Stephen Jelley secured two fifth place finishes at Snetterton at the weekend (13/14 August) but was left wondering what could have been after contact in the opening laps eliminated him from the final race.

With sweltering temperatures making the cars an unhospitable environment in which to work, it was all about maximising the time spent on track, something the Leicester native did well in qualifying, setting the third fastest time overall, just three tenths off pole position. Sadly, he was judged to have impeded a rival on a slowing down lap and handed a one place grid penalty.

Lining up fourth, and on the slower side of the grid for the first race of the day, he lost out to Adam Morgan who started just behind him on the drag off the line, slotting into fifth place as they entered the first corner. Stephen applied pressure to Morgan, who appeared to be the cork in the bottle as early as lap two but, despite two Safety Cars, an opportunity never presented itself, so the West Surrey Racing driver crossed the line fifth.

It was a similar story in race two. This time starting fifth, Stephen was able to put his nose up the inside of Morgan into the first corner and looked like he might be able to make the move stick exiting the first hairpin but had to back out of the move. There was once again a Safety Car to recover the stranded machine of Gordon Sheddon, but with the performance of the 2022 hybrid cars so closely matched, the chance to progress up the order failed to materialise.

Number nine was drawn for the reverse grid race three meaning Stephen would start the final contest from fifth once more. Looking to score yet more points to help his championship challenge, the Team BMW racer was looking good until the third lap. Rory Butcher made an opportune move under the bridge, tapping the bumper of Stephen’s BMW 330i M Sport and then went over the kerb on the inside of Nelson, slamming into the side of Stephen, sending him into a spin and facing the wrong way right next to the track.

Thankfully, everyone got past without drama and Stephen was able to re-join the race but at the back of the field and, without a Safety Car being called, was only able to recover to 21st place by the chequered flag, a disappointing end to a strong weekend.

Stephen won’t have to wait long before he is next out on track, with rounds 22, 23, and 24 of the 2022 British Touring Car Championship season taking place at Thruxton on the weekend of August 27/28, with all three races broadcast live on ITV4.

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