Three different marques win at Brands Hatch

Rounds 4, 5 and 6 of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship took place at Brands Hatch this past weekend (9/10 May) with a drama-filled trio of races wowing the crowds at the famous Kent circuit.

Four-time champion Ash Sutton extended his advantage at the top of the standings with his third victory of the season and successive triple podiums, following his blistering performances in the curtain raiser at Donington Park.

The biggest applause arguably went to Árón Taylor-Smith as the Irishman claimed his first victory in nearly ten years, as he stormed through the field during a dry-wet second race.

Last but by no means least was the reverse grid triumph for Tom Ingram, as the reigning champion scored a first victory of 2026 to kickstart his title defence.

Five of the six marques have already won races this season – with Mercedes machinery winning the first ever Qualifying Race – while Audi, Ford, Toyota and Hyundai have reached the top step of the rostrum during the opening two weekends of action.

Sutton – following his 50^th career triumph – leads the overall Drivers’ standings from old adversary Ingram, with former Jack Sears Trophy winner Mikey Doble in third. Three podiums so far for series returnee Ricky Collard see him flying along in fourth.

Alliance Racing/Ford and NAPA Racing UK top both the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ and Teams’ tables.

Doble and the LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing squad top the Independents’, whilst James Dorlin holds sway in the Jack Sears Trophy.

The next event on the BTCC calendar takes place at Snetterton on 23/24 May.

Sutton speeds to half century of victories

NAPA Racing UK's Sutton (Ford) took victory in the Brands Hatch Indy opener, notching up an incredible 50th career triumph in just 301 starts.

Calm and collected from pole position, Sutton initially kept the rest at bay while Adam Morgan's Cataclean Plato Racing Mercedes A35 Saloon slid off at Paddock Hill Bend following contact amidst slippery conditions.

The WSR BMW of Daryl De Leon had been jumped by the Team VERTU Hyundai pairing of Collard and Ingram in the early exchanges, as well as the Ford of NAPA Racing UK's Dan Cammish, before a safety car intervention paused proceedings.

A nip and tuck battle between the lead four ensued at the restart with Collard attacking Sutton before eventually passing the four-time champion on lap 12. Sutton would not be denied, however, as he returned the favour one lap later in what proved to be a top-class scrap for the win.

Ingram and Cammish were having a similar tussle as they swapped positions for third on a few occasions before the #80 Hyundai made his move stick later in the contest.

Taylor-Smith takes first victory in nearly a decade

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s Taylor-Smith (Toyota Corolla) battled the weather to take his first victory in almost ten years (Rockingham, 2016) during Round 5 of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

One of the more dramatic BTCC races in recent memory commenced in slight damp conditions before the rain began to fall heavier as the race progressed.

The vast majority of drivers decided to brave it out on Goodyear dry rubber and a quite phenomenal battle for victory commenced.

The likes of Sutton (Ford) and Collard (Hyundai) each held the lead at one stage but it was the charging Taylor-Smith from 13th on the grid that had the crowd on its feet.

Move after move was made by the Irishman, with the #50 Toyota Corolla looking like it was on rails around the 1.2-mile Indy Circuit, whilst others jittered around on the tricky track surface.

In truth, the move for victory was fairly routine as Taylor-Smith dived down the inside of Collard's #11 Hyundai on the entry to Paddock Hill Bend, before the experienced tin top peddler pulled away from the pack.

It proved a popular triumph with a huge roar greeting the multiple race winner as he crossed the line, whilst Sutton and Collard completed the podium.

Ingram ends Brands Hatch with maiden 2026 victory

Team VERTU’s Ingram (Hyundai) took victory in the reverse grid bout, closing out an exciting day of racing.

Somehow, championship leader Sutton (Ford) stormed from seventh on the grid to be fighting for the lead through Paddock Hill Bend for the first time, as he went around the outside of pole-sitter Dorlin in the Restart Racing Hyundai.

NAPA Racing UK's Sutton eventually had to settle into second as Dorlin backed him into a gaggle of contenders - led by the Team VERTU Hyundai duo of Collard and Ingram.

After moving into second, Ingram hunted down and dispatched of Dorlin before romping home to his first win of the season.

The LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing Audi of Doble briefly moved into third but couldn't hold off the fast-starting Sutton, who recovered from a mid-race shuffle to grab fourth.

