, was running inside the top-20 on the third lap of race one when he was forced to retire following contact with Josh Cook’s Ford Focus.
A furious Hill – who was given a verbal reprimand and two penalty points following the incident – remonstrated with Cook when he got out of the car and had to be restrained by marshals.
“I am really sorry to have reacted this way and involved the marshals, they do an amazing job keeping us all safe and I have huge respect for them,” Hill said.
“I have apologised to them really sincerely and hope we can move forward. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, neither of us wanted things to end like that, and I keep learning and will come back wiser.”
Hill’s progress in race two was halted after a heavy crash for Martin Depper brought out the red flags after just six laps.
Hill was classified 21st, but improved in race three to finish 15th, benefiting from Jeff Smith’s spin to secure the final points-scoring spot.
“The boys in my team have been magnificent all weekend,” Hill added. “They worked their socks off to get the damage repaired and got me out for race two with minutes to spare.
“It’s been a challenging weekend, but lots learned and it is now onwards to Oulton Park in two weeks.”
The next round of the British Touring Car Championship will be held at Oulton Park on May 20-21.