GB4 alumni Daryl DeLeon secured his first British Touring Car Championship victory with a stunning drive in the second race of last weekend's event on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit.
The Filipino, who was a GB4 podium finisher at Donington Park in 2022, made his BTCC debut last year but has switched to the leading West Surrey Racing squad for this year.
Having banked three solid points finishes in the first event of the year at Donington, DeLeon stepped up a gear with the multiple championship-winning team at Brands Hatch qualifying inside the top-10 for race one and finishing seventh.
With the race two grid formed by the finishing positions in the event opener, DeLeon charged up to fifth on the opening lap, dispatched 2022 champion Tom Ingram for fourth on lap two, and teammate Charles Rainford for third on lap five.
When the Ford of Dan Cammish struck troubles during a safety car restart, DeLeon was up to second behind teammate and reigning champion Jake Hill, and made the move immediately after the safety car to take the lead at Paddock Hill.
From there, he streaked into the distance to win by 3.6 seconds, becoming the third-youngest BTCC winner in the process.
"This is such a tough championship, and ever since I joined it, it's just been learning, learning, learning" DeLeon said afterwards. "So many tough times, but to have those last few laps, getting the gap and the relief after I saw the chequered flag was one of the best feelings in the world, ever!"
