Eaves, in his Honda Integra, overtook Jason Plato to win the first race after early leader Tom Chilton needed a pit stop to change a tyre. Plato finished second, just ahead of Neal, who would go into the day's second race still leading the standings. but by a reduced margin of just five points over Eaves. Yvan Muller, Neal's closest points rival prior to Thruxton trailed in a distant sixth and was consequently overtaken in the points table by Eaves.

Winning race one enabled Eaves to start the second race from pole position. In a lights to flag victory Eaves stormed away to his second win of the day, setting the fastest lap time en route. A devastating display considering his Honda was now carrying maximum success ballast.

Team mate Neal overtook Plato and Muller with decisive moves at the super-fast Goodwood corner and followed Eaves home for a 1-2 finish. The pre-season aerodynamic work by MIRA clearly paying dividends at this critical part of the circuit.

Heading into the third and final race Team Halfords drivers Neal and Eaves were sensationally tied on points at the head of the championship. BTCC Rules dictate that the starting order for the third race is decided by the finishing order of the second - but with the top ten positions reversed. Eaves would start tenth, Neal ninth, Muller eighth etc.

Eaves fought his way through the field, spectacularly overtaking Hines and Turkington in one move to take the lead. Once in clean air Eaves extended his lead once again for an amazing third victory - the first driver in BTCC history to win all three races in a day.

A delighted Eaves said: "I'm just stunned. Half way through the third race there was no way I thought I would win but suddenly everything started playing into my hands and I took advantage. Three wins and the championship lead . it's just a dream come true but it's also the result of a great team and a great car. Based on the racing today, Brands Hatch is going to be something else."