THE Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship arrives at Brands Hatch this weekend for what could be the decisive rounds of the 2006 season.

Thousands of fans are expected to flock to the famous circuit to see if Team Halford driver Matt Neal can secure the championship trophy for the second straight year.

Neal crashed at Paddock Hill when the 2006 series got under way in April, but he returns to the Indy circuit with a 53-point lead and a great chance at being the first driver to win back-to-back titles in two decades.

The 39-year-old from Birmingham knows he will clinch the title if he leaves Brands with a 51-point lead over his nearest rival.

Oxford’s Jason Plato and Northern Irishman Colin Turkington are second and third respectively and will be ready to pounce if Neal does slip up at any stage.

Alan Gow, BTTC series director, said: "This is crunch time in BTCC and I cannot think of a more dramatic venue to bring the title race at such a crucial stage. Matt has everything to lose and Colin and Jason have everything to go for."

Brands Hatch looks set to host the largest BTCC field in 10 years, with up to 26 cars expected to line up on the starting grid.

As well as enjoying the thrilling race action, fans will have the chance to get up close to the drivers with a pitlane walkabout at lunch-time on race day.

Tickets cost £26 on the gate, with children aged 12 and under going free. For more information visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.

The first BTCC race starts at 1.20pm on Sunday with the second at 3.50pm.