Brands Hatch set for 2026 BTCC Season Launch

The 2026 BTCC Season Launch is only a few days away, taking place at Brands Hatch (8 April) with FREE ENTRY available for all spectators wishing to attend.

Whilst official television and photography make up the early morning activities at the Kent venue, the day will swiftly switch focus to the final Official Pre-Season Test with six hours of on-track action commencing from 10:00.

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 driver during a pitlane walkabout – identical to those famously run during BTCC race weekends.

Gates will open to the public from 10:00, with Circuit Owner MSV opening its food and refreshment outlets, whilst spectators can get up close and personal with the latest line-up in the open paddock area throughout the day.

Keep an eye on the BTCC and MSV channels for further information on the final day ahead of the 2026 championship.

2026 Kwik Fit BTCC Calendar, Tickets and Timetables All Available Now

Tickets for all ten events and their respective timetables for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship calendar are all on sale and available now.

The eight venues showcase the best of what UK motorsport has to offer, with the trackside viewing and facilities guaranteeing fans get a truly fantastic experience.

MotorSport Vision, circuit owners at Donington Park, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Snetterton, BARC, who will be hosting two BTCC race weekends in 2026 at Thruxton and Croft respectively, along with Knockhill and Silverstone, have all got every piece of information you could want surrounding the 30-round campaign. 

A full weekend programme from the BTCC includes a new single 40-minute Free Practice session, followed by the new qualifying format which sees two fifteen-minute sessions determine the starting order for the brand new Qualifying Race on Saturday, before a high-octane triple header of races continues to take centre stage on Sunday. There will also be a full support programme, so these events are not to be missed for any British motorsport fan!

Here is the full calendar for the 2026 season, with each event’s timetable and further event information and ticket options hyperlinked.

VenueDateLink for TicketsTimetable
Donington Park18/19 AprilRounds 1, 2 & 3Event 1
Brands Hatch Indy09/10 MayRounds 4, 5 & 6Event 2
Snetterton23/24 MayRounds 7, 8 & 9Event 3
Oulton Park06/07 JuneRounds 10, 11 & 12Event 4
Thruxton25/26 JulyRounds 13, 14 & 15Event 5
Knockhill08/09 AugustRounds 16, 17 & 18Event 6
Donington Park GP22/23 AugustRounds 19, 20 & 21Event 7
Croft05/06 SeptemberRounds 22, 23 & 24Event 8
Silverstone26/27 SeptemberRounds 25, 26 & 27Event 9
Brands Hatch GP10/11 OctoberRounds 28, 29 & 30Event 10

BTCC Croft Test onboards

Shot across two busy days at the North Yorkshire circuit, the latest video on the BTCC YouTube Channel drops viewers straight into the cockpit with some of the championship’s contenders, capturing the speed, precision and commitment required to master one of the UK’s most technical layouts.

Setting the early benchmark was Tom Ingram, who topped the times on the opening morning. The two-time champion delivered a lap 0.067 seconds quicker than the Croft qualifying record he set in 2025, an immediate statement of intent as teams worked through their initial programmes.

The pace continued into the afternoon, where Gordon Shedden moved to the top of the order. The three-time champion showed his experience and racecraft to clock the fastest time of the session through the less-than-favourable conditions, underlining his continued competitiveness in the field.

Day two saw Ash Sutton raise the bar once again. The four-time champion produced the quickest lap of the morning, going 0.246 seconds faster than his 2025 qualifying benchmark on the Ford Focus Titanium’s debut.

Among the standout performers across the test was James Dorlin. The rising talent set the first time below Ingram’s day one benchmark and completed an impressive 113 laps over the course of the test, combining consistency with strong outright pace to finish second overall across the two days.

With multiple drivers already dipping below previous reference points, the stage is set for another fiercely competitive season, and if these early signs are anything to go by, the battle at the front will be as close as ever.

Fans can attend the 2026 BTCC Season Launch at Brands Hatch (8 April) before the championship’s first round, less than three weeks later at Donington Park (19 April).

Watch the full video here.

Power Maxed Racing partners with LKQ Euro Car Parts

Power Maxed Racing announces that LKQ Euro Car Parts will become Title Partner for two of its three entries in the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Competing as LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing, the partnership marks a significant chapter in an existing relationship that spans more than a decade, with the national distributor having been a long-term customer of Automotive Brands’ products, which includes the Power Maxed brand.

The race-winning, driver line-up for the team will be announced in the coming weeks, with Dexter Patterson’s entry continuing under a separate programme, while still aligning across all three cars.

The agreement also follows one of the most challenging periods in the team’s history, after a devastating fire destroyed its entire infrastructure, equipment and race cars. Power Maxed Racing has since rebuilt its team from the ground up, losing everything on a Saturday to setting up at Knockhill the following Thursday, with a fully operational two-car team.

