TOM Ingram is hoping history repeats when the British Touring Car Championship resumes at Thruxton.

The Speedworks driver heads to Hampshire this weekend at the top of the standings and with memories of a productive weekend at the track last season fresh in his mind.

“It’s one of my favourite circuits because it presents an awesome, old-school challenge,” said the 24-year-old.

“We’re expecting an uphill battle on Saturday, but hopefully we can pull it back on Sunday.

“Mind you, we went there last season carrying maximum success ballast and came away with three top-four finishes.”

Ingram is seven points clear of Adam Morgan, who represented the Northwich team in 2012, after recording a second race victory of the campaign at Donington Park last time out.

He is the only driver to date to have stood on the podium’s top step more than once in 2018.

His advantage in the Independents’ Trophy is 18 points, while Speedworks sit third in the teams’ table – and are the highest-ranked of the single-car entries.

“We’re in good shape right now,” said team principal Christian Dick.

“Of all the circuits on the calendar, Thruxton is arguably one that punishes heavier cars the least due to its fast, flowing nature.

“Having taken two podiums there in 2017, I think we can return feeling quietly optimistic about pushing for a strong set of results this time around.”

Luke Browning, from Kingsley, is another driver preparing to travel south as a title-contender.

After two wins, and a second-place, at Donington in his Richardson Racing-prepared machine, the teenager leads the way in the Ginetta Junior Championship – a support series to the touring car championship for young talent.

He said: “To finish the weekend with a 21-point lead in the standings is a real confidence-boost.

“That’s three wins on the bounce, and that’s great at such an early stage of the season.

“We’re building momentum, and we have to try to maintain it.”