Tag: BTCC

NAPA Racing UK claimed a clean sweep of victories in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this past weekend (June 3/4) as Ash Sutton and Dan Rowbottom shared the spoils around Thruxton.

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 bright sunshine and packed spectator bankings – all of whom witnessed a day of domination. 

Three-time champion Sutton – who arrived at Thruxton off the back of double wins at Brands Hatch and Snetterton – wasted no time in asserting his dominance on the rest of the field as he stormed to a second consecutive pole position during Saturday qualifying. 

Blasting away from the front row on race day, Sutton replicated his tactics of Snetterton by punching in a number of rapid lap times during the opening exchanges. Establishing an advantage over the chasing pack, he then cruised home to comfortably take victory in races one and two.

Not only did those triumphs enable him to extend his championship lead but it also meant he became the first driver in the BTCC’s ‘three-race format’ to claim double wins in three successive race meetings.

As Sutton romped to success in races one and two, reigning champion Tom Ingram and ‘King of Thruxton’ Josh Cook ran bumper-to-bumper across both contests to clinch a brace of second and third place finishes respectively.

Rowbottom then rounded out an incredible weekend for the Kent-based powerhouse outfit as he won the reverse grid encounter in style, hunting down pole-sitter Adam Morgan before making the decisive move for the lead upon entry into Church Corner.

Starting fifth, Rowbottom wasted no time in working his way up the order and after dispatching a resolute Aiden Moffat, the Ford driver set off after Morgan – closing down a two second lead within a matter of laps. 

Diving down the inside as they sped towards the fastest corner in the country on lap ten, Rowbottom soon scampered clear to claim his first win of the season while Morgan and Moffat completed the rostrum.

Following the conclusion of Rounds 10, 11 & 12, Sutton tops the BTCC Drivers’ Championship – 14 points ahead of Ingram – whilst Motorbase-Ford head the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

On the TOCA support package, high speed thrills and spills were in full force as the a number of championships took centre stage to continue their campaigns.

Robert de Haan and Charles Rainford shared the spoils in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB whilst James Piszyck, Noah Lisle and William Macintyre claimed a win apiece in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA.

Arguably some of the most entertaining races over the course of the weekend came in the shape of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Dunlop Mini Miglia Challenge supported by Mini Spares and Dunlop Mini Se7en Challenge supported by Mini Spares.

Sensational slip-streaming and at times four-wide wheel-to-wheel battles had everyone on the edge of their seats and rightly so. In the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Alex Solley and Jack Byrne triumphed whilst the father-son duo of Andrew and Mike Jordan took a clean sweep in the Miglia and Se7en contests.

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

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reaches the halfway point in the 2023 season next time out as it travels to Oulton Park on June 17/18.

Thruxton Circuit is gearing up for an all-action weekend on 3/4 June as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads to the fastest circuit in the country for Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of what is shaping up to be a sensational 2023 season.

With events coming thick and fast, the UK’s premier motorsport series speeds into Hampshire with it all to play for towards the top of the standings. 

NAPA Racing UK’s Ash Sutton arrives at Thruxton as the driver to beat after making history last time out at Snetterton by becoming the first driver since Alain Menu in 1997 to win four races in-a-row.

Riding a wave of momentum at the moment, the three-time champion holds a narrow advantage at this early stage but will undoubtedly be the one that everyone is looking to beat across Saturday and Sunday.

Hot on his heels are a number of drivers that have all stepped on the podium this season and leading the charge is reigning title holder Tom Ingram in his BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8 Hyundai i30N.

Ingram opened his account for the year last time out and he, along with West Surrey Racing team-mates Colin Turkington and Jake Hill, will all have their sights set on achieving further success this weekend. 

Sutton’s Ford Focus stablemate Dan Cammish emerged as one of the leading lights at Thruxton last year and with two wins to his name already in 2023, the Yorkshireman could also be well in the mix for outright honours.

Another driver that can’t be discounted from featuring towards the front of the field is the undisputed King of Thruxton, Josh Cook. 

With ten wins around the 2.36-mile layout, the One Motorsport with Starline Racing racer is the most successful BTCC driver at the venue and he’ll be hoping for more as he pilots his tried and trusted Honda Civic Type R

Headline names continue to roll off the tongue as you look further down the championship standings with Dan Rowbottom, Adam Morgan, Rory Butcher and Bobby Thompson also featuring inside the top ten.