Adam Weaver, Team Principal of Power Maxed Racing, said: “To welcome a market-leading brand of LKQ Euro Car Parts’ size as Title Sponsor on two of our stunning new BTCC cars is a huge moment. Our long-standing history, coupled with its belief in what we’re building, especially after everything we overcame, means a great deal to all involved. With LKQ alongside us, helping us rebuild, we’re ready to push forward and deliver results.”

Laura Sabatini, E-commerce and Marketing Director, LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “Power Maxed Racing’s resilience highlights its commitment to delivering results both on and off the track, which strongly aligns with our own values. We’re excited to see the team bring this level of dedication to the season ahead, and we wish the team the best of luck.”

As title sponsor, LKQ Euro Car Parts branding will feature prominently across the race cars, teamwear and hospitality throughout the 2026 season.

Further driver and partner announcements will follow.

Restart Racing Signs James Dorlin for 2026 BTCC Season

Restart Racing has confirmed that James Dorlin will join the team for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season, taking the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N previously driven by Independent Drivers’ Champion Dan Lloyd.

The move brings one of the championship’s promising young drivers into the reigning Independent Teams’ champions.

Dorlin will drive the #132 entry as Restart Racing looks to build on its most successful BTCC campaign to date.

The 26-year-old impressed during the 2025 season, delivering multiple appearances in the Quick Six and securing four top ten finishes.

Away from touring cars, he has also enjoyed success in GT competition, winning the 2022 British GT Silver-Am Championship and the 2020 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB title.

A former McLaren Development Driver, Dorlin has built a reputation as a quick and adaptable racer across multiple disciplines.

He now joins a Restart Racing team that has quickly established itself as one of the BTCC’s leading independent outfits following its title-winning 2025.

Dorlin will get his first opportunity behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N during the official BTCC pre-season test at Croft on 24/25 March.

James Dorlin said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join Restart Racing for the 2026 season, especially off the back of the success they had last year.

“After the disappointment of having to cut my season short in 2025, a lot of effort has gone into making sure I’m back on the grid and ready to fight properly this time around.

“I think we’ve got a really competitive package at Restart and a great group of people behind the team, so I’m looking forward to getting in the car at Croft and seeing what we can do.

“Thanks to Pete, Chris and everyone involved in making this possible.”

Pete Jones, Team Principal of Restart Racing, said: “James showed last year that he has real pace in the BTCC. Now he has the car and the team around him to show what he can do.

“Dan did a fantastic job for us last season, and now we’re excited to give James the opportunity to build on that.

“We’re really pleased to have him join the team, and I’m looking forward to seeing him out in the car at Croft.”

Restart Racing will again field two Hyundai i30 Fastback N machines powered by Swindon powertrains in the 2026 championship as the team looks to build on the momentum of its Independent title-winning 2025 campaign.

Free tickets available for BTCC pre-season test at Croft

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will kick off its 2026 pre-season at Croft Circuit on 24/25 March, and a limited number of free spectator tickets are available to book online now.

The test marks the first time all of the 2026 BTCC contenders will take to the track together this year, giving fans an unmissable early opportunity to see the new drivers, teams and cars in action ahead of the upcoming season.

With a full day of on-track activity expected across both days, it promises to be a spectacular occasion as the grid's title hopefuls begin fine-tuning their machinery for the campaign ahead.

For those eager to plan forward, Croft will also host Rounds 22, 23 & 24 of the 2026 championship on 5/6 September, so this is a great chance to get a feel for the venue before the racing action arrives later in the year.

Please note that due to high demand, only a limited number of free tickets are available. You must register in advance for your chance to attend. Early registration is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Click here to register now.

Adam Morgan completes Plato Racing line-up for 2026 BTCC season

Plato Racing is delighted to announce the signing of Adam Morgan, completing its driver line-up for the forthcoming 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season. 

In what is the latest true statement of intent by the championship’s newest team, the 37-year-old will partner fellow multiple race winner Daniel Rowbottom to drive a Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloon.

Bringing with him a wealth of experience in the BTCC, Morgan made his debut back in 2012 after securing a place on the grid as a prize for winning the Ginetta GT Supercup title the previous year.

Showing plenty of pace and potential during his inaugural campaign, the Lancashire racer and his family-run team would score a maiden podium in his second season, before then embarking on a hugely successful seven-year stint driving a Mercedes A-Class. 

During that time, Morgan tallied eight of his 11 BTCC wins and 30 of his 47 podium finishes in the striking hatchback. He also teamed up with Rowbottom for the 2019 campaign as the latter made his bow in the UK’s premier motorsport series. 

