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Brands Hatch set for Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship showdown as the KM Group enjoys a ride with championship leader Colin Turkington

00:00, 10 October 2014

updated: 16:01, 10 October 2014

The biggest prize in British motorsport is up-for-grabs this weekend, as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship rolls into Brands Hatch for its season finale.

After a full year of bumper-to-bumper racing, the 2014 champion is still to be crowned and a huge crowd is expected to cram into the West Kingsdown venue to watch the title showdown between Colin Turkington and Jason Plato.

Ahead of the season finale, BMW driver Turkington - who holds a 50-point championship lead over closest challenger Plato - took KM Group editorial apprentice Dan Wright for a spin around a sodden Brands Hatch today.

A big crowd is expected at Brands Hatch this weekend
A big crowd is expected at Brands Hatch this weekend

Even with his healthy points lead, Turkington insists it is still all to play for with three races on the famous Grand Prix circuit on Sunday, October 12.

Despite the inclement conditions at Brands Hatch today, Dan, 19, learnt the lines and enjoyed the tail-happy rear-wheel-drive BMW M3, which boasts 420bhp thanks to a 4.0-litre V8 engine.

After three laps of very limited grip and experiencing the sheer steepness of the daunting Paddock Hill Bend, Dan asked Turkington for his thoughts ahead of a possible title-winning weekend.

KM Group's editorial apprentice Dan Wright enjoys a ride with Colin Turkington at Brands Hatch today
KM Group's editorial apprentice Dan Wright enjoys a ride with Colin Turkington at Brands Hatch today

"It's never done until it's done and you need to have two hands on the trophy," he said.

"With three races there's a maximum score of 67 available so that's a good haul of points.

"We'll keep the focus, keep working hard and try and get the job done."

The BTCC starred on the Indy circuit in March - but will take to the GP loop this time. Picture: Joe Wright
The BTCC starred on the Indy circuit in March - but will take to the GP loop this time. Picture: Joe Wright

Five years since his first title win in 2009, Turkington is eager to notch up a second after a near faultless season.

He added: "I'm just as hungry to try and do it again.

It's Colin Turkington (left) versus Jason Plato for the 2014 BTCC title
It's Colin Turkington (left) versus Jason Plato for the 2014 BTCC title

"Being out of the series for a few years has given me that hunger and desire to come back, so I'm probably even more eager to stamp my name on the trophy for a second time.

"I think we'll be strong here at Brands Hatch GP and I'll just drive as fast as I can at all times."

Conditions were poor - but KM's Dan Wright enjoyed his laps with a touring car favourite ahead of the season finale. Picture: Vic Wright
Conditions were poor - but KM's Dan Wright enjoyed his laps with a touring car favourite ahead of the season finale. Picture: Vic Wright

Tickets cost £14 on Saturday for qualifying, £32 on Sunday for the main race day, with free entry for ages 12 and under.

For more details visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000.

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