Then throw into the mix the likes of Donington Park winner Tom Chilton, Stephen Jelley, local ace Ricky Collard, Aron Taylor-Smith and Jade Edwards, amongst many others, and you begin to see why the BTCC continues to be as competitive as ever.

Support Races

It won’t just be the BTCC that takes centre stage though this weekend as a bumper supporting cast of categories is also revved up to put on a show for the expected bumper trackside crowd.

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, Dunlop Mini Miglia Challenge and Dunlop Mini Se7en Challenge make up the support bill.

Off Track Entertainment 

Away from the on-track entertainment there will be plenty to see and do around the venue with a bustling trade village, supercar display, skid pan rides, food stalls, live music, mini karts, face painting and an interactive kids show – guaranteeing fun for all the family.

BTCC Pit Lane Walkabout 

Fancy meeting the stars of the BTCC? On Sunday morning you can do just that as the Pit Lane Autograph Session takes place between 10:00-10:30.

Official Programme

Our souvenir BTCC programme will be available to purchase for £5.00 from the main gate and vendors around the venue over the course of the weekend. Packed with previews, features, entry lists, timetables and more – it’s your essential guide to the action.

Tickets

Tickets for this weekend’s BTCC spectacular will be available to purchase on the main gate across both day’s; with children aged 12 and under being admitted for free. More information can be found here.

Ashley Sutton stamped his authority on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this past weekend (May 20/21) by moving to the summit of the points after charging to a pair of commanding race wins at Snetterton.

The NAPA Racing UK driver was wheel-perfect on a sun-kissed weekend at the Norfolk venue as he became the first driver since Alain Menu in 1997 to win four races in a row – having triumphed in races two and three at Brands Hatch last time out. 

Despite feeling under the weather, BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8’s Tom Ingram dug deep to triumph in a frenetic reverse grid encounter, ensuring he remains within reach of Sutton in the battle for the biggest prize in UK motorsport.

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

Basking in bright sunshine on Saturday, qualifying around the challenging 2.97-mile circuit proved to be a truncated affair as two red flags – the first caused by Nick Halstead and the second by Dan Cammish – interrupted proceedings.

Once the session did restart it was three-time champion Sutton that reigned supreme as he broke the existing qualifying lap record on his way to a masterful pole position; which saw him finish more than three tenths clear of his nearest challenger.

Defending champion Ingram proved to be ‘best of the rest’ as he grabbed second ahead of West Surrey Racing duo Colin Turkington and Jake Hill. Rounding out the top five Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s Ricky Collard in his formidable Corolla.

Race one saw Sutton take the 30th victory of his career in style as he held off a late charge from Hill, who had opted to run the soft tyre. Making a sensational start, Sutton bolted from the chasing pack in the early going as he built up a three second lead in as many laps. 

Behind, the trio of Turkington, Hill and Ingram scrapped for position and after multiple attempts, Hill finally made a move stick on his stablemate late on. With clean air, he wasted no time in reeling in Sutton but it proved to be too late for him to mount a serious challenge.

Opting to run the preferred soft tyre in race two, Sutton continued his fine run of form with another victory – this time in a more comfortable and commanding manner. 

Replicating his fast start of race one, the triple title winner built up a sizeable advantage over the rest of the field to coast to victory ahead of Hill and Turkington.

The weekend’s third and final contest then saw the current defending champion Ingram chalk up his first win of the season – despite enduring the effects of a fever.

Playing the tactical game by leaving the medium tyre until the reverse grid race, the Hyundai driver produced a masterful drive to charge from seventh to the top step of the podium and open his account for the year.

Behind, Cammish had carved his way through the order on the softs to finish second but a post-race exclusion saw Rory Butcher and Dan Rowbottom promoted to second and third on the podium.

Leaving Snetterton, Sutton holds a seven-point lead over Ingram at the top of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst Motorbase/Ford head the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK lead the standings after three events whilst Josh Cook and Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils sit out front 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 – continues to be led by Sam Osborne.

To view the full classification of results from all BTCC 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 3/4. Advance tickets for the event are currently available to purchase from the Thruxton website.

Series organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have today (May 15) released the official calendar for the 2024 season.

