Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport heads north of the border this week as the team prepares to contest event six of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill (8/9 August).
The annual trip to the fan-favourite Scottish venue sees the team return to the 1.27-mile circuit in Fife, just north of Edinburgh. One of the shortest tracks on the BTCC calendar, Knockhill is also among the most demanding, with its narrow, undulating layout and unique character making it a favourite for both drivers and fans alike.
Following a hard-fought weekend at Thruxton, both Gordon Shedden and Árón Taylor-Smith will be aiming to bounce back and return to the sharp end of the grid after showing encouraging pace at the high-speed Hampshire circuit.
Home favourite and three-time BTCC champion Shedden boasts an impressive record at Knockhill, having claimed four race victories and 11 podium finishes at his home circuit during his illustrious career so far. The Scotsman will be hoping to add to that tally in front of his home crowd this weekend.
Alongside 'Flash', Irishman Taylor-Smith also has fond memories of the Fife venue. An Independents class winner at the venue in 2023, he has consistently scored strong points and will be looking to build on that record this weekend.
Heading into event six, Shedden sits ninth in the Drivers' Championship, with Taylor-Smith occupying 12th. Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport remains fifth in the Teams' Championship and third in the Independent Teams' Championship, with the team focused on closing the gap in both standings as the season enters its second half.
Following Saturday morning's opening 50-minute Free Practice session (10:30), the all-important Qualifying Groups (14:05) and 17-lap Qualifying Race (15:05) will determine the grid for Sunday's three races.
Sunday's races are scheduled for 11:15, 14:15 and 17:20, with all three contests broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK, Racer Network in North America and the BTCC YouTube channel anywhere else in the world.
Árón Taylor-Smith (#50) said:
“Knockhill is a unique circuit that always throws up plenty of challenges, but it’s one I really enjoy. I can’t wait to get back out there and see what we are capable of this weekend.
“We’ve shown throughout the season that we have strong race pace, and if we can back that up with a solid qualifying performance on Saturday, we’ll give ourselves every chance of fighting at the front.
“I’ve had some good results here in the past, so the aim is to keep building our momentum, come away with some strong points, and continue moving in the right direction.”
Gordon Shedden (#52) said:
“I can’t wait to get out on track this weekend in front of the home crowd. Knockhill is always one of the highlights of the season for me. I’ve had plenty of success there over the years, and there’s nothing quite like bringing the BTCC to Scotland.
“Our race pace has been strong this season, with a win, Independent victories and podium finishes proving what we’re capable of. The key now is qualifying further up the grid because we know we have the pace to fight at the front.
“If we execute the weekend well and maximise every opportunity, I’m confident we can be in the mix for podiums and give the Scottish fans something to cheer about.”