Rob Collard has accused Matt Neal of “incredible arrogance” after the pair clashed whilst fighting for the lead in the final race at Thruxton.
Going into the chicane on lap seven Neal was running in third and managed to overtake Steven Kane for second around the outside into the first part of the corner.
However when turning into the second apex, Neal went into the side of Collard, putting both men out of the race. Collard was sent crashing into the barriers whilst Neal retired shortly after with damage to the front of his Honda.
Althoug the incident was examined by stewards after the race, a full investigation is set to take place at Rockingham on the 24-25 April.
“I was having a good battle with Steven for the lead,” said Collard. “I was quicker than him on some parts of the track and although he was getting a run on me out of Church corner, I was comfortable defending under braking into the chicane.
“Then Neal got involved with one of the most amateurish pieces of driving I’ve ever seen in the BTCC.
“Having watched the replays of the incident, it’s clear Neal was entirely in the wrong and for him say in a TV interview afterwards that it was my fault just shows his incredible arrogance.
“He caused a lot of unnecessary damage to my car and I hope the BTCC Clerk of the Course takes the appropriate action before Rockingham.”
West Surrey Racing team boss Dick Bennetts was frustrated with Neal’s driving, especially given the extra expense required to fix the car whilst the team are still looking for sponsorship.
“Neal clearly has a quick car as a result of concessions granted to front wheel drive cars over the winter.” said Bennetts. “For him to deliberately drive into Rob the way he did was absolutely unacceptable and dangerous.
“Most of us are operating on pretty tight budgets this year and we’re now looking at a fifteen to twenty thousand pound repair bill for Rob’s car. With Neal being the most experienced driver in the field there can be no excuses for his actions.”