Tom Ingram got off to a fine start in the 2016 Dunlop MSA Touring Car Championships (BTCC) as he picked up a win at the season’s opening meet.

The 22-year-old was impressive throughout the weekend at Brands Hatch with a blistering lap record during qualifying on Saturday being a particular highlight.

He backed up this speed in the first race of the season with a lights-to-flag victory and was understandably pleased with his efforts.

The High Wycombe racer said: “This is what all the hard work over the winter was for. With the way we finished last season, we knew we had a good package underneath us.

“Speedworks Motorsport are such a fantastic bunch of guys and this result is for all of them.

“When I saw the team celebrating as I climbed out of the car afterwards, it brought a tear to my eye, the emotion just shows how much this victory means to us. It’s unbelievable.”

The second race of the weekend was less positive for Ingram after he collided with Rob Collard to allow reigning champion Gordon Shedden to take the victory.

Ingram is not the only Buckinghamshire based driver in the competition and Jack Goff and Matt Simpson were also in action.

Goff, who was making his debut for Team IHG Rewards Club, enjoyed an impressive weekend as he collected points finishes in all three races.

His best showing came in Sunday’s final race as he finished third to claim his first podium for his new team. An achievement which clearly pleased the 25-year-old.

“In race three it was great to step onto the podium because it’s what we’re always aiming for on a race weekend,” Goff said.

“I made a good start in the opening race to get up to the top six, but unfortunately I was hung out to dry and slipped back down the order.

“However, for my first race in the BMW, it felt comfortable and we were well placed on the grid for race two.”

Goff’s consistency throughout the weekend means he is sixth in the overall standings, which leaves him three places above Ingram.

Simpson completed the trio of local racers, and while he failed to match Ingram and Goff’s podium finishes, he did enjoy a strong debut in the BTCC.

Simpson, who is from Iver, was steady throughout all three races to finish 17th, 18th and 15th in the field of 32 cars.

His efforts saw him take one point from the opening set of races and he currently occupies 21st position in the overall standings.

Halfords Yussa Racing are currently the team to beat with their drivers Matt Neal and Shedden occupying the top two spots in the championship race.