In a historic race, Dan Rowbottom claimed his first victory at the BTCC Qualifying Race, marking an important milestone for Cataclean Plato Racing. The event took place at Donington Park on April 18, 2026, as teams competed in the newly introduced ‘Race to Pole.’
Dan Rowbottom’s Impressive Performance
Rowbottom’s win comes during the debut weekend for Cataclean Plato Racing, reflecting the team’s potential in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The race not only determined starting positions for the main event but also awarded valuable points essential for the season.
Key Competitors
- Tom Ingram (Team VERTU)
- Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK)
- Josh Cook (Speedworks Corolla Racing)
- Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK)
Ingram and Sutton, well-known figures with six titles between them, began the race from the front row but faced challenges during the contest. Rowbottom and Cook took advantage, moving ahead in a tightly contested opening lap.
Race Highlights and Penalties
The race featured an intense battle among top drivers. Sutton encountered trouble after attempting to overtake Ingram early in the race, which led to a crash off the track. Ingram received a five-second penalty for a starting position violation, complicating his race strategy. Despite pushing hard, he finished just 0.024 seconds behind Rowbottom.
Top Finishers
| Position | Driver | Team | Finish Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dan Rowbottom | Cataclean Plato Racing | 15:07.947 | – |
| 2 | Tom Ingram | Team VERTU | 15:07.971 | 0.024 |
| 3 | Josh Cook | Speedworks Corolla Racing | 15:08.257 | 0.310 |
| 4 | Mikey Doble | LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing | 15:09.249 | 1.302 |
Overall, the top ten included several notable teams, illustrating a competitive field at Donington Park. The event was a success, drawing a large crowd and providing live coverage on ITV4, ensuring fans did not miss a moment of the action.
Looking Forward
Dan Rowbottom expressed his excitement post-race, acknowledging the historical significance of the win. He emphasized the need for continued effort as the team aims for success in the upcoming main races. The BTCC’s Round 1, 2, and 3 will take place tomorrow, promising more thrilling action at Donington Park.