Firmly established as the UK’s flagship motor sport series, the championship will continue with its tried and tested format of 30 races taking place across ten meetings at eight of the country’s top venues.

Commencing on Donington Park’s National circuit in late April, the BTCC will visit Brands Hatch and Snetterton in May before moving onto Thruxton and Oulton Park in June.

Following the annual summer break, a trip to Croft kick-starts the second half of the season before the series ventures north of the border to Knockhill and then returns to Donington Park – this time to race on the Grand Prix layout.

As has often been the case down the years, Silverstone will stage the penultimate event before champions are crowned on the first weekend of October around the legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Our 2024 schedule has the same flow as this year, which was universally praised. And going back to the Donington GP circuit next year will ensure that the teams can build upon their experience of that circuit layout from this season.

“With the Paris Olympics and Euro 2024, it’s a very busy year for major sporting events during our season. So, it was important that I locked-in our calendar as early as possible, in order to secure our most ideal ITV4 live broadcast dates. 

“As always, releasing our calendar so early also has a positive benefit for the rest of British motorsport, as it helps domestic race organisers and venues with the forward planning and scheduling of their own events.

“Releasing the calendar on 10th May to our teams and support races, and publicly today, sets a new record for having our next season’s BTCC schedule confirmed this early… although, in future I really can’t imagine it can be done any earlier and this record being beaten!”

2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Calendar

Rounds 1/2/3 – Donington Park (National) – April 27/28

Rounds 4/5/6 – Brands Hatch (Indy) – May 11/12

Rounds 7/8/9 – Snetterton 300 – May 25/26

Rounds 10/11/12 – Thruxton – June 8/9

Rounds 13/14/15 – Oulton Park (Island) – June 22/23

Rounds 16/17/18 – Croft – July 27/28

Rounds 19/20/21 – Knockhill – August 10/11

Rounds 22/23/24 – Donington Park (Grand Prix) – August 24/25

Rounds 25/26/27 – Silverstone (National) – September 21/22

Rounds 28/29/30 – Brands Hatch (Grand Prix) – October 5/6

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continued its breathtaking start to the 2023 season at Brands Hatch this past weekend (May 6/7) as Ashley Sutton and Colin Turkington claimed victory in front of a capacity crowd.

Hot on the heels of a spectacular Donington Park curtain-raiser just a fortnight ago, the UK’s premier motorsport series took centre stage at the world-famous Kent venue for what turned out to be three blockbuster races on the challenging Indy circuit. 

Wet weather battered the track throughout Saturday, leading to the second qualifying session of the campaign proving to be a truncated and frenetic affair – with no fewer than three red flag interruptions.

NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish ultimately emerged as the driver to beat as he produced one of the best laps of his career to snatch pole position in the final seconds of the Top Ten Showdown; narrowly pipping the trio of Turkington, Jake Hill and Sutton.

Drier conditions greeted the drivers on Sunday and it was Team BMW’s Turkington that struck first as he moved up to second on the all-time BTCC winners list by claiming a near lights-to-flag victory following an early restart.

Just as the leaders were completing their first lap there was drama behind – involving Stephen Jelley, Adam Morgan, Andrew Watson and Dan Rowbottom – which brought about a lengthy red flag stoppage.

On the restart, four-time champion Turkington wasted no time in getting the jump from the outside of the front row and from there he cantered to a 64th career win ahead of three-time title winner Sutton and pole sitter Cammish.

Race two then saw Sutton open his account for the season with a measured drive after keeping reigning champion Tom Ingram at bay for a majority of the contest.

Wasting no time in snatching the lead from Turkington on the opening tour, the Ford Focus driver controlled proceedings out front in the early going whilst Ingram muscled his way up into second from fifth. 

Despite closing the gap on a number of occasions, the Hyundai driver would ultimately never get close enough to mount a real challenge on Sutton, leaving him to shadow the NAPA racer across the line whilst Turkington completed the podium in third. 

Sutton then rounded out what was his best-ever weekend in the BTCC with a second win as he inherited victory after carving his way up the order from 11th on the grid.

Starting on the sixth row virtue of the reverse grid draw, Sutton made pass after pass in the early going before then latching onto the back of race leader Ricky Collard, who was holding firm in his Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Corolla.

Producing a spirited defence, Collard would unfortunately be hit with a ten-second time penalty for multiple track limit infringements with the end in sight; giving Sutton the win while Bobby Thompson and Ingram filled the remaining spots on the podium.

