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The season's first BTCC trophy goes to... Lea Wood!

By MJP Media | 17 September 2013

In a special report we look at the 2013 season's first trophy to be decided in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship paddock: the Jack Sears Trophy for the S2000 touring cars.

Lea Wood after securing the Jack Sears Trophy

As we all expected, this was to be a hard fought trophy with cars from the likes of Vauxhall, Ford, VW and Honda all in contention. Unlike the points scoring scenario of the NGTC touring cars, the Jack Sears Trophy was designed to reward only class wins. Every class win earned a Jack Sears Cup and the driver with the most cups at the end of the season would win the Jack Sears Trophy. There would be nothing for second place in any circumstances and that just added to the spice.

The season wasn't all plain sailing for Lea Wood and the Wheel Heaven/Houseman Dry Lining team. At the first round at Brands Hatch it was his competitors who stole a march with Liam Griffin taking 2 class wins and James Kaye the other, however at Donington Park for round two, Lea notched up his first class win whilst James Kaye took another and Joe Girling scored his first class win.

Lea Wood after his 3rd class win at Rockingham

As we moved to Thruxton, Lea gained another 2 class wins and Liam Griffin 1, leaving them tied on 3 each after a third of the season. This was repeated at Oulton Park as Lea took the lead by 5 cups to 4. At Croft we reached the halfway point of the season. The class wins were shared with Lea taking the final one of the day whilst his main rival Liam Griffin failed to score. It was 6-4 at half time! Next up was Snetterton where Lea was utterly dominant, taking a clean sweep in all 3 races.

Knockhill saw the run to the Trophy start and it was Liam Griffin who looked back on form as he took class victories in the first two races, but Lea protected his lead by winning the third. Rockingham saw Lea get class wins in all three races to complete a dominant and brilliant victory in the Jack Sears Trophy as the score left him 13-6 ahead of Liam Griffin with six races left in the season.

Lea Wood's S2000 Vauxhall Vectra

In an exclusive interview with us, Lea explained how it felt to be a champion: "It means so much to us as a small family run team. Every trophy is a triumph against bigger budget teams and we are lucky that the whole team works as one all the time. I couldn't have wished for a better team who are also great friends. We must really thank our major sponsors Central Roofing, Houseman Dry Lining, S & P Crossways Garage, Wheel Heaven and our latest partners Morris Lubricants. To repay their faith in me is fantastic and to do it in the style we have done is brilliant. Thank you everyone."

Lea's attention must now turn to his plans for next season. "To be competitive in an NGTC car is obviously the aim, but as always this will come down to the budget and what is available. There is nothing certain at the moment, but options are available". Wherever Lea ends up next year it is certain that they will be getting a hugely talented driver. He has shown that he has the temperament and skill to mix it with the big boys. We wish him well and will bring you news of his plans as soon as we get them.

Touring Car content supplied by MJP Media