THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: BTCC IS COMING

It has felt like a lifetime since the British Touring Car Championship took to the tarmac at Brands Hatch. It was all the way back in October when the 2016 championship was decided in traditionally dramatic fashion. It all came down to a straight fight between Sam Tordoff and Gordon Shedden; it was BMW vs Honda in the ultimate showdown. After a sensational final race, it was the Scotsman that came out on top.

But 2016 was so last year. 2017 is here, and the final countdown has begun. In little over a week, the BTCC machines will break their winter's silence and unleash their full arsenal unto the Kentish tarmac. And well, it's hard not to be just a little bit excited.

Brands Hatch has become the spiritual bread in the BTCC sandwich over the last few years, both opening and closing the season. After all, there is no better place for it now is there? What makes Brands Hatch so magical is simple; accessibility, visibility and full immersion. Unlike most circuits (not just in the UK but in the world), Brands Hatch boasts maximum visibility for the fans. The majority of the Indy circuit can be seen from multiple points on the circuit. But none more so than from the Stopwatch Hospitality suite.

So here's the question, who will conquer the twists, turns and hills of the Brands Hatch Indy circuit? Across the close season, the jigsaw began to piece itself together. But this is no ordinary jigsaw, for the picture is anything but clear.

The big names may indeed possess the same potency as ever; Honda, Subaru, Motorbase and the returning BMW (joining forces of course with West Surrey Racing) will be staking their claim in the fight for the title. However, the 2017 field is arguably the strongest it has been for years. After all, Power Maxed Racing has returned with the legend that is Vauxhall, BTC Norlin Racing have impressed with their striking Chevrolet Cruze's and Maximum Motorsport (alongside Team Parker Racing) have acquired the talents of Stephen Jelley and Josh Cook. Good luck trying to pick a winner from that.

If 2016 taught us anything, its that the British Touring Car Championship is anything but a predictable affair. After the first round last year, I can imagine the odds for Turkington to be in the title chase come the final round were comparable to Leicester winning the Premier League. And yet, it happened.

At the start of every year, the word 'underdog' is whispered around the paddock. It may have become almost commonplace, but in no way out of place. If there is any driver that characterises not only what it is to be an 'underdog' but also that horrifically generic phrase 'young gun' it is Jake Hill of Team Hard.

In 2016, Jake took his Toyota Avensis by the scruff of its neck and delivered some truly impressive performances, including a stunning 5th at Silverstone. Now Team Hard has switched to the proven race winner (and championship contender) in the Volkswagen Passat and with Jake Hills pure raw pace, podiums and race wins are most definitely on the cards for this year. Speaking of Jake Hill, how good do the new Team Hard cars look? Simple, elegant with a considerable pinch of threatening.

Whatever may happen, one thing is certain, there is no better way to celebrate the beginning of April than by going to see the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch. For such a grand event, you deserve nothing less than the best. If only there was hospitality available that gave you the most inclusive, exclusive and immersive package at a great price. If only, ey?

Oh wait, there is!

For only £168, you get a truly mind-boggling array of treats on race day:

- Circuit Entry including trackside VIP parking or local transfers

- Access to the penthouse Stopwatch Suite (boasting the best views of any circuit anywhere in the world. We mean it, ask Chris Evans!)

- Welcome breakfast and lunch provided with complimentary drinks all day long

- An official souvenir program with all the event information

- A free shuttle service to watch races from anywhere on the circuit

- The opportunity to meet and get involved with Q&A sessions with commentators and even a BTCC driver or 2!

- Live Timing & Social Media channels

- The chance to race each other with our video game simulator

- Top quality customer service

- Great chat with fellow fans

I mean, really, what more could you possibly want? So, for your behind-the-scenes BTCC hospitality package, look no further than Stopwatch Hospitality.

The touring cars are coming. Their time has come around again. What do YOU think will happen? Who will you be supporting in 2017? If you fancy challenge, why not take on the Stopwatch Communications & Media Director (and self-proclaimed BTCC guru) on race day; you never know, you may be rewarded for your knowledge!

For more information, please visit the Stopwatch Hospitality website, Facebook store, or feel free to drop us a line. See you there!

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All BTCC images credited to BTCC.net