Playing a highly competitive role as part of Manufacturers’/Constructors’ teams in recent years, Morgan – along with Rowbottom and team figurehead, two-time champion Jason Plato – is now preparing to utilise all of his knowledge to help drive the squad forward.

Adam Morgan, Plato Racing: “This is unbelievably exciting. Joining Plato Racing and being a part of a brand new team, brand new car and a whole new way of approaching the BTCC is incredible.

“JP knows how to win championships and get the best not just out of the car but also out of the team, and you can already see that clearly in how he has gone about setting up Plato Racing. The staff, the infrastructure, the investment, the no holds barred approach is something I have never witnessed before.

“For myself and my sponsor Ciceley Commercials Ltd, joining Plato Racing and driving a Mercedes Benz is commercially by far the best option for us both. And from the first moment we walked into Plato Racing HQ we knew this was where we wanted to be for 2026.

“Dan and I have raced together since we were eight, and he was my teammate at Ciceley in 2019. Paul Ridgway was also my engineer for a couple of years, so we all know how we all work and most importantly we all get on and want to win!  

“I genuinely can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be a mega year! There’s going to be drama, of course, Jason Plato is involved!”

Jason Plato, Plato Racing Team Owner: "I'm thrilled to have Adam join my team, he has vast experience and has proved he can win BTCC races with his 11 wins and 47 podiums.

“Russell his father is a friend of mine, we raced together in 1996 Renault Spiders. They are honest lively people who are business savvy, with strong Mercedes and Daimler connections.

“I also believe, it’s also very important in the first year of a new team that both my drivers get on well and don't fire my cars at the wall, I have absolute confidence that they fit the bill.

“Just like I expect from Dan, I also believe that Adam will be a true force at the sharp end in the BTCC this year.

“Wow, it's a wonderful moment to have two great drivers who have the personality and wildness to fit in with my brand values at Plato Racing.”

Donington Park plays host to the opening rounds of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season on 18/19 April.

NAPA Racing UK brings saloon version of Ford Focus to BTCC

NAPA Racing UK will embark on an exciting new chapter for 2026 as it brings a new iteration of the Ford Focus to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship grid, the saloon-based Titanium model.

With four-time champion Ash Sutton, title contender Dan Cammish, race winner Sam Osborne and debutant Lewis Selby forming its driver line-up for the 2026 season, the team has made no secret of its desire to introduce a new machine into the UK’s premier motorsport series.

One element of the new 2027+ homologation requirements (i.e. that which permits the use of cars not currently sold in the UK) has been brought forward a year for this project, allowing the team to use the saloon version of the Focus. This was unanimously approved by all the existing teams and TOCA some months ago, prior to the team embarking on the change.

Born out of the hatchback version of the Focus, which has guided NAPA Racing UK to a total of 36 wins and six titles since they debuted in 2022, the front three-quarters of the new car shares a striking resemblance to the old car, along with the wheelbase.

However, it’s towards the rear where things have changed, with new bodywork forming a sleeker, more aerodynamically efficient look that will help reduce drag. In addition, the changes made to the cars should mean that they are slightly lighter, which will aid performance.

Whilst the team evaluated several different options, the future-proofing decision to remain with the Ford marque has also guaranteed that NAPA Racing UK’s long-standing and successful association with engine builders, Mountune, will continue.

All four cars will take part in a shakedown in the coming days before then going on to attend the official championship pre-season tests at Croft and Brands Hatch.

Antonio Carrozza, NAPA Racing UK Lead Engineer, commented: “This is an exciting time for the entire team. It was a lengthy process to come to this decision, such were the options we had, but we feel like the saloon version of the Focus is the way to go.

“The ultimate goal is to reduce aerodynamic drag. We highlighted that as an area we wanted to address last season, and this move to a different shape allows us to do just that; there are many elements that remain the same to the car, however, there will be some fine-tuning required.

“Everyone involved in this project has done a fantastic job, and now the exciting bit comes next: to head out on track and begin dialling the car into what we hope will be a championship challenger.”

Pete Osborne, Alliance Racing Team Owner, said: “I can’t wait to get going. We’ve had a very busy winter with the team behind the scenes working relentlessly on reworking the Focus into a virtually new car, one that looks stunning.

“We’ve got a good test programme scheduled in for March, where the drivers and engineers will get to work on understanding the changes to the new car. Everyone is very excited for this year, and we’ll be doing our best to get the number one back on our car.”

Steve Richardson, Managing Director of NAPA UK / Alliance Automotive Group UK&IE Ltd, said: “Having seen the methodical process in selecting this year’s car, I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made during the off-season. Being able to continue with Ford, having had so much success in previous years, along with Mountune, means we have the cornerstones of what is shaping up to be an exciting season on track.”