That soon became second and third for Sutton and Doble when Dorlin was further relegated to the lower end of the top ten as the battles intensified.

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 1 – Brands Hatch Indy

1. Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK 27 Laps
2. Ricky Collard, Team VERTU +0.974s
3. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU +3.298s
4. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +8.953s
5. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +9.290s
6. Sam Osborne, NAPA Racing UK +11.120s
7. Mikey Doble, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +12.490s
8. Chris Smiley, Restart Racing +12.795s
9. Charles Rainford, WSR +13.079s
10. Josh Cook, Speedworks Corolla Racing +17.107s

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 2 – Brands Hatch Indy

1. Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport 20 Laps
2. Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +3.409s
3. Ricky Collard, Team VERTU +3.830s
4. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU +4.460s
5. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +5.304s
6. Mikey Doble, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +5.571s
7. Josh Cook, Speedworks Corolla Racing +9.027s
8. James Dorlin, Restart Racing +9.720s
9. Dexter Patterson, Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing +9.958s
10. Daryl De Leon, WSR +12.111s

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Race 3 – Brands Hatch Indy

1. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU 24 Laps
2. Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +3.848s
3. Mikey Doble, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +4.426s
4. Daryl De Leon, WSR +5.131s
5. Josh Cook, Speedworks Corolla Racing +8.054s
6. Adam Morgan, Cataclean Plato Racing +9.816s
7. Gordon Shedden, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +16.642s
8. James Dorlin, Restart Racing +17.080s
9. Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +17.241s
10. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +17.644s

Penalties:

Qualifying Race

James Dorlin received a five-second time penalty in the Qualifying Race at Brands Hatch Indy, for an overboost infringement

Race 1

Dan Cammish received a five-second time penalty and three penalty points on his license in Round 4 of the championship, for causing a collision in an incident involving Adam Morgan


Daryl De Leon received a five-second time penalty in Round 4 of the championship for obtaining an unfair advantage in an incident involving Gordon Shedden



Tom Chilton received a five-second time penalty in Round 4 of the championship, for being out of position at the start of the race

Lewis Selby received a ten-second time penalty and three penalty points on his license in Round 4 of the championship, for causing a collision in an incident involving Aiden Moffat

Tom Ingram (Team VERTU) took victory in Round 6 of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship to take the first triumph in his defence of the Drivers' title.

The reverse grid bout brought down the curtain on an exciting day of racing around the 1.2-mile circuit but not before it had continued the dramatic theme.

Somehow, championship leader Ash Sutton stormed from seventh on the grid to be fighting for the lead around the outside of pole-sitter James Dorlin (Restart Racing) at Paddock Hill Bend for the first time.

NAPA Racing UK's Sutton eventually had to settle into second as Dorlin backed him into a gaggle of contenders - led by the Team VERTU duo of Ricky Collard and Tom Ingram.

After moving into second, Ingram hunted down and dispatched of Dorlin before romping home to his first win of the season.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing's Mikey Doble had briefly moved into third but couldn't hold off the fast starting Sutton, who recovered from a mid-race shuffle to finish fourth.

That soon became second and third for Sutton and Doble as Dorlin was relegated to the lower end of the top ten.

WSR's Daryl De Leon was fourth, ahead of Josh Cook and Adam Morgan, providing some respite for both Speedworks Corolla Racing and Cataclean Plato Racing.

A special mention also for three time champion Gordon Shedden as the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport man came from the back row of the grid to finish seventh.

Tom Ingram, Team VERTU, said:

Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK, said:

Mikey Doble, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing, said:

