Nic Hamilton returns to the BTCC with Un-Limited Motorsport

British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in 2025, racing for Un-Limited Motorsport, as part of a three-car lineup alongside Dexter Patterson and Max Hall.

Hamilton, who has Cerebral Palsy, is no stranger to the BTCC. As the only driver in the series' history to compete with a disability, his achievements have already made history. His determination and resilience have inspired countless fans, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Returning to the BTCC after 20 months away, Hamilton’s 2023 season saw him secure an impressive sixth-place finish at Donington Park in Race 2 of the opening weekend of the 2023 season. Now, his mission is clear: to raise awareness of disability inclusion in motorsport and advocate for greater opportunities for disabled individuals within the sport. He aims to show that disability should not be a barrier but rather a source of strength and pride.

"There is a place in motorsport for disabled people to feel valued and accepted in multiple roles within the sport, and I want to open people’s eyes to that," said Hamilton. "I want to continue to prove that motorsport is for everyone and that racing can be a platform for opportunity and inclusivity. Un-Limited Motorsport and my partners believe in what I stand for, my talent, and my purpose. If I can be accepted, then so can others with a disability."

Hamilton’s return with Un-Limited Motorsport marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Determined to use his platform to inspire others, he hopes to encourage disabled individuals to pursue their ambitions and push the limits of their own potential. As one of the most prominent advocates for disability inclusion in motorsport, Hamilton aims to empower others to embrace challenges and carve out their own path in the sport.

Un-Limited Motorsport was founded at the start of 2024 and will expand from a single-car entry in its debut season to an impressive three-car lineup for 2025.

"It’s fantastic to have Nic Hamilton join Un-Limited Motorsport. He’s hugely determined to get back on the BTCC grid, and I’m proud that we could make it happen," said Bob Sharpless, Team Owner of Un-Limited Motorsport. "Nic is not just an incredibly well-known driver – he’s an inspiration worldwide. The fact that he’s put his trust in our team speaks volumes about how far we’ve come in such a short time. We’re excited to support him on this journey and can’t wait to see what we achieve together."

Shedden back in a BTCC car

The road to the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continues today (27 March) as 15 cars take to the Tarmac at Snetterton for an unofficial test day.

The standout attraction may well be the return to BTCC action for three-time champion Gordon Shedden, as the Scotsman gets his maiden run for Toyota GAZOO Racing UK.

He is joined by team-mate Aron Taylor-Smith as the Speedworks-run squad has sent two of its four Toyota Corollas to the Norfolk circuit. 

The headline act of course is reigning champion Jake Hill as he clocks his first laps in the Laser Tools-backed #1 BMW 330i M Sport.

West Surrey Racing has its full quota of drivers on show with Aiden Moffat, Daryl DeLeon and Charles Rainford also on-track.

There’s a NAPA Racing UK quartet in action with Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish, Dan Rowbottom and Sam Osborne running their respective blue and yellow Ford Focuses. 

EXCELR8 Motorsport have the two Toms – Ingram and Chilton – circling in Team Vertu colours, and the duo are joined by Hyundai stablemate Adam Morgan.

Un-Limited Motorsport continues its BTCC development with both Dexter Patterson and Max Hall driving its pair of Cupras.

Today’s test is another unofficial run, but we are now just a few days away from the first official group test at Croft on 1/2 April. 

Next week’s two-day test will be the first time to see almost the entire field on-track together and also the first time to compare lap times, as momentum builds towards Season Launch at Donington Park on 15 April.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jakob Ebrey Photography

Dorlin rounds out Toyota GAZOO Racing UK line-up

Speedworks-run squad selects experienced young gun to fill fourth Corolla seat

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK has completed its four-strong driver line-up for the forthcoming Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign with the recruitment of rising star James Dorlin, as the Speedworks Motorsport-run squad goes all-out in its quest for title glory. 

The British-built Toyota Corolla GR Sport enjoyed its most successful season-to-date last year, notching up no fewer than five victories and nine further podium finishes, including an historic top three lockout at Snetterton.

In a bid to build upon that form, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK has assembled a potent driver line-up for 2025, with returning three-time BTCC champion Gordon Shedden flanked by reigning Independents’ title-holder Árón Taylor-Smith, talented young gun Ronan Pearson and newly-signed rookie Dorlin, who despite being just 25, has already achieved a great deal in the sport.

No stranger to the TOCA package, the Yorkshireman sealed the runner-up spoils in the Renault UK Clio Cup in 2018 – equalling the record for the most consecutive race wins in a single season in the series along the way – prior to being crowned the inaugural Porsche Sprint Challenge GB Champion two years later.