Leaving Brands Hatch, Cammish holds a five-point lead over Ingram at the summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship whilst Motorbase Performance/Ford top the Manufacturers-Constructors Championship.

In the Teams’ Championship, NAPA Racing UK head the standings after two events whilst Bobby Thompson and Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils 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 now led by NAPA Racing UK’s Sam Osborne.

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

Snetterton’s 300 circuit provides the next stop on the calendar for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship; with Rounds 7, 8 & 9 taking place on May 20/21.

Dan Cammish and Tom Chilton made a winning start to the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season this past weekend (April 22/23) as they shared the spoils at what was a wet and wild Donington Park opener.

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. 

Boasting enhancements to hybrid deployment and the re-introduction of the Goodyear ‘Option’ tyre this year, the unpredictable nature of the BTCC was there for all to see – and it started on Saturday as the 27-car field battled it out be a part of the Top Ten Showdown in qualifying.

Following a frenetic 30-minute session, the top ten fastest drivers progressed into the Top Ten Showdown to battle for pole position and it was Dan Rowbottom that roared to the summit of the times; 0.041 of a second ahead of his Ford stablemate Ashley Sutton. 

Behind, Jake Hill and Colin Turkington made it an all-BMW second row whilst Cammish and reigning champion Tom Ingram completed the top six.

Damp conditions greeted drivers on race day and the first of Sunday’s three contests would see NAPA Racing UK’s Cammish produce a superlative performance to kick-start the new campaign with a visit to the top step of the podium.

Following contact at the start between Sutton, Hill and Rowbottom – which ultimately forced Sutton to retire – Hill controlled proceedings out front for much of the race however Cammish remained a looming figure in his mirrors throughout. 

Closing on the Laser Tools Racing BMW in the latter stages, the three-time Porsche Carrera Cup GB title winner made his move at the bottom of the Craner Curves with two laps to go and once in the lead, he pulled clear to take victory ahead of Hill, Ingram and impressive debutant Andrew Watson.

Race two proved to be a truly wet and wild affair as heavy rain on the formation lap saw a number of drivers dive into the pit lane for wet tyres, whilst many of the front-runners remained on slicks. 

After an early safety car period, the rain only intensified and as more switched tyres, those that made the early gamble came to the fore – with Chilton leading the way. 

Along with Adam Morgan, the Hyundai ace scythed his way through the field to claim what was his first win the series in four years. Morgan would finish second on his WSR debut whilst Sam Osborne claimed a first-ever podium finish after rookie Ronan Pearson was disqualified post-race.

One of the undoubted stars of the show however was Team HARD driver Nicolas Hamilton who produced the perfect drive after switching to wets early on to clinch a career-best finish of sixth place.

The weekend’s third and final contest would see Cammish cap off a memorable day with a commanding lights-to-flag victory. Starting back on pole position virtue of the reverse grid draw, the Yorkshireman pulled clear of the chasing pack to triumph comfortably.

Behind, the battle for second place had everyone on the edge of their seats as Ingram, Sutton, Hill and Turkington all jostled for position; with the quartet going on to finish in that order.

Leaving Donington Park, Cammish holds an early seven-point lead at summit of the BTCC Drivers’ Championship with Ingram and Hill hot on his heels in second and third.

EXCELR8 Motorsport/Hyundai top the BTCC Manufacturer-Constructors Championship whilst BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCLER8 have secured a slender advantage in the BTCC Teams’ Championship. In the Independents’ category, Bobby Thompson and CarStore Power Maxed Racing lead the way after three rounds.

The Jack Sears Trophy – which is once again open to drivers that haven’t scored an outright podium in the series – saw Watson edge out Dexter Patterson to claim weekend honours.

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

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season continues at Brands Hatch on May 14/15; with Rounds 4, 5 & 6 playing out around the Indy layout of the famous Kent venue.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is primed and ready to embark on what promises to be another memorable year after officially launching its 2023 season this evening (April 11), announcing a 27-car entry list.

Ahead of tomorrow’s (April 12) official test day at Brands Hatch, the UK’s premier motorsport the former champions, proven contenders and young challengers that are all set to battle it out for the coveted crown.

