Tag: BTCC

Colin Turkington, Josh Cook and Tom Chilton were victorious at Croft Circuit this past weekend (July 27/28) as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship kicked off the second half of its 2024 season in blockbuster fashion. 

Blasting back into life at the British Automobile Racing Club’s North Yorkshire venue following a five-week hiatus, the UK’s premier motorsport series delivered three captivating contests for the bumper crowd that was in attendance. 

Qualifying on Saturday saw Turkington live up to his name of being the ‘King of Croft’ as he paced the opposition on his way to claiming pole position. The Team BMW driver was in formidable form as he upped the ante as the sessions progressed before setting a best time of 1:21.072.

Behind, NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish secured the remaining spot on the front row while Tom Ingram and the hugely impressive Aron Taylor-Smith claimed third and fourth respectively. Rounding out the top six was the lead Toyota of Rob Huff and reigning champion Ash Sutton.

Race one belonged to Turkington as he led from start-to-finish on his way to a 70th career victory in the BTCC. Blasting away from pole position, the four-time champion driver withstood early pressure before soon breaking free and comfortably triumphing.

Ingram would lead the chase for the Northern Irishman after getting the better of Cammish however he could do nothing to overhaul him. Completing the podium – fresh off of signing a new multi-year deal – was the aforementioned Cammish in his Ford Focus ST. 

With the front-runners being forced to run the hard tyre, race two provided unmissable viewing as LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ driver Cook produced a stunning move late on to clinch his second win of the season. 

Running on the faster soft tyre, the Toyota driver battled his way up to second place before then overhauling stablemate Rob Huff with a breathtaking move around the outside of the Jim Clark Esses. 

It was an overtake that had everyone glued to the action but thankfully both drivers emerged unscathed. Cook then powered clear to take victory while Huff and Dan Rowbottom each made a welcome return to the rostrum in second and third. 

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Chilton concluded the action by taking a hugely popular win in a frantic reverse grid contest. Drawn onto pole position, the Hyundai driver put in a sublime performance with Cammish and Ingram rounding out the podium.

Leaving Croft, Ingram leads the way from Hill in the Drivers’ Championship whilst Ford and NAPA Racing UK top the Manufacturer-Constructor and Teams’ categories respectively with four events now remaining. 

Elsewhere, Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing comfortably remain out front in the Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ standings, with Mikey Doble holding the advantage in the Jack Sears Trophy.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Croft, CLICK HERE.

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season continues in less than two weeks’ time when the series travels north of the border to Knockhill for Rounds 19, 20 & 21 on August 10/11.

The British Touring Car Championship has announced that it is welcoming German motor oil and additive manufacturer, LIQUI MOLY, as its ‘Official Oil and Lubricants Partner’ with immediate effect.

Putting pen-to-paper on a long term three-and-a-half-year deal, the relationship between them will officially kick off at Croft at the end of July with the event ‘Presented by LIQUI MOLY’. The brand will then lend its name to the race weekend at Croft for the subsequent events in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

LIQUI MOLY branding will be present at all BTCC race venues, with circuit signage and podium backdrops among the areas in which its logo will be presented. Furthermore, the blue-red-white company branding will be present on the official BTCC website and other media channels.

“The BTCC is not only a firm fixture in motorsport throughout the United Kingdom, but also attracts fans worldwide,” says Debbie Barnes, Managing Director of LIQUI MOLY UK.

“Speed, adrenaline rush, emotions – the BTCC has been thrilling motorsport enthusiasts for decades. Placing LIQUI MOLY in this dynamic environment is the perfect opportunity for us to increase the fascination for our quality brand – and our partners and customers will hugely benefit from this partnership.”

“We are delighted to welcome LIQUI MOLY into the BTCC family,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive. “We have always cherished our loyal and long-term relationships with our very specific and carefully chosen partners, and we look forward to LIQUI MOLY joining that illustrious group.

“LIQUI MOLY is a much admired and trusted motor oil and additive manufacturer throughout the world, not just in motorsport, and we are looking forward to what will be a hugely successful partnership.”

