Croft Race Report
For the first time in 2026, Jack Ashton has been beaten. That’s the story the Hickford Construction MG Metro Cup takes into MG Fest at Brands Hatch.
Jack Ashton had looked unstoppable throughout the opening half of the season, winning every race and establishing a commanding lead at the top of the standings. Croft looked set to continue that run despite an uncharacteristically difficult qualifying session, with Jack Ashton fighting back to claim victory in race 1. Race 2, however, told a different story. Matthew Simpson refused to let the championship leader escape and, when the chequered flag fell, it was Matthew Simpson who claimed Metro Cup honours. After months of chasing, he became the first driver to beat Jack Ashton on track this season.
That breakthrough victory gives Matthew Simpson renewed confidence heading to Brands Hatch. For the first time this year, the chasing pack knows Jack Ashton can be beaten, setting up an intriguing penultimate round of the championship.
Tim Shooter remains 3rd in the championship standings after another mixed weekend at Croft, following a podium finish in race 1 with an unfortunate retirement in race 2. Jon Moore continued his impressive form with a 4th and a 3rd place finish, while Les Tyler recovered from an opening-race retirement to secure a strong top-five result. Richard Garrard was once again at the heart of the midfield action, with positions changing throughout both races.
Further down the order, Phil Goodwin, Benjamin Young, Andrew Houston, Jonathan McCaughan, Emma Cross and Paul Deacon all played their part in another weekend of close, competitive racing, underlining the depth of competition throughout the Metro Cup field.
Brands Hatch’s Indy circuit now provides the backdrop for the next chapter. Its flowing layout, dramatic elevation changes and unforgiving nature reward commitment and precision, making it one of the UK’s finest club racing venues. Ashton remains the championship leader and still the driver everyone wants to beat, but Matthew Simpson arrives with momentum and belief after ending the unbeaten run.
With the title fight entering its final stages, a Sunday lunchtime grid walk, an MG demonstration and another packed Metro Cup grid promise a memorable afternoon of racing at MG Fest.