Consistency is key for many of the BTCC’s leading lights, with last year’s top six contenders all remaining with their respective outfits for the new season.

Headlining the entry is reigning champion Tom Ingram, who once again spearheads the Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 team.. Back behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N, Ingram will run coveted number one this year – with Tom Chilton, Nick Halstead and Ronan Pearson joining him.

It’s familiar surroundings for Ashley Sutton as he bids to regain the title he lost last year. Sticking with NAPA Racing UK and the Ford Focus, Sutton partners up with Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom and Sam Osborne.

West Surrey Racing have expanded their operation to run four BMW 330e M Sports for the forthcoming season with Adam Morgan joining Jake Hill, Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley.

Expansion is the key word at Toyota Gazoo Racing UK too as they add George Gamble alongside Rory Butcher and Ricky Collard in a third Corolla GR Sport for the year. 

The newly named One Motorsport with Starline Racing once again houses perennial contender and defending Independent Drivers’ champion Josh Cook in a Honda Civic Type R. Aiden Moffat and Will Powell complete the line-up.

One of the busiest teams over the off-season has been Team HARD, who – sticking with the Cupra Leon – have swelled to six entries across three teams. 

Bobby Thompson and Dan Lloyd will lead the line under the Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils banner whilst Dexter Patterson and Jade Edwards (Re.Beverages and Bartercard with Team HARD), Jack Butel and Nicolas Hamilton (Go-Fix with Autoaid Breakdown) will all look to play their part too.. 

Rounding out the Class of 2023 is CarStore Power Maxed Racing; another team that have added an additional car for the new season. Multiple race winner Aron Taylor-Smith will lead the Vauxhall Astra team with rookies Andrew Watson and Mikey Doble completing the trio.

CLICK HERE for the full 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship entry list.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “It has been as busy as ever during the off-season, but now we can’t wait to get the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship started.

“The championship again boasts a hugely competitive driver line-up with an ever-growing number of genuine title contenders all looking to win the title, so it will be interesting to see who will come out on top.

“The Hybrid introduction last year proved very successful and popular among fans, but we immediately identified ways in which to tweak how the Hybrid is deployed in order further enhance the competitiveness for 2023. 

“This, plus the reintroduction of the Goodyear option tyre and the ‘Top Ten Showdown’ qualifying format now being adopted at five of the ten events, means it is set to be an extremely exciting season ahead.

“Kwik Fit, Goodyear, ITV, Cosworth, M-Sport and our other incredibly loyal partners play a massive role in this championship, and we remain always grateful for their support and enthusiasm. It’s almost time for the talking to stop and the action to get underway, so we hope you all enjoy the 2023 BTCC season.”

The 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship commences at Donington Park on April 22/23.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that its 2023 Season Launch will take place at Brands Hatch on Wednesday 12th April.

In what has become a standout event in recent years, thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the Kent venue to get their first look at the ‘Class of 2023’.

Official championship photography and ITV filming duties will be carried out during an exclusive invite-only event on April 11 before six hours of testing will see teams and drivers share the track the following day ahead of the season-opener at Donington Park on April 22/23.

With each of the two three-hour sessions being split by a traditional lunch break, spectators will be able to get autographs and photos with their favourite drivers during a pitlane walkabout – identical to those famously run during BTCC race weekends.

Gates for the 2023 BTCC Season Launch will open at 10:00 and fans will be able to attend free of charge.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that the introduction of hybrid power and more sustainable fuel received almost universal praise by those that took part in the recent 2023 BTCC Fans’ Survey.

Opening in January and closing in early February, the survey attracted record numbers as the BTCC’s loyal fanbase gave their opinions on all facets of what is widely regarded as the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Whilst the final results of all categories are set to be published in due course, the BTCC’s introduction of hybrid power and a more sustainable fuel received a huge vote from supporters with nearly 80% either strongly agreeing or agreeing that the championship has taken a very positive step in introducing both elements. 

Another statistic that stood out during the early summary was an increase in women following the BTCC, with an increase in just one year of almost 5% of females taking part from the previous survey in 2021.

Overall, supporters had their say on the likes of the race weekend experience, television broadcasts, media platforms, sponsorship, road cars, environment and sustainability, leisure and lifestyle and many more.