The British Touring Car Championship has announced that it has opened applications from interested teams that are looking to join the UK’s premier motorsport series from the 2025 season onwards.

Having reached its ‘quality over quantity’ targets for the 2024 campaign, BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow will consider applications from ‘fresh, high-quality’ outfits as part of the championship’s forward development plans.

“For the last six years I’ve said many times that, ideally, I’d like to cap our numbers to around 24 cars for several different reasons – not least of which is to support our teams by utilising the sound commercial principle of maintaining ‘supply’ just below ‘demand’ in order to underpin their entries and investment,” said Gow.

“Whilst reviewing these plans I also appreciate that some interested new teams (i.e. non-current TBL holders) have, until now, been unable to join the championship due to the tightly controlled restrictions of the TBL allocation system.

“With that in mind, I’ve opened the door for expressions of interest from up to two, two-car teams who are looking to join the championship from 2025. With high and consistent levels of quality and competitiveness throughout the current grid, the final number could then be capped at 24 cars/TBLs.”

“Stable technical regulations are, of course, one of the most cost-effective ways of controlling costs and equalising competition. So, whilst new technical regulations are due to be introduced from 2027, these will be an evolution of the current hugely successful and stable NGTC regs.

“Therefore, cars purchased or built by current or new teams will also be valid to use during that next phase of the regulations, with only relatively minor updates that are specifically aimed at reducing costs, whilst continuing to provide the proven equality of performance that exists.”

Confidential expressions of interest should be directed to; alan.gow@btcc-toca.com.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reached the halfway mark of the 2024 season in blockbuster fashion this past weekend (June 22/23) as Tom Ingram, Josh Cook and Jake Hill blasted their way to victory at Oulton Park.

Basked in glorious sunshine, qualifying kicked proceedings off on Saturday afternoon and the session belonged to Team BRISTOL MOTORS’ Ingram as he obliterated the existing BTCC lap record to secure a second successive pole position in the series; taking his tally to three for the season.

In what proved to be a relentless battle in the Cheshire sun, Ingram went almost half a second quicker than last year’s pole time to claim bragging rights, while NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton delivered another stunning performance to join him on the front row.

Behind the top two were the stablemates of Ingram and Sutton as the trio of Dan Cammish, Tom Chilton and Dan Rowbottom filled third, fourth and fifth on the grid for the first of Sunday’s three races.

There was no denying Ingram in the opening bout on Sunday as he withstood an early challenge from Sutton to clinch not only a third win of the season but also the 30th of his career.

Fans were treated to a thrilling start to the race as two of the series’ leading lights went wheel-to-wheel, with contact being made between them at both the Island hairpin and Hislops chicane. Despite Sutton’s best efforts Ingram maintained the lead throughout and that was to be that for the reminder of the contest as Ingram led home Sutton and Cammish.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ driver Cook then opened his account for the season in race two as he powered his way to glory after producing one of the finest opening laps in recent memory.

Starting in eighth and on the Goodyear soft tyre, the Toyota Corolla racer avoided a melee at turn one before then blitzing the top four to take the lead by the end of the first tour. Once out front Cook steadily pulled clear of the chasing pack to take the chequered flag by more than eight seconds over Ingram and Hill who were second and third.

The Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW of Hill then capped off a scorching day of racing by claiming victory in the reverse grid finale on the last lap.

Hill – who is undoubtedly in the form of his life at the moment – hunted down long-time race leader Mikey Doble before making a decisive move on final tour to net him a fifth win of the season.

Despite relinquishing the lead in the final moments, Doble recorded a first-ever finish in the BTCC and he did so by leading home team-mate Aron Taylor-Smith for a maiden Power Maxed Racing double podium.

Heading into the series’ annual summer break, Hill holds a slender advantage over Ingram at the top of the Drivers’ Championship whilst Ford and NAPA Racing UK currently lead the way in the Manufacturer-Constructors Championship and Teams’ Championship respectively.

Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing head the standings in both the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ categories, with Doble proving to be the driver to beat in the Jack Sears Trophy after five events.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

The BTCC season recommences on the weekend of July 27/28; where Croft Circuit plays host to Rounds 16, 17 and 18.

Tickets for the BTCC’s annual trip to North Yorkshire can be purchased online at https://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship delivered a blockbuster spectacle at Thruxton this past weekend (June 8/9) which culminated in Jake Hill and Ashley Sutton enjoying a share of the spoils. 

Making its only visit of the season to the home of the British Automobile Racing Club, the UK’s premier motorsport series was greeted in Hampshire by cool conditions and packed spectator bankings – all of whom witnessed a blockbuster day of tin top thrills. 

Qualifying on Saturday afternoon saw Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS driver Tom Ingram walk away with the bragging rights as he produced a superlative lap to clinch a second pole position of the season in his Hyundai i30 N. 

On a weekend that coincided with centenary celebrations for the manufacturer-backed outfit, Ingram struck late to snatch top spot while Dan Cammish, Hill, Dan Rowbottom and Sutton trailed behind by a few tenths of a second.

Hill became the first treble winner of the season in the first of Sunday’s three races as his lightening start propelled him onto what proved to be a comfortable lights-to-flag victory ahead of Cammish and Sutton. 

Race two then saw the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver make it back-to-back triumphs as he inherited the victory following a post-race penalty for on-the-road winner Ingram.

Ingram had initially powered his Hyundai to the chequered flag however he was to be demoted back to third after gaining an unfair advantage in an incident involving Cammish at the final chicane.

Sutton was the first to hound Hill for the lead but damage to his Ford would see him drop back, which in-turn left the door open for Ingram to seize the moment and claim what he thought would be a third win of the year. 

Unfortunately, his part in an incident which saw him straight-line the chicane led to him being pushed back behind Hill and Cammish in the final result.

Reigning champion Sutton would come to the fore in the day’s final contest as he opened his win account for the year in style, bouncing back from a sluggish start to comfortably claim victory. 

Starting fourth, the four-time champion bogged down off the line, which dropped him back a few places, but once he was up and running there was no stopping him. Rising through the order with relative ease, the front-wheel-drive ace soon dispatched Josh Cook and Cammish before overhauling Adam Morgan for the  win. 

Following the conclusion of Rounds 10, 11 & 12, Sutton tops the BTCC Drivers’ Championship – five points ahead of Hill – whilst Ford head the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK lead the standings after three events whilst Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing sit out front in both the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ Championship’s respectively. 

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is open to drivers who hadn’t scored an outright podium in the series prior to the start of the season – continues to be led by Mikey Doble.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Thruxton, CLICK HERE.

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reaches the halfway mark of the 2024 season in less than two weeks’ time at Oulton Park on June 22/23.

Jake Hill and Rob Huff shared the Snetterton spoils in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this past weekend (May 25/26) as ever-changing weather conditions played their part in delivering an action-packed third meeting of the season.

Hot on the heels of blockbuster events at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, the country’s premier motorsport series served up three hard-fought contests around the 300 layout – which further shook up the championship order in the process. 

Qualifying on Saturday afternoon proved to be an edge-of-the-seat affair as Hill powered his Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW to a well-deserved pole position in the final moments of the session.

Having shown his hand in greasy conditions earlier in the day, Hill produced a superlative last-gasp lap to claim top spot ahead of reigning champion Ash Sutton, who was as equally impressive given he had just one second of hybrid deployment available to him.

Behind the top two, Adam Morgan netted third ahead of Dan Cammish and the returning Bobby Thompson, who was making his debut with West Surrey Racing after putting together a deal that will see him drive for the team for the remainder of the season.

Sunday’s opening contest proved to be a masterclass from Hill as he claimed a comfortable lights-to-flag victory. Opting to run the soft tyre on his rear-wheel-drive machine, Hill blasted away from pole position and was ultimately never challenged on his way to a first win of the year.

As Hill scampered clear, stablemate Thompson continued his dream debut with the team by progressing up to second while Sutton completed the podium in third, which in-turn saw him equal the record of scoring seven consecutive top three finishes. 

If Hill’s victory in race one was impressive, the way he went about triumphing in race two will be remembered for some time as he obliterated the field in a frenetic wet-dry-wet race.

A huge storm had hit the circuit prior to lights out which led to a lengthy delay as circuit officials shifted large areas of standing water. With the sun beaming down, many drivers opted to switch to slick tyres however Hill remained on wets, which proved to be an inspired decision.

Hill’s chances of victory had looked almost impossible though as he was hit with a ten-second penalty for jumping the start. He immediately began to build a lead out front though and when the rain returned, he only got stronger and triumphed by more than 15 seconds ahead of Dan Cammish and Josh Cook.

The final word of the weekend went the way of home hero Huff who led home a first-ever Toyota 1-2-3 to claim his first win in the BTCC in 20 years. 

Hill originally had looked like he would score a historic hat-trick of wins as his gamble to run on wet tyres powered him into an early lead however as the track continued to dry, the slick-shod cars closed in.

Huff, Cook and Aiden Moffat led the charge for the BMW driver and all found a way past just after mid-distance. Once they were out front, there was no stopping them as Huff recorded a famous third career win in the series.

Leaving Snetterton, Sutton holds a ten-point lead over Colin Turkington at the top of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst Ford head the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK lead the standings after three events whilst Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing sit out front in both the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ Championship’s respectively. 

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is open to drivers who hadn’t scored an outright podium in the series prior to the start of the season – continues to be led by Mikey Doble.

On the TOCA support championship, Dan Zelos continued his march towards what could be a third Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW title as he claimed three wins from four races – one of which came in his 100th start in the series.

Zelos looked unbeatable around the longest circuit on the calendar however his team-mate Max Hall managed to overhaul on him the finale to clinch a third win of the season.

Alex Ninovic was one of the leading lights in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA as he claimed two wins, with Yuanpu Cui also clinching a breakthrough win.

The Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain began its campaign with Seb Hopkins and Max Coates sharing the spoils, with Luke Hilton and Chris Lulham doing the same in the Hagerty Radical Cup UK.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Snetterton, CLICK HERE.

The fastest track in the UK, Thruxton Circuit, provides the next stop on the calendar with Rounds 10, 11 & 12 taking place on June 8/9. Advance tickets for the event are currently available to purchase from the Thruxton website.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continued its action-packed start to the 2024 season at Brands Hatch this past weekend (May 11/12) as Colin Turkington and Ronan Pearson blasted their way to victory in front of a bumper trackside crowd.

Two weeks on from a spectacular season-opener at Donington Park, the UK’s premier motorsport series took centre stage at the world-famous Kent venue for what turned out to be three breathtaking contests around the short yet challenging Indy circuit.

Qualifying proved to be a frenetic affair on Saturday as the varying levels of hybrid deployment for the front-runners played its part in mixing up the order. At the front however there was no stopping BMW as Colin Turkington and Adam Morgan clinched a Team BMW 1-2.

Four-time champion Turkington comfortably progressed through the first two segments of the session before then blitzing the opposition to snare pole ahead of Morgan, Dan Cammish, reigning champion Ash Sutton and Josh Cook.

Turkington continued his rich vein of form on Sunday as he converted his front row start into a commanding lights-to-flag victory in race one. Opting to run the soft tyre, the Northern Irishman quickly established a lead out front and from there he was never challenged.

Behind him an almighty battle for second place played out with Cook and Sutton captivating those in attendance as they traded paint across a number of laps. In the end it would be Cook that would prevail ahead of the Ford man.

Race two followed a similar theme to that of earlier in the day as Turkington once again romped to victory, albeit this time he had to contend with a brief safety car period so that the stricken BMW of Jake Hill could be recovered at Druids.

Wheel-perfect from the get-go, the multiple title winner was again unchallenged as Sutton battled Ingram for runners-up laurels. Sutton had defended resolutely for much of the race before a late lunge at Paddock Hill Bend saw Ingram finally find a way past.

The final encounter saw Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Pearson then take a fantastic maiden win ahead of team-mate Tom Chilton and Sutton, who extended his podium streak to six successive races.

Pearson made a sluggish start from pole position which allowed Aron Taylor-Smith to blast into the lead however it was short-lived as Pearson regained the position at Clearways at the end of the first lap.

With a clear road ahead of him, the Hyundai driver set off to comfortably triumph while Chilton muscled his way past Taylor-Smith – which in-turn opened the door for Sutton – to complete the rostrum.

Leaving Brands Hatch, Sutton holds a two-point lead over Turkington at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst BMW top the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK head the standings after two events whilst Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing have established themselves as the early front runners in the Independent Drivers’ and Independent Teams’ Championship’s respectively.

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is open to drivers who hadn’t scored an outright podium in the series prior to the start of the season – is led by Power Maxed Racing’s Mikey Doble.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC sessions at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Snetterton provides the next stop on the calendar for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship; with Rounds 7, 8 & 9 taking place on May 25/26.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has revealed an unchanged calendar for its 2025 season.

Just a few days on from the opening rounds of the 2024 campaign, the UK’s premier motorsport series has released its schedule in record time following close co-operation between TOCA, ITV and all venues.

Donington Park’s National circuit kicks off the season at the end of April before the rolling into Brands Hatch Indy and Snetterton.

Thruxton and Oulton Park take centre stage in June before the series then takes its annual summer break, where the traditional Goodyear Tyre Test is expected to take place a yet-to-be confirmed venue.

The second half of season commences with a busy August courtesy of visits to Croft and Knockhill before then returning to Donington Park, this time to tackle the Grand Prix circuit.

Silverstone will host the penultimate meeting of the year in September before champions will be crowned on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in early October.

“It’s good news for our partners, stakeholders and fans that we can confirm next season’s BTCC calendar earlier than ever before, allowing for important planning to commence for all parties,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive.

“The schedule has become a tried and tested formula in recent years and is universally backed. We are continuously pushing the boundaries on-track with new-for-2024 qualifying, hybrid and tyre regulations, so I am sure our teams will be happy with the continuity and consistency of our calendar.

“Of course, being able to agree our dates so early with our partners at ITV ensures we have locked in the primary slots for our continued all-day-live and free television coverage on ITV4. It also has a positive benefit for the rest of British motorsport, as other organisers can continue planning and scheduling their own events.

“Last year, I said we were unlikely to release our calendar any earlier than mid-May… I was wrong… and we are delighted to be able to announce this schedule earlier than ever before!”

2025 British Touring Car Championship Calendar

April 26/27 – Donington Park (National)
May 10/11 – Brands Hatch (Indy)
May 24/25 – Snetterton (300)
June 7/8 – Thruxton
June 21/22 – Oulton Park (Island)
August 2/3 – Croft
August 16/17 – Knockhill
August 30/31 – Donington Park (GP)
September 20/21 – Silverstone (National)
October 4/5 – Brands Hatch (GP)

Tom Ingram and Aiden Moffat made a winning start to the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season this past weekend (April 27-28) as they claimed victory at Donington Park.

Lifting the curtain on the new campaign after months of excitement and anticipation, the UK’s premier motorsport series blasted back into life in spectacular style with three high-octane contests around the 1.98-mile National layout.

On what proved to be a ground-breaking opening meeting – which saw each race broadcast live on TikTok as well as ITV4 – the 20-car entry kicked off proceedings with a frenetic qualifying session on Saturday, which was running under the new ‘Quick Six’ format.

Starting with the grid being split into two groups, the top six drivers from each segment progressed into Q2 where they then battled to move on to Q3, which saw the fastest six drivers ultimately battle it out for pole position.

Armed with more hybrid power this year, Ingram left it until the final moments to charge to pole position ahead of Ash Sutton by 0.051 seconds; while Colin Turkington, Jake Hill, Ronan Pearson and Andrew Watson completed the top-six.

Heavy rain battered the circuit on Sunday morning which led to substantial delays but when the action finally did get underway it was Ingram that emerged as the driver to beat as he claimed a comfortable lights-to-flag victory.

Withstanding a challenge from the fast-starting BMWs off the line, a lengthy safety car period to recover the crashed Ford Focus of Sam Osborne soon neutralised proceedings. On the restart, Ingram pulled clear and from there he was never challenged.

Behind him, reigning champion Sutton found a way past Hill in the closing stages to net second with the Laser Tools Racing BMW ace settling for third place.

Ingram doubled up in race two as he produced a fine late overtake on Hill to claim his second win of the weekend under the flightpath of East Midlands airport.

Hill took the lead as the lights went out and controlled much of the bout before Ingram and Sutton reeled him in. With four laps to go, the Hyundai ace found a way up the inside of Hill at the top of the Craner Curves to reclaim top spot.

Sutton wasted no time in following Ingram as he dived down the inside of him at the Old Hairpin a few moments later and he shadowed the 2022 champion home in what was a carbon copy podium from race one.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ’s Moffat then brought the curtain down on the opening weekend of the year with a superlative drive in race three to claim victory ahead of Turkington and Sutton.

On his debut outing for Speedworks Motorsport and Toyota, the Scotsman was wheel-perfect as he utilised all of his hybrid deployment to fend off the charging multiple champions at the end. Moffat made his way into the lead at mid-distance after overhauling his Toyota stablemate Rob Huff, who in-turn had taken the lead from Adam Morgan before that.

Leaving Donington Park, Ingram holds the advantage at the top of the Drivers’ Championship with Sutton and Hill completing, the trio blanketed by just 16 points at this early stage.

BMW lead the early going in the BTCC Manufacturer-Constructors Championship whilst NAPA Racing UK hold the early bragging rights in the BTCC Teams’ Championship. In the Independents’ category, Aron Taylor-Smith and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing lead the way after the opening three rounds.

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is once again open to those drivers that have yet to score an outright podium in the series prior to the season starting – saw Mikey Doble edge out Nick Halstead to claim weekend honours.

To view the results of all BTCC sessions at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

The 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continues at Brands Hatch on May 11/12; with Rounds 4, 5 & 6 playing out around the Indy layout of the Kent venue.

The British Touring Car Championship has announced the appointment of Global Media Properties (GMP) as its Exclusive Commercial Partnership Agency.

This partnership heralds a new era of strategic collaboration aimed at driving innovation, fostering new partnerships, and enhancing consumer experiences within the UK’s premier motorsport series.

In its capacity as the Exclusive Commercial Partner, GMP will spearhead the development and execution of a dynamic commercial strategy tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern businesses and audiences. This entails reimagining the BTCC’s commercial proposition to align seamlessly with contemporary content and ROI expectations while unlocking new avenues for growth and engagement.

Moreover, GMP will extend its expertise to BTCC teams, offering support in their pursuit of new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, further enriching the competitive landscape of the championship.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “As we embark on this exciting journey with GMP, we are confident that their innovative approach and strategic insights will elevate the BTCC to new heights of commercial success and audience engagement.”

“Securing the BTCC as a client is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of commercial partnerships,” added Greg Albrecht, CEO of Global Media Properties. “We are eager to collaborate with Alan and his team to unlock the full potential of the championship and deliver unparalleled value to commercial partners and consumers alike.”

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has officially launched its 2024 season with confirmation that a stellar entry list will go wheel-to-wheel for the biggest prize in UK motorsport. 

Boasting a grid that is packed with former champions, proven contenders and young challengers, the battle for supremacy across the 30-race campaign looks to be as competitive as ever this year. 

Headlining the entry is reigning champion Ash Sutton, who remains with NAPA Racing UK and the Ford Focus ST for a third successive season. Coming off the back of clinching a record-equalling fourth crown last year, the 30-year-old could make history this year by becoming the first-ever driver to win the coveted crown five times. 

Sutton – who will have the number one adorning his front-wheel-drive machine – is once again joined at the Alliance Racing-run squad by Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom and Sam Osborne. 

EXCELR8 Motorsport have named an unchanged driver line-up with former champion Tom Ingram spearheading the Hyundai charge as he aims to reclaim the title he lost to Sutton last year. He’s joined once again by Tom Chilton, Ronan Pearson and Nick Halstead. 

Jake Hill and Colin Turkington – who like Sutton is also gunning for a fifth crown – will lead West Surrey Racing with their revised BMW 330e M Sport. Joining the two likely title protagonists is Adam Morgan, with a fourth driver potentially still to come.

Speedworks Motorsport have expanded its operation to four cars and in-doing so, it has enticed former FIA World Touring Car Championship title winner Rob Huff to return for his first full campaign in the BTCC in two decades. 

Piloting a Toyota Corolla GR Sport, Huff will partner Andrew Watson on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK side of the garage while Josh Cook and Aiden Moffat will run under the LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ for the factory-run outfit. 

In the fight for Independent Championship honours, Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing will enter the year as favourites as they stick with their trusty Vauxhall Astra and the capable duo of Aron Taylor-Smith and Mikey Doble.

The front-wheel-drive pairing are set to face stiff opposition though from Restart Racing, who are new to the championship this year. Having acquired a pair of Cupra Leons, the fledgling team will run former race winner Chris Smiley and rookie ace Scott Sumpton. 

Completing the entry list is Unlimited Motorsport, who will field a Cupra Leon for Daryl Deleon.

The start of the new season will bring with it a host of revisions to the regulations including the new ‘Quick Six’ qualifying format and an increase in hybrid power that will be available for drivers. In addition, the series will also break new ground as it broadcasts every race live on TikTok. 

CLICK HERE for the full 2024 British Touring Car Championship entry list. 

The 2024 campaign officially commences at Donington Park on the 27-28 April.

TOCA – organisers of the British Touring Car Championship – has today (March 27) announced that every race of the 2024 season will be streamed LIVE around the globe via TikTok, thanks to a world-first agreement with its partners at ITV Sport.

This ground-breaking agreement is in addition to the BTCC’s expansive and existing UK television contract with the ITV network, which sees around eight hours of broadcast – live and free – from each event across ITV4 and ITVX, as well as the continued highlights and catch-up offerings across the network.

As the UK’s premier motorsport series continues to look to bring the championship to a new audience, an agreement has been finalised to ensure that EVERY race will also be streamed LIVE and IN FULL via the ITV Sport TikTok channel – both in the UK and globally.

The deal marks the first ever sport to be streamed live via TikTok by ITV Sport, and it is also thought that it is the first major sporting organisation to stream its entire competition all season across the giant social media platform.

The announcement is also fantastic news for the BTCC’s loyal global fanbase, as this agreement will see every race in the UK’s premier motorsport championship broadcast live right around the world for the first time in its illustrious 66-year history.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “This is a truly ground-breaking move for the BTCC. I’m incredibly proud that we will be the first major motorsport championship in the world to have its entire race season streamed live on TikTok. It’s the real ‘cherry on the top’ of our ongoing and vast UK coverage, which is live and free on ITV4 and ITVX.

“Most importantly, this agreement will introduce the BTCC to a massive new and completely different demographic – a younger and more diverse audience – which is exactly what we, and in fact all of motorsport, are looking to achieve. This is very big news for the BTCC, our teams and our partners as we cement the future of the UK’s most prestigious motorsport championship.”

Andrew Hill, Senior Producer at ITV Sport, added: “This is a hugely exciting and innovative development in ITV’s production of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. Live streaming BTCC races on TikTok, alongside our regular ITV4 and ITVX coverage, will help us to reach a much wider audience and enable a new generation of fans to enjoy the thrills and spills of the number-one championship in British motor racing.”