BTCC: Dunfermline's Ronan Pearson discusses joy at first series win

The 22-year-old is preparing to get back behind the wheel this weekend when the series returns after its mid-season break at Croft, North Yorkshire.

Dunfermline-based Ronan, who drives for the EXCELR8 Motorsport-run Team Bristol Street Motors outfit, enjoyed a landmark moment in his fledgling BTCC journey in May when he won his first race.

During round six, he crossed the line ahead of the rest of the competing field, a moment that he described as a dream come true.

Since then, he has competed at Snetterton, Thruxton and Oulton Park, securing just one top-ten finish, to sit 15th in the drivers' standings.

During a visit to Macklin Motors' Dunfermline branch, Ronan reflected on his maiden win with Press Sport, commenting: "It was absolute jubilation.

"Half past 12, we'd been in the wall and didn't finish the first race, just touring car style racing, and then, at half past five, we're race winners.

Ronan showed off the silverware at Macklin Motors, one of his backers, in Dunfermline after his race win. (Image: Ian Arthur Commercial Photography)

"That was obviously a real, stressful day. There were so many mixed emotions that absolutely drained me but, at the same time, there was an instant weight off my shoulders.

"It was really, really emotional having family there, who have been with me since day one, to make this happen. It was really, really cool to be with everyone - sponsors, the team that have worked so hard.

"It's probably the proudest moment of my life really.

"It just shows you how you can't give up in the BTCC. You've got to keep your head screwed on right, don't lose the plot, be level, give your all at all times.

"Race two was arguably a better drive than it was in race three, because I had a lot of hard work to do come through.

READ MORE: Ronan makes his points in 'frustrating' weekend in British Touring Car Championship

"Then, in race three, the car was so quick. The team gave me the tools to do the job and just set off into the sunset, really, which made it probably one of the easiest wins I can get.

"None of them are easy, by any shot. I had to pull off a really good overtake to win it, and then just cleared off."

Ronan, who is second in the standings for the Jack Sears Trophy, which is a championship for drivers who, at the beginning of the season, had not achieved a podium place, won the race by 3.655 seconds from team-mate, Tom Chilton.

With his first win under his belt, Ronan has his sights set on challenging for the championship in the future, continuing: "I was surprised at the winning margin because of how easy it was to just keep pulling away.

"I was never really under any threat. The car wasn't dropping off at all, just kept pushing forward. A 24 lap race is still a long time but I wasn't surprised at the result though, because I've known for a while that we can do it.

"It was always the case of when, not if, because the car's so good to allow me to do the job.

"Everything's got to click properly. We rolled the dice and, look at us, race winners.

"It's what I've dreamed of since I was a kid. I always had my vision and sights set on this.

"The next step forward is obviously a championship at some point, but I'm only 22.

"To be on the winners list already is an incredibly proud moment. I'm the only winner from anyone that was born from the year 2000 onwards, which makes a few of the guys feel old!"

Rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the BTCC take place this weekend, before the series heads to Ronan's home venue of Knockhill Racing Circuit on August 10-11.