Neal: Title would be a Dream

Neal has been trying to win Britain's top tin-top crown for 14 years and only a disaster in this weekend's three races at Brands Hatch would stop that dream becoming a reality.

Neal currently has a 30-point lead over 2003 champion Yvan Muller. With 16 available for a race win, he can secure the title in the first of the three races should results go his way.

"If it happens it'll be a childhood dream come true," said 38-year-old Neal. "I never even thought I'd get this far when I was a kid. I always wanted to race cars, but never thought I'd be in a position where I've got one hand on the BTCC champion's trophy.

"People, even on the inside of the sport, don't realise the sacrifices you have to make, so to do it with this team of people after all the rough times we've been through down the years would make it extra special.

"In the past, seeing my dad's face when I get out of the car and the reaction of the people in the team has been a big part of the buzz. They're all like family to me ­ achieving the title together would mean more to me than anything."