Brands Hatch – Race 3 – Result:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	24	19:29.659		48.009	6
2	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	24	19:33.507	3.848	47.627	11
3	88	Mikey DOBLE	LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing	24	19:34.085	4.426	48.079	14
4	2	Daryl DE LEON	WSR	24	19:34.790	5.131	47.682	12
5	66	Josh COOK	Speedworks Corolla Racing	24	19:37.713	8.054	47.862	4
6	33	Adam MORGAN	Cataclean Plato Racing	24	19:39.475	9.816	48.143	4
7	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	24	19:46.301	16.642	48.181	19
8	132	James DORLIN	Restart Racing	24	19:46.739	17.080	48.333	7
9	50	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	24	19:46.900	17.241	48.298	5
10	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing	24	19:47.323	17.664	48.323	6
11	17	Dexter PATTERSON	Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing	24	19:48.090	18.431	48.333	5
12	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	24	19:48.373	18.714	48.234	10
13	99	Charles RAINFORD	WSR	24	19:48.629	18.970	48.108	5
14	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	24	19:48.865	19.206	48.151	9
15	15	Lewis SELBY	NAPA Racing UK	24	19:49.203	19.544	48.255	13
16	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	24	19:50.720	21.061	47.946	8
17	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	Cataclean Plato Racing	24	19:51.435	21.776	48.345	5
18	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	24	19:53.956	24.297	48.413	9
19	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Team VERTU	23	20:08.723	1 Lap	48.627	7
DNF	19	Max BUXTON	Speedworks Corolla Racing	17	14:16.305	7 Laps	48.544	9
DNF	11	Ricky COLLARD	Team VERTU	14	13:03.238	10 Laps	47.912	9

Árón Taylor-Smith (Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport) battled the weather to take his first victory in 10 years (Rockingham, 2016) during Round 5 of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

One of the more dramatic BTCC races in recent memory commenced in slight damp conditions before the rain began to fall heavier as the race progressed.

The vast majority of drivers decided to brave it out on Goodyear dry rubber and a quite phenomenal tussle for victory commenced.

The likes of Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK) and Ricky Collard (Team VERTU) each held the lead at one stage but it was the charging Taylor-Smith from 13th on the grid that had the crowd on its feet.

Move after move was made by the Irishman in the #50 Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport Toyota, with the Corolla looking like it was on rails around the 1.2-mile Indy Circuit, whilst others jittered around on the tricky track surface.

In truth, the move for victory was fairly routine as Taylor-Smith dived down the inside of Collard's #11 Hyundai on the entry to Paddock Hill Bend, before the experienced tin top peddler pulled away from the pack.

It proved a popular triumph with a huge roar greeting the multiple race winner as he crossed the line, with Sutton and Collard joining Taylor-Smith on the podium.

Team VERTU's Tom Ingram took fourth ahead of the LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing duo of Aiden Moffat and Mikey Doble.

Moffat's performance almost matched that of Taylor-Smith as the Scotsman stormed through the pack from 17th on the grid. He eventually ran side-by-side with teammate Doble before securing fifth in the closing stages.

Speedworks Corolla Racing's Josh Cook experienced a wild race as he fought for a podium, then dropped down the order after running through the gravel at Paddock Hill, before fighting back to finish seventh.

James Dorlin (Restart Racing), Dexter Patterson (Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing) and Daryl De Leon (WSR) completed the top ten positions.

There was more joy in 11th as Team VERTU's Nic Hamilton scored one of his best ever results with a fantastic drive in the wet, bringing back great memories of his top six finish at Donington Park in 2023.

Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said:

Ash Sutton, NAPA Racing UK, said:

Ricky Collard, Team VERTU, said:

Brands Hatch Indy – Race 2 – Result:

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	Best/	On/
1	50	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	20	20:02.434		55.623	11
2	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	20	20:05.843	3.409	55.391	7
3	11	Ricky COLLARD	Team VERTU	20	20:06.264	3.830	55.329	7
4	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	20	20:06.894	4.460	55.677	7
5	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing	20	20:07.738	5.304	55.920	18
6	88	Mikey DOBLE	LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing	20	20:08.005	5.571	55.582	8
7	66	Josh COOK	Speedworks Corolla Racing	20	20:11.461	9.027	55.636	9
8	132	James DORLIN	Restart Racing	20	20:12.154	9.720	56.036	13
9	17	Dexter PATTERSON	Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing	20	20:12.392	9.958	56.055	15
10	2	Daryl DE LEON	WSR	20	20:14.545	12.111	56.255	16
11	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Team VERTU	20	20:35.134	32.700	54.489	6
12	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	20	20:41.213	38.779	56.311	9
13	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	Cataclean Plato Racing	19	20:20.126	1 Lap	52.568	13
14	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	19	20:22.566	1 Lap	55.835	7
15	33	Adam MORGAN	Cataclean Plato Racing	19	20:30.837	1 Lap	53.852	15
DNF	99	Charles RAINFORD	WSR	20	20:07.200	4.766	55.534	8
DNF	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	20	20:14.789	12.355	55.639	8
DNF	19	Max BUXTON	Speedworks Corolla Racing	19	19:24.329	1 Lap	56.156	7
DNF	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	18	18:19.442	2 Laps	55.767	9
DNF	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	11	11:43.954	9 Laps	56.044	9
DNF	15	Lewis SELBY	NAPA Racing UK	0	0.000			0