Appointed a member of the prestigious McLaren Young Driver Programme in 2019, Dorlin went on to reach the top step of the rostrum in the British GT Championship with the brand, subsequently lifting the Silver/AM Cup laurels behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracán in 2022 – his maiden campaign of GT3 category competition.

Having similarly shone in both the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup and GT Cup Championship, the Barnsley native is now aiming to prove his mettle in the BTCC, with the upcoming 30-race campaign due to get underway at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s ‘home’ circuit of Donington Park in Leicestershire on 26/27 April. 

Christian Dick, Team Principal, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:

“We’re delighted to finalise our line-up for the new BTCC season, and to do so with a driver of James’ calibre is a real coup. He comes highly recommended by Speedworks’ Head of Motorsport, Danny Buxton, who worked closely with him at McLaren and has a keen eye for spotting genuine talent, and his career CV speaks for itself.

“Having never driven a touring car before, he knows he will need to get quickly up-to-speed – particularly given the hectic and unique nature of BTCC race weekends – but he is absolutely the real deal and I am very confident he will soon develop into a leading contender.

“Although he is still only in his mid-twenties, James has already accumulated a great deal of knowledge from competing in different championships and different cars, all of which will help to ease his acclimatisation to the Toyota Corolla and the BTCC. Together with Gordon, Árón and Ronan, I firmly believe we have the perfect blend of youth and experience on the driving strength this year – meaning the target for the forthcoming season can be nothing less than trophies and titles.” 

James Dorlin, Driver, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, said:

“It feels like this has been a long time coming! The BTCC has always been something I’ve aspired to, and back when I was racing in the Clio Cup, the natural progression was to go into touring cars, but then I got the opportunity to join the McLaren Young Driver Programme, which was obviously something I couldn’t pass up.

“That sent me down the sportscar route instead and put my BTCC ambitions on the backburner for a while, so it’s great to finally get the chance to join the championship – and with a manufacturer-backed team, too. It really doesn’t get much better than that!

“Danny [Buxton] and I have always had a good relationship, and when he asked me what my plans were for 2025, I told him I wanted to go racing again properly – over the past couple of seasons, I’ve not really had much seat time aside from the odd outing here and there. When he subsequently presented me with an opportunity to join Speedworks and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, I immediately knew I needed to pull out all the stops to make it happen.

“Realistically, it’s going to be a huge challenge and I have a lot to take on-board. The BTCC is a very different proposition to GT racing and a different kind of beast to tame, but that flat-out push and no-holds-barred battle from the moment the lights go out to the moment the chequered flag falls is something I’ve really missed since stepping away from the TOCA package.

“I’m super-excited to get going, and I’m ready for the challenge that lies ahead. In Gordon, Árón and Ronan, I’ve got three very strong team-mates, and I’m really looking forward to working with them all and learning as much as I can from their experience in touring cars.

“A lot of people have put in a huge effort to make it happen – not least my loyal partner, What The Fork, without whom this certainly wouldn’t have been possible – and I’m ready to give my absolute all and work hard to repay them and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK for their faith in me. Ultimately, the reason I’m doing this is to win!”

Brands Hatch Testing Gallery

The BTCC unofficially hit the track for the first time in 2025 as more than a dozen cars took to the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit last Friday (21 March).

There's nothing like seeing those fresh liveries for the first time and our amazing photographer Jakob Ebrey was there to capture some of the action. You can follow Jakob and the team on Instagram and X at @JakobEbrey!

A number of our teams are heading to Snetterton later this week for another run before the first official test of pre-season takes place at Croft on 1/2 April.

Daryl DeLeon feels 'at home' in first BMW outing

After his first full season in the BTCC, Daryl DeLeon made the switch to drive the BMW 330e M Sport for West Surrey Racing in 2025.

The 19-year old has been getting up to speed in his new machinery with one day of running under his belt in the new #2 numbered car.

"It's good. Once there's tyre temp in and once you're up and running, it feels nice," DeLeon told the BTCC Media Team at Brands Hatch.

"I think going back to the rear-wheel drive you always sort of have to adapt to it, but I'm really enjoying it so far. The team are excellent. I feel comfortable already working with my crew, my engineers, and really happy with everything so far.

"My main background is in rear-wheel drive, and going back to it, you just want to get comfortable, but the first few laps today, I was just building into it, getting used to it.

Depriving the drivers instinct to chase lap time the Anglo-Filipino driver has been reluctant to look at the timesheets in his debut outing for WSR.

"I haven't seen any lap times today, so I don't have a clue. We're not too focused on times today. I just want to get comfortable in the car, learn as much as I can with it and make a few tweaks to make sure I'm happy.

"I'm at home. Even with the shakedown, as soon as I got in it and got up to speed and just getting a feel, getting some energy through the car, I do feel really at home now."