The final results of the 2023 BTCC Fans’ Survey will be published in the coming weeks.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “With the final results summary on some of the topics still being collated, we are proud to have received such an overwhelmingly positive response to our introduction of hybrid power and a more sustainable fuel.

“According to the fans, the BTCC is thriving in areas such as sustainability, equality and entertainment, and we will continue to strive for even greater successes in the future.

“We look forward to the final results being published over the coming weeks, but once again we would like to thank everyone for their great support by taking part in the survey in such vast numbers.”

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced a maximum 29-car entry for the 2023 season.

Following the December 1st 2022 entry approval deadline for all TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs), the grid of the UK’s premier motorsport series will remain at 29 for a second successive campaign. 

Notable allocations for next year include Speedworks Motorsport increasing to three cars and West Surrey Racing expanding to four cars; a result of each team having purchased one TBL from the departing Ciceley Motorsport squad. 

Team HARD has also expanded its entry to four cars for the forthcoming campaign after securing one additional TBL from Carl Boardley Motorsport.

Teams will announce full details regarding their respective entries (drivers, team names and sponsors) over the coming weeks and months, prior to the release of the finalised entry list for the forthcoming season in April.

2023 TOCA BTCC Licence Allocation

EXCELR8 Motorsport – 4

Team Dynamics – 2 

Aiden Moffat Racing – 2

Motorbase Performance – 4

Team HARD – 4

Speedworks Motorsport – 3

West Surrey Racing – 4 

Power Maxed Racing – 2 

BTC Racing – 3 

Carl Boardley Motorsport – 1 

The 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship blasts into life at Donington Park on April 22/23.

British Touring Car Championship organisers TOCA have announced a number of changes to next year’s sporting regulations. 

Following the annual end-of-season meeting between TOCA and all participating BTCC teams, the headline amendments include the return of the ‘Top Ten Showdown’ qualifying format, the reintroduction of the ‘Option’ tyre and changes to Hybrid deployment.

The ‘Top Ten Showdown’ – which was introduced in 2020 and expanded in 2021 – will be adopted at five of the ten events.

All drivers will take part in the normal 30-minute qualifying session to record their lap times before taking a short five-minute break. The fastest ten competitors will then progress into a ten-minute pole position session to determine the top ten positions on the grid. 

Qualifying sessions at Donington Park (April 22/23), Brands Hatch Indy (May 6/7), Oulton Park (June 17/18), Knockhill (August 12/13) and Silverstone (September 23/24) will all feature the format.

The reintroduction of the Goodyear ‘Option’ tyre will take place at all events with the exception of Thruxton, where only the hard tyre will be used due to the high-speed and more abrasive nature of the track.

A majority of events will see two of the three compounds – hard, medium or soft – where the ‘Option’ tyre must be used at least once during race one, race two or race three – ensuring a variety of strategies. At Snetterton and Croft, all three tyre choices must be used across the three races.

Teams will not have to specify before qualifying or the race in which they will use their ‘Option’ tyre, with all choices being declared upon cars leaving the pit lane.

Following the successful introduction of Hybrid power into the BTCC in 2022, several enhancements have been made to ensure deployment carries a greater impact from 2023 onwards.

From next year, the top seven cars in the championship and/or top seven cars on the grid will have a reduced Hybrid time during qualifying and the races on a sliding scale, whilst the minimum speed at which the system can be deployed for those top seven has been increased.

Cars from eighth place onwards will be able to deploy Hybrid power from a reduced minimum speed, ensuring these drivers can utilise the additional power quicker than the leading order. Those cars will only have deployment for 50% of the racing laps.

Hybrid will be available to be deployed on the first lap after the safety car too, with the minimum time between deployments has been increased to five seconds, preventing drivers from staying on the power at the conclusion of one lap and heading into another.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “The changes we have made for 2023 have been done solely to keep to the core values of the championship – and that’s to make the BTCC as competitive, unpredictable, exciting and entertaining as possible.

“All year I’ve been asked by teams and drivers to bring the option tyre back for 2023, as they really enjoy the challenge it provides. So, we thank Goodyear for accommodating this and producing the three different specifications of tyres needed.

“As well, after the data-gathering and learnings from the first season using Hybrid, we identified ways in which to tweak how the Hybrid is deployed in order to better suit the competitive nature of the BTCC. Drivers throughout the field will now have to be more strategic as to when, where and how they use Hybrid.”