WSR's Daryl De Leon topped the times in the single Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Free Practice session around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, the scene of the Anglo-Filipino's maiden BTCC victory one year ago.

BMW continued its recent dominance of the 1.2-mile Indy circuit, having taken pole position and all three victories at the famous Kent venue.

A solid start to the 2026 campaign for teammate Charles Rainford sees him sitting second in the overall standings whilst De Leon is currently down in 13th after a tricky season opener at Donington Park.

The Audi stable is also turning heads in 2026 as the brand new A3 Saloon ended up second and third in Free Practice with Dexter Patterson (Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing) and Mikey Doble (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing) nipping in front of the NAPA Racing UK duo of Dan Cammish and Ash Sutton.

Cataclean Plato Racing's Daniel Rowbottom – winner of the first ever Qualifying Race at Donington Park last time out – was sixth in his #32 Mercedes A35 Saloon, ahead of Team VERTU's reigning champion Tom Ingram.

WSR's Rainford was eighth, whilst Chris Smiley (Restart Racing) and Adam Morgan (Cataclean Plato Racing) rounded out the top ten.

After the single 40-minute Free Practice, the finishing order will be split into two groups, odd-finishing-numbers (Group 1) and even-finishing-numbers (Group 2), for a 15-minute qualifying session to set their fastest times. The group with the fastest qualifying time will occupy the odd-numbered grid positions for the Qualifying Race, ordered by their respective qualifying times. The other group will occupy the even-numbered grid positions, also ordered by qualifying times.

15 minutes after the qualifying session for Group 2 has concluded, the standard grid procedure for a race start begins, and the pit lane opens. The finishing order of the shorter 18-lap ‘Race to Pole’ will determine the grid for the first of Sunday’s traditional trio of races.

Half-points are awarded for the Qualifying Race. There are no bonus points for leading a lap, the fastest lap, or for pole position for the Qualifying Race, whereas the bonus points for leading a lap and the fastest lap are still available on Sunday. Making 76 the highest score across a race weekend, more than the 67 of recent years.

Qualifying and the Qualifying Race can be found LIVE on the ITV Sport YouTube Channel worldwide for the very first time from 13:50 later today. You won't want to miss it!

Daryl DeLeon said:

Dexter Patterson said:

Mikey Doble said:

Free Practice - Brands Hatch Indy

P/	No/	Name/	Entry/	Laps/	Time/	Gap/	On/
1	2	Daryl DE LEON	WSR	33	47.360		28
2	17	Dexter PATTERSON	Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing	24	47.402	0.042	23
3	88	Mikey DOBLE	LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing	31	47.437	0.077	28
4	27	Dan CAMMISH	NAPA Racing UK	28	47.494	0.134	24
5	116	Ashley SUTTON	NAPA Racing UK	28	47.508	0.148	26
6	32	Daniel ROWBOTTOM	Cataclean Plato Racing	28	47.518	0.158	26
7	80	Tom INGRAM	Team VERTU	26	47.583	0.223	25
8	99	Charles RAINFORD	WSR	31	47.657	0.297	31
9	22	Chris SMILEY	Restart Racing	29	47.701	0.341	24
10	33	Adam MORGAN	Cataclean Plato Racing	25	47.717	0.357	25
11	15	Lewis SELBY	NAPA Racing UK	35	47.758	0.398	30
12	50	Árón TAYLOR-SMITH	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	30	47.842	0.482	20
13	16	Aiden MOFFAT	LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing	25	48.021	0.661	24
14	11	Ricky COLLARD	Team VERTU	24	48.058	0.698	19
15	3	Tom CHILTON	Team VERTU	19	48.093	0.733	13
16	52	Gordon SHEDDEN	Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport	29	48.101	0.741	16
17	77	Sam OSBORNE	NAPA Racing UK	28	48.110	0.750	27
18	28	Nicolas HAMILTON	Team VERTU	31	48.471	1.111	19
19	66	Josh COOK	Speedworks Corolla Racing	22	48.622	1.262	13
20	19	Max BUXTON	Speedworks Corolla Racing	31	48.814	1.454	18
21	132	James DORLIN	Restart Racing	4			0

Q1. What does ‘overboosting’ mean?