The 45-time race starter is not easing on preparation for the season in his new environment.

"I think the more seat time I get, the more comfortable I'm going to be. I'm just going to keep working on it until race day arrives."

DeLeon and the rest of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship grid get the season underway at Donington Park on 26/27 April.

Aiden Moffat: “It’s a great feeling to be with WSR”

Back in 2013, Aiden Moffat made history as he became the youngest driver ever to compete in the BTCC at just 16 years of age. Now, with more than 300 race starts to his name the Scotsman is arguably embarking on his biggest opportunity in the UK’s toughest championship after joining multiple champions West Surrey Racing.

Moffat clocked his maiden laps in the beautiful BMW 330e M Sport at Brands Hatch earlier today (21 March) as he contested the first unofficial BTCC test ahead of the new season.

As the talented racer emerged from his LKQ-backed #16 machine following the opening run you could see a beaming smile across his face.

“When you first get into the championship, you kind of dream about getting the chance to drive for such a prestigious team, so it’s a great feeling to be with WSR,” he said.

“Just to be around WSR as a team, to see how professional they are and the attention to detail, it really is night and day. It gives you great confidence as a driver, especially after a few challenging years for me, so we’re looking to make the most of it.”

The 28-year-old was carrying out a number of systems checks in the early running before he and the squad look to crank things up later in the day.

“So, today is my first proper day out in the BMW, it feels great, but with the weight off these cars are just a completely different animal,” he continued.

“It’s a glorified shakedown initially of course, and then gradually as we get more settled, we will start to tick things off the list – some things that will work and others that won’t.”

Moffat has taken five victories during his BTCC career so far and he’ll be looking draw upon his experience as the championship moves away from hybrid power and into the sustainable fuel era in 2025.

“I’m not sure I regard myself as one of the most experienced overall, but I’ve driven quite a few cars in the BTCC,” noted Aiden. 

“The championship keeps evolving though, whether it’s different tyre compounds or the hybrid system etc, so each car and season has its differences. 

“The car feels much lighter without the hybrid so I’m trying to almost forget the last few years and look back to the glory days with the Infiniti, where we enjoyed some great times.

“It’s certainly not about finding the optimum lap time today but we will push when we can. We have a fairly comprehensive testing programme to get through, here at Brands Hatch, then Snetterton, Croft and Donington Park. 

“It’s all about just being ready for that first competitive Saturday of the season!”

The opening rounds of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place at Donington Park on 26/27 April.

TOCA LIVE launches ahead of 2025 BTCC season

As part of the BTCC’s ongoing enhancements across its media services we are delighted to announce the launch of TOCA LIVE for the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and beyond.

In the 1990s, Alan Hyde presented TOCA Radio, a fully produced radio broadcast offering commentary for the entire race weekend on circuit PA systems and circuit FM Radio.

Since then, only the race, pitlane and podium commentary has been broadcast on the circuit PA speakers and circuit FM radio, whilst in recent years this has also been live-streamed all weekend across the official BTCC website.

Now for 2025, TOCA LIVE will revive the radio presentation aspect across every BTCC race weekend, to all three of those media: PA, radio and online.

Alan will now host the day from the commentary box with music, commentary, interviews, competitions, fan engagement, whilst still covering the BTCC in his much-loved pitlane role.

The hugely popular Hyde will be supported alongside the established BTCC commentators of Chris Hartley, Matt Suckling, Duncan Vincent and Robert Johnston, whilst new race weekend commentators Josh Barrett and Ian Waterhouse will take care of all of the support races.

The PA and radio will remain popular options for fans to listen to this fantastic new service, but you can of course listen from anywhere in the world right here on https://btcc.net/live/live-audio/. Thank you to our audio partners Cre8Media for bringing this element to life and continuing their work within the championship.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport unveil striking 2025 challenger

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport is delighted to finally lift the covers on its 2025 BMW 330i M Sport as Jake Hill looks to attempt to win back-to-back Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship titles.

The BMW, which will be prepared and run by 18-time BTCC champions WSR, will see the team take on a striking new look for 2025, utilising the iconic chrome blue and white that have been so synonymous with Laser Tools Racing’s decade of competition within the series. 2025 will mark the sixth season for MB Motorsport within the UK’s premier racing series, yielding 19 wins, 57 podiums and last year’s title in that time.

Following last year’s title success, the car will run as the #1 entry and features the famed, champion gold number plates. To mark the success of 2024, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport have worked to flip its previous liveries with a predominantly chrome blue livery set to fling its way around the UK’s racing circuits this year.

Mark Blundell, Sporting Director of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport:

“We are delighted with the look of our 2025 challenger and we hope that it will be a real hit with the BTCC fanbase. Laser Tools have always been renowned for their famous chrome blue and I do not doubt that this is going to stand out from the pack out on track this year.

