Kent’s Jake Hill was the biggest name absent from the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship grid at the weekend at Croft.

Returning from the series summer break defending champion Hill and his Laser Tools Racing team, were keen to get back on track and improve on what wasn’t the best first half of the team for the WSR BMW.

However, illness was to rule Hill out from all three races of the weekend, Colin Turkington had taken Hill’s place in free practice two but effectively ruled himself out of replacing Hill for the full weekend.

Jake who had been feeling unwell before and after free practice one was declared unfit to race having seen the BTCC medical team. He was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis, which can cause balance issues.

It means that the number one plate BMW was missing from the grid, and Hill was forced to watch Sunday’s race day from home with his feet up.

Speaking following the withdrawal, Hill said: “It’s such a shame that this has happened. I didn’t feel well this morning during practice so went to the medical centre and unfortunately have been told I can’t race.

“It’s gutting for the team at WSR and Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, but our focus now will be on getting better.”

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