A: Overboosting happens when a car’s turbocharger produces more boost pressure than the maximum level permitted for that engine type. In simple terms; overboosting provides a momentary performance increase, above what is allowed for that engine.

Q2. Why are boost limits used in the championship?

A: Boost limits are used to balance maximum power outputs across different engine types. Whilst each engine has a tailored maximum boost level in order to equalise their maximum horsepower across the grid, it remains the responsibility of the team and engine builder to design and run their engine in a way that operates within that maximum boost limit.

Q3. What changed for the 2026 season?

A: For 2026, the championship introduced a live boost monitoring system, developed in collaboration with Cosworth. Unlike previous years where boost levels were checked after races, it is now monitored continuously, in real time, during all on-track sessions and races.

Q4. How was boost monitoring handled before 2026?

A: Previously, boost data was reviewed after a race. So, if a car exceeded the permitted boost level, beyond the allowed tolerance level, the only available penalty was automatic disqualification from that session or race; the team/driver did not have the real-time information and therefore could not adjust it accordingly whilst on-track.  

This year is a much fairer system as it allows the driver and team the opportunity to correct any overboost as much as possible, in real-time, rather than face the penalty of automatic disqualification.

Q6. How does the new live boost monitoring system work?

A: The system tracks how long each car operates above the permitted boost threshold (after allowing for spike tolerances such as kerb strikes and downshifts). If a driver exceeds this allowance, the system will automatically reduce the available boost as a penalty providing there is enough time left in the race or qualifying lap to do so.

As well, the driver also has the ability to make adjustments to reduce their overboost, whilst on-track, in order to ensure it remains within that permitted level during that race or lap.

Q7. What penalties can be applied under the new system?

A: There is now a sliding scale of penalties:

• Minor penalty: 5 seconds
• Medium penalty: 10 seconds
• Maximum penalty: Disqualification

Disqualification only applies if a driver finishes the race (or lap, in qualifying) whilst still in the maximum ‘penalty state’ and thus has not reduced their overboost sufficiently to bring it below the allowed tolerance level, or even down to the ‘medium’ or ‘minor’ penalty positions.

Q8. What does ‘penalty state’ mean?

A: A driver is in a penalty state if they have exceeded their total allowed boost usage and have not ‘paid it back’ by running reduced boost for the required amount of time before finishing the race (or the lap, in qualifying).

Q9. Can drivers manage this during the race?

A: Yes. Drivers and engineers can adjust boost levels in the car during the race. Skilled teams aim to run as close to the limit as possible while staying within their allowance and correcting their boost usage when necessary. The driver can also see, in real-time via their dashboard display, if they are in an overboost penalty state and they can make adjustments to their engine mapping and/or driving to bring that overboost down to within the tolerance level.

Q10. Does this affect qualifying differently than races?

A: Yes. In qualifying, drivers cannot finish a lap while in an overboost penalty state. If they do, that lap is automatically deleted. For example, at Donington Park several individual laps were deleted during qualifying because drivers exceeded boost limits during their qualifying lap and did not ‘repay’ it before that lap ended. For context, some 94% of all cars were in compliance and controlled their boost levels.

How is this different from the TOCA Turbo Boost (TTB)?

A: The system discussed here is called CLBS – Closed Loop Boost Scrutineering, which enforces technical compliance of the mandated base boost-level for that engine.

It has nothing to do with the TTB, which is a separate championship system which provides additional boost (via a push to pass button) designed to assist overtaking and/or competition.  The TTB is not part of the CLBS monitoring.

Q12. Who monitors the CLBS system during races?

A: Boost usage is monitored live in both race control and the TOCA Technical Centre using technology supplied by Cosworth and (timing partner) TSL. Any infringements are immediately checked, reviewed and formally reported to the Race Director if required.