“2025 promises to be our biggest season yet with returning partners, new partners on board and Jake and the team trying to defend the title. I want to thank everyone who continues to support us and I am proud of how the MBP agency team delivers such a striking design once again and work so hard to make our programme the success it is.”

Mikey Doble re-signs with Power Maxed Racing for third successive BTCC campaign

Mikey Doble is set to embark on his third successive season in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship after re-signing with Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing. 

Coming off the back of a superlative 2024 campaign which saw him lift the coveted Jack Sears Trophy title, the 26-year-old is poised to become the Worcestershire team’s longest-serving driver in the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Making his debut with the Vauxhall squad in 2023, Doble established himself as one of the championship’s leading lights last season as he claimed a total of 15 class wins on his way to scooping the JST crown. 

In addition, the Surrey-based racer also scored a maiden overall podium at Oulton Park, picked up seven Independent wins on his way to claiming runners-up laurels in that category, whilst also helping Power Maxed Racing clinch the Independent Teams’ title for the very first time. 

Now poised to spearhead the squad’s title defence, Doble is focused on making his mark even further in the BTCC throughout 2025.

The news follows Power Maxed Racing’s announcement earlier this week of an important new joint Title Partnership, resulting in the newly named Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing for 2025.

Mikey Doble said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to the BTCC for a third straight year and aiming to kick on from what has already been an amazing couple of years in the championship. I’m delighted to be doing it with Power Maxed Racing and leading the charge there, showing everyone, our best is yet to come.

“So far, I’ve accomplished everything that I set out to achieve in my first couple of years in the BTCC, including scoring a pole position in qualifying, an overall podium finish and of course winning the Jack Sears Trophy last season.

“This year we’re looking to take things up to the next level by challenging for podiums on a more regular basis, taking that Independent Drivers’ title and ultimately winning a race – it won’t be a success in my eyes if we don’t do the latter. 

“Everyone at the team has been working really hard over these past few months and I cannot wait to get back out in the Vauxhall Astra, starting at Croft for the first official test in just a few weeks’ time.”

Adam Weaver, Team Principal Power Maxed Racing, said: “We are incredibly happy to retain Mikey for a third successive season, which provides excellent continuity and consistency for the team. Mikey has done a great job in his first two seasons with us, we are fully aligned on our collective goals and cannot wait to get started.

“It has been a productive and important week for the team, having also welcomed Motor Parts Direct as joint Title Partner of Power Maxed Racing. Now, we can all look forward to the official pre-season tests prior to the season opener at Donington Park.”

The opening rounds of the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place at Donington Park on 26/27 April.

Un-Limited Motorsport partners with ROKiT for 2025 season

Un-Limited Motorsport has partnered with ROKiT for the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season. ROKiT will support both Dexter Patterson and Max Hall for the upcoming season as the youngest driver duo competing in the UK's premier motosport series.

After establishing a strong foundation in 2024, Un-Limited Motorsport is focused on building momentum in 2025—strengthening partnerships and making a bigger impact. With ROKiT’s backing, the team is positioned to push further up the grid and compete at a higher level.

Patterson is targeting the Jack Sears Trophy and, with ROKiT’s support, is determined to fight at the front. Hall, the youngest driver on the 2025 BTCC grid, enters his debut season eager to hit the ground running in his debut season. 

Dexter Patterson: “It’s fantastic to have launched this partnership with ROKiT for the season and to see them return to the championship after a few years away. With their support, we’re aiming to push the car as high up the grid as possible and contend for the Jack Sears title.”

Max Hall: “Having a brand like ROKiT backing me for my first season in the British Touring Car Championship is huge. I’m the youngest driver on the grid, and I’d like to make a statement—having such a big name behind me gives me even more confidence to push even harder from day one.”

Bob Sharpless, Team Owner, Un-Limited Motorsport: “Dexter’s got unfinished business with the Jack Sears Trophy, and that hunger drives him forward. Having a brand like ROKiT behind him is a testament to his potential, giving him and us the platform to fight further up the grid. We’re also thrilled to have ROKiT supporting Max in his first BTCC season—he’s the youngest driver on the grid for 2025 and he’s eager to make his mark. With ROKiT’s backing, both Dexter and Max have a huge opportunity to push forward, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together in 2025.”

Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman of ROKiT: "We love the BTCC and have enjoyed being involved as sponsors for several years with enormous success on track. We're really pleased to now put our weight behind Dexter and Max and the Un-Limited Motorsport team as they look to build upon their solid start last year in touring cars, this time with 2 drivers, and it will be great to see our distinctive livery roaring around the tracks once again this year. We're looking forward to seeing some exciting racing this season!"