Jordan crowned BTCC Champion 2013

Andrew Jordan has been crowned Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for the first time in his career following race 3 at Brands Hatch.

Jordan headed into the weekend as red hot title favourite with a 34point lead however things started to go wrong for the Pirtek Racing driver in race 2 after contact with another competitor forced Jordan into his first retirement of the season.

As a result of his non-finish, this meant Jordan had to start race 3 from the back row of the grid never the less he drove a clean and sensible race to finish in 9th position which was enough to take the crown.

The only two men capable of topping Jordan heading into race 3 were MG KX Momentum Racings Jason Plato and 2012 BTCC champion Gordon Shedden in his Honda Yuasa Racing Civic. Plato after winning the two earlier races couldn’t repeat his earlier performances and after running in the top 5 early on faded to eventually finish in 10th place

Shedden starting on pole did all that could be asked of him and won the race from an inspired Jack Goff as the 2012 Clio Cup Champion claimed his maiden BTCC podium and the first ever podium for the previously owned Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Insignia, now run by Team Hard under their RCIB Insurance Racing banner. In winning the race Shedden managed to climb above Plato in the standings to runner up spot ending the year 7 points off of Jordan.

There was double celebration for Jordan as he took Independent honours for the second year running with his Pirtek Racing team claiming the Independent teams’ award also for the second season.

Despite missing out on the drivers’ Championship the Honda Yuasa Racing team did at least have the manufacturers/constructors and teams award to celebrate as they kept hold of both Championships, which they have done since 2010.