SWINDON’S Simon Belcher consolidated a top-20 finish in his second season in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship with two more Independents Trophy points finishes at Brands Hatch.

Marking an improvement on the Toyota Avensis driver’s Independents ranking during his maiden BTCC campaign in 2014 – he ended the season in 24th position – the Handy Sport team also made significant strides in the Independents Team Trophy to end the 2015 championship inside the coveted top 10.

Despite feeling under the weather last weekend, and battling handling issues, Belcher posted three finishes on the challenging Brands circuit with 23rd place overall in the opening two contests and 24th spot in the final race of the year.

“It’s been a year of quite a few ups and downs, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and we’re going into the winter with some very exciting plans for next season, when we intend to be back stronger than ever and really aiming to make big progress,” said Belcher.

Set to begin race one from 28th on the grid, Belcher lined-up in 25th position due to three drivers electing to start from the pitlane. Making a good getaway, he held position into the first corner but did lose a spot after being edged wide.

Belcher climbed into 22nd place prior to the appearance of the safety car before slipping back to finish in 23rd.

In race two, Belcher chose the middle contest as the one in which he would use the ‘soft’ Dunlop tyre. Belcher took the flag in 23rd again following the retirement for Colin Turkington.

Beginning the final race of the season from 23rd place, Belcher was elbowed back a spot on the opening lap but after three appearances of the safety car, the Swindon racer brought his Toyota home in 24th position.