At the same time, the teams can also monitor if their car is in an overboost penalty state and can have their driver make an adjustment to their engine mapping setting in order to correct it.

Q13. Why were penalties seen earlier in the season?

A: There were a small number of penalties early on, but by races two and three every competitor operated within the limits and there were no penalties. The expectation is that the system will largely run quietly in the background as teams/drivers adapt to ensure they don’t overboost to a degree where they will receive a penalty.

Q14. What is the overall goal of the new system?

A: The aim is fairness and transparency — preventing drivers/teams from gaining an advantage through excess boost whilst avoiding the automatic post-race disqualification as much as possible.  

All teams voted and agreed to bring this system into operation, in order to reduce the number of harsh penalties for overboosting.

Therefore, teams and drivers now have the tools at their disposal to see and correct any overboosting during the race (or lap) rather than face an automatic disqualification as a result of their engine overboosting.

The 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship continues on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit this weekend (9/10 May) with WSR targeting a re-run of last year’s record-breaking on-track achievements.  
 
The 2025 event on the 1.2-mile Indy layout was one of the most successful in WSR’s 30-year BTCC history as the team scored pole position, triumphed in all three races, and, in doing so, broke the series’ all-time wins record for teams. 
 
Charles Rainford and Daryl De Leon achieved their own milestones that weekend as each scored their maiden series win aboard their BMW 330i M Sports, and the pair are back aiming to use that form to propel them to further glory this time.
 
Rainford enjoyed an excellent weekend at the Donington Park opener in April as he achieved a podium finish in the opening race and scored 43 points across the event – his second-best career BTCC weekend points total to date.
 
Holding second place in the championship standings – also a career best – does present the 27-year-old, who was fastest at the Season Launch test at the track a month ago,  with one critical issue, however.
 
His high championship position means his BMW will be one of the most heavily-restricted cars through Saturday’s sessions (including the new-for-2026 Qualifying Race) and for Race 1 on Sunday; the Horsham driver being allowed less use of the TOCA Turbo Boost (TTB) function than all but one other rival, under series regulations.
 
De Leon, by contrast, has no boost restrictions coming into the weekend, meaning his BMW has the full TTB allocation heading into Saturday's action and Sunday's opening race.
 
The Anglo-Filipino enjoyed a superb 2025 event at Brands Hatch as he scored his first win and was in inspired form at the season-closing weekend on the longer Grand Prix layout, as he took pole position and secured the Jack Sears Trophy crown.
 
The Cambridgeshire-based 20-year-old endured a challenging Donington. Both aim to add to WSR’s impressive tally of 20 wins and 51 podiums on the Indy layout on what is expected to be a dry and warm weekend.

Charles Rainford, #99 WSR, said: “Back to Brands Hatch and to the best memories of my racing career! Becoming a BTCC winner in what was only my second-ever weekend in the series felt incredible – nobody had done that for over 20 years and it took quite a while for that to properly sink in. A year ago we had a horrible Donington so we needed to bounce back at Brands, but this time Donington was very strong for us so we’re in a very different position. Brands Hatch should be the best track of the year for the BMW and if the warm weather we’ve had recently continues, that could help us too. I’m looking forward to it.”

Daryl De Leon, #2 WSR, said: “Taking my first win at Brands Hatch last year was amazing. We judged things to perfection in that race. Now we’re back on the Indy Circuit in a very similar position to last year, following a tough Donington weekend. The big benefit for me is that my BMW has the maximum boost for Saturday and Race One, so that should give me a good chance of turning in some good results. We were mega on the newly-resurfaced track last year. Now that it’s had 12 months to rubber-in, it probably won’t benefit us as much, but the two slow corners at Druids and Clearways are definitely areas where we can use the BMW’s ultra-strong traction to help us go forwards.”

Dick Bennetts, Team Principal: “It’s not very often that you win three races in a day in the BTCC and even less so with three different drivers, so to do that at Brands Hatch a year ago was a great achievement for everybody at WSR. Breaking the series’ all-time wins record on the same day was the icing on the cake. Achieving that took a lot of hard work and I have no doubt it will be just as hard this weekend, even if Brands Hatch is a track that the BMWs have usually gone well at. Charles and Daryl are in very different places in terms of the boost situation coming into the weekend, so we’ll probably need to have two very different strategies to maximise the points potential when their BMWs should be at their strongest. It’s all part of the challenge of the BTCC, but I think we should be more competitive than at Donington.”

Power Maxed Racing is proud to announce that the build programme for the Junior Championship cars is now officially underway, marking a major milestone ahead of the series’ debut on the 2027 BTCC package. 

Named the PM1, the junior race car is being built from the ground up and engineered specifically for 14–17-year-old drivers while bringing together some of the most respected names in motorsport to deliver this bespoke, purpose-built race car. The involvement of brands considered ‘household names’ in terms of Motorsport, ensures the PM1 will deliver the performance, reliability, and data expected for a top-level Junior Championship.

The championship is designed with cost control, transparency, and sustainability at its core. The price for each ‘ready-to-race’ car is competitively positioned at £74,995 +VAT. However, the first ten cars sold will be available for £69,995 thanks to a £5,000 sponsorship contribution from car care brand Power Maxed in return for brand presence on those cars.   

The running costs for an entire season will be approximately £85,000 per annum, to include 30 races across ten race weekends and ten test days, alongside the BTCC at all rounds.

So, the PM1 build – shown above with the AI improved image based on the actual bodywork as per the additional image below – is now underway and PMR is open for discussions with any race team and drivers wishing to be part of this exciting next generation Junior Championship.

Introducing the PM1 — A New Standard in Junior Motorsport

Designed from the ground up as a professional grade junior race car, the PM1 offers young drivers a professional level development platform. Key features include:

Electronics Partner

A full data and ECU package that mirrors high level senior car systems, giving drivers and teams access to elite-level analysis tools and the ability to take car and race data directly into simulator platforms for learning, training, and race preparation. An announcement regarding the secured Electronics partner and the electronics suite is to follow.

Engine Partner

World renowned for its motorsport engineering and engine supply, our partner will supply a championship-spec power unit providing the PM1 with the same technical excellence trusted at the highest levels of competition and parity across competing cars. An announcement regarding this world-class engine partner is to follow.

Drivetrain Package

Each car will be equipped with a proven, high‑spec sequential gearbox and differential; engineered for durability, precision and consistent performance.

Designed and Built by Power Maxed Racing

The car has been developed by the same engineering team behind multiple BTCC race-winning cars, ensuring the PM1 is robust, serviceable and capable of delivering close, competitive racing.

Driver Centric Safety

Class-leading FIA compliant safety systems, plus an adjustable seating and pedal positions are within a cockpit layout designed to prepare drivers for the next step in their careers.

Cost Controlled, High Value Platform

A tightly managed technical spec and scrutineering ensures parity, affordability and a level playing field for all competitors.

PMR’s Proven Pedigree

With more than a decade of experience building and running competitive cars in the British Touring Car Championship, Power Maxed Racing (PMR) brings respected engineering ability to the PM1 project.

From chassis development to electronics integration, PMR’s technical team has delivered performance at the highest level of UK motorsport — and that same capability is now being channelled into a junior platform designed to accelerate driver development.

Excitement Builds as the First PM1 Chassis Nears Completion.

With the first PM1 chassis almost finished, momentum is rapidly growing across the paddock. Teams and drivers have already begun registering interest as the championship moves from concept to reality.

A full test schedule is currently being planned, offering prospective drivers and teams the opportunity to experience the PM1 ahead of the 2027 season. In addition, a major launch event is in planning, where the completed PM1 will be unveiled for the first time.

Over the coming weeks and months, PMR will release:

• Key Partner information 
• Regular build updates from the workshop
• Technical deep dives into the PM1’s engineering
• Team and driver information packs covering purchase options, detailed running costs and championship structure
• Launch event details
• Test schedule announcements

Register Your Interest

Teams and drivers who want to be first to receive updates, technical specifications, test dates, and launch event invitations can now register their interest at PowerMaxedRacing.com by completing the online form. Early registrants will receive priority access to:

• PM1 technical specifications
• Test schedule release
• Driver and team package details
• Launch event invitations
• Championship sponsorship opportunities
• Allocation of the available PM1 cars
• Early-bird car purchase discount (Power Maxed sponsor contribution)

This is an exciting new era for Junior Motorsport on the BTCC Stage – which is, by far, the highest profile platform in British Motorsport. The Junior Championship represents a major step forward