The BTCC summer break is so very long, isn’t it? We need something to keep us going. Something like… a graph. Yes, a graph of cumulative points by round of the championship so far, for the top drivers.

After all, there’s good data available, thanks to the company responsible for timing in the BTCC. Go on, treat yourself:

What fresh insight does this offer us? Well, it pretty clearly illustrates that Matt Neal, cartoon villain and current points leader, has been ludicrously consistent. In fact, the lack of variation in the gradient of his line is positively inspirational.

Equally clear is where Jason Plato lost the top spot: that disastrously horizontal segment of line around the Brands Hatch GP meeting. He scored, on average, a huge 1 point per race between rounds 7 and 10. Not helpful.

Stephen Kane and Gordon Shedden – 3rd and 5th overall – have also been consistent, but it looks like Tom Onslow-Cole – who really should be referred to as The OC – is the man to watch: he started slowly, but that line sure is creeping up fast now. Even Matt Neal agrees, and that’s without the benefit of this mighty graph.