The 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season commences at Donington Park on 18/19 April.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport reveal 2026 BTCC livery

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport has today (25 February) revealed the liveries for its two-car assault for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Hosted at The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch, the evening's attendees were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes unveiling of the Toyota Corollas for the new season, ahead of their public launch.

The reveal also saw the team's two new drivers, Gordon Shedden and Árón Taylor-Smith, alongside Team Founder Mark Blundell, join the guests for the evening to talk through their hopes ahead of the new season.

Fans will first have the opportunity to see both Toyota Corollas in action at the opening pre-season test of 2026 at Croft Circuit (24/25 March).

Cammish hails 'remarkable' continuity as he enters fifth season with NAPA Racing UK

Dan Cammish believes continuity will be a major strength as he prepares for a fifth consecutive season with NAPA Racing UK in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, continuing one of the longest driver–team partnerships on the current grid.

“To be going into a fifth season with NAPA Racing UK is quite remarkable, really,” Cammish said. “It’s rare that you get that kind of continuity in any motor racing series.

“So, to be heading into my fifth season alongside Ash [Sutton], I think is really great. It’s a testament to the team and the relationship we’ve built there, and I’m very proud of that. The support from Pete Osborne and Steve Richardson has been unwavering and personally a big reason as to why I enjoy being a part of this team.”

That stability has coincided with a steady rise in results since joining the team, culminating in a third-place finish in the overall standings last season, his strongest campaign to date with the Alliance Racing-run squad.

“Every season with NAPA, I’ve scored better than the season before, and I’ve slowly climbed my way back up the overall table.

“So with any luck, and working on that basis, I shouldn’t finish any lower than third next season. Fingers crossed.”

Cammish highlighted the value of familiarity within his engineering group, stressing how long-term relationships can make the difference “I’ve worked so closely with my engineers and mechanics. We’ve brought in some new people as well to help along the way, and it’s such a tight-knit group now.

“The grid itself is so close and so strong, you need every little bit of advantage you can find.”

“I really feel like James [Mundy], my race engineer, has really come on song this last year or so. He’s always been a fantastic engineer, but you’ve got to learn about the individual you’re working with, what makes them tick, what makes them quick, and what they want from the car.”

That growing understanding paid dividends throughout the season, particularly in qualifying, which Cammish identified as a major strength.

“I think this past season James has delivered fantastically for me,” he said. “Certainly qualifying has shown that. We’ve always been right at the sharp end, had a very fast car and a lot of good results.”

Saturdays, in particular, became a strong suit, with Cammish finishing second in the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings. “Qualifying is a big part of my weekend,” he explained. “It’s something I really enjoy.

“These cars are very adjustable. I think sometimes people underestimate just how much you can change on a touring car. It’s easy to go down the wrong avenue, and there’s not a lot of testing time, and there’ll be even less testing time coming up, so every lap is going to be very important.”

With a new Saturday Qualifying Race being introduced, Cammish expects another layer of complexity for drivers and teams to navigate.

“It’s going to be a whole new challenge for all of us. It’s not something we’re used to. Qualifying has been strong, and with the information we have in the team and the strong package we’ve got, I don’t see any issue with having a little bit less testing and going into qualifying earlier in the day.

“The difference now is that it’s actually the qualifying race that’s going to set up the grid for Sunday. I’d be intrigued to see how the new regulations affect that.”

Despite his best season with the team so far, Cammish is candid about areas where improvements can still be made.

“There were too many mistakes that crept in,” he admitted. “I’d love to have a season where I could look back and say there weren’t any mistakes there, mistakes from the team side and ultimately mistakes from mine.

“Maybe there was just a little bit too much going on at times, and that spilled over onto the track. The championship’s become so close now that you really can’t afford any mishaps. You really need to score every single point.”

The ultimate target remains clear. “Everybody starts out wanting the title, I always do too. The top three was an aim I had early on for this season, and I start next season with the same mentality.

“But ultimately, the number one spot has eluded me for too long now. Of course, that’s the aim.”

Away from the circuit, the long BTCC off-season provides a rare opportunity to reset before preparations begin again in earnest.

“It’s a long off-season,” Cammish said. “Once we actually get started, we race almost every other week, which I think is great.

“From my side, it’s do the day job. I’m a new father as well, so I’ve got a lot going on at home. It’s good timing to spend some time at home with my wife and my new daughter.”

“We’re now getting together with the engineers, understanding where we’re at with the car, what’s coming around the corner and where the drivers might need to be involved. You do start to miss the racing. It feels like a bit of a drag through December, but come January, it ramps up very quickly.”

With continuity secured and lessons learned, Cammish now looks ahead to 2026 determined to turn consistent front-running pace into a sustained title challenge at the sharp end of the BTCC grid.