The 1998 BTCC season saw one of the most potentially explosive competitions ever, with eight manufacturers, five former champions and three ex-F1 drivers lined up to battle for the title. After five rounds there were five different winners in five different cars. In all, nine drivers won races, representing six different manufacturers. Like all the best championships, this one went ‘down-to-the-wire’. As Rydell and Reid lined up on the grid for the final round at Silverstone, the record crowd were anticipating a dramatic and thrilling season finale.