TOCA and Cosworth Electronics have claimed first prize for Outstanding Achievement in the field of Motorsport Engineering for their application of Hybrid Technology in the British Touring Car Championship. 

The IMechE’s Automobile Division recently held its annual presentation of the Adrian Reynard Motorsports Medal, an award that recognises an individual or a team of people, working in the field of motorsports engineering, who have demonstrated an outstanding technical achievement or have made a significant contribution to the advancement of engineering in motorsports.

This year saw the award go to both TOCA – who are operators of the BTCC – and Cosworth Electronics Ltd for their joint effort on the implementation of hybrid power into the Championship.

Hybrid technology was introduced into the UK’s premier motorsport series in 2021, before its competitive debut the following season, which now sees each car provided with a certain amount of additional ‘boosts’ to use during qualifying and the races.

“We are extremely proud that TOCA – alongside its trusted partner in Cosworth Electronics – has been recognised for an outstanding achievement in the field of motoring engineering,” said Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive.

“It required a huge effort after announcing the project back in 2018 – becoming the first major touring car championship to do so – with everything that then happened in the world significantly adding to that challenge.

“The introduction of hybrid technology has been widely praised and a huge success and we are delighted that its engineering advances have also been rewarded today. Incorporating hybrid ensures the BTCC remains absolutely relevant to manufacturers, sponsors and the public, as well as further enhancing our great racing.

“It’s important that I acknowledge and thank the outstanding work from Cosworth, the teams, our suppliers and my TOCA Technical Team for playing their part in winning this fantastic award.”

Richard Woodgate, Lead Applications Engineer at Cosworth Electronics, added: “The requirements given by TOCA to Cosworth, to supply the first ever cost-effective Hybrid system for touring car competition was a huge challenge. 

“Using our expertise in the knowledge of drivetrain technology and electronics, we are thrilled to have achieved just that, a turn-key solution that could be used by any formula, with practicality, costs, ease of use and performance at the fore.