The sun was shining for the British Touring Car Championship’s annual trip to the North East. ESM’s BTCC Correspondent was there to capture the action. These are his photo highlights from a scorching hot day.

We’ll dive straight in with the photos, and be sure to click on the image to open the slideshow.

In the paddock

Mmmm, wheat.

Do cable ties pass scrutineering?

Rob Austin’s pristine Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Spoiler alert – it didn’t stay this way.

Dunlop up early to bake some tyres.

“What’s that about boost levels, Alan?”

Alan Gow’s latest toy – the BTCC safety pickup

Inside the TOCA truck

Packed pit lane walkabout

Matt Neal, remember him?

Josh Cook keeping out of the sun.

Adam Morgan, also being sensible about the sun.

Not everyone had the benefit of umbrellas or awnings.

Stephen Jelley did though.

Rob Austin’s hobo beard continues to grow.

Brett Smith was loving Croft it seems.

Turkington aside, just what is that shirt at back left?!

James Cole wants to know if you’ve had Shredded Wheat for breakfast.

He might not have raced in the series for almost five years, but Mel C’s brother is still popular with the fans.

“Look, it’s that guy from Fifth Gear”

Tim Harvey. Legend.

#retro

Race one

All aboard the fun bus

#damage

Ash Sutton leads from Andrew Jordan in race one

Oliphant, Bushell, and Morgan mix it up

Consistent gap between the top three

Too hot to stand this year

Who had odds on a Subaru 1-2?!

Ash Sutton seems chuffed

Who wouldn’t want to be covered with sparkling wine on a hot day?

Not so pristine now, eh?

Race two

Plato makes a jump start in race two.

Tingers leads the pack

But Sutton closes in…

…and nabs the lead from him

A happy race two podium

Chris Smiley’s engine didn’t fancy race three

Race three

Dan Lloyd leads from pole, with Chilton chasing hard

Chris Smiley’s new engine couldn’t be bothered either.

Matt ‘elbows out’ Neal sends Sutton towards the barriers.

Somehow he survives almost unscathed

Expect a full race report from ESM’s hardest-working contributor, once he manages to recover from the effects of such a hot day!