Brands Hatch BTCC: Matt Neal out of title showdown after concussion
Matt Neal will not participate in the final race of the MSA British Touring Car Championship after he was left slightly concussed after a heavy smash in race two at Brands Hatch
The Team Dynamics Honda driver, one of four drivers set to fight for the BTCC crown in the final race of the season, was running in sixth place at the time of the accident on lap four of the race.
At Paddock Hill Bend Neal slowed as the engine of his Civic Type R died due to a suspected electrical issue.
He was able to continue at a reduced rate as he attempted to reboot the car's electrical systems, but lost places and, as he exited Druids hairpin, his Honda clipped Ashley Sutton's MG.
The impact pitched Neal hard left into the barriers, after which his wrecked car spun back into the middle of the track.
He remained in the cockpit for some minutes while the race was brought under safety car conditions.
Neal would have been in contention for the crown, although 20 points behind and starting from the back of the grid in race three.
After the race his Honda Racing team confirmed that he was slightly concussed and would not take part in this afternoon's title showdown.
Neal's team-mate Gordon Shedden is still in contention for the title, trailing series leader Sam Tordoff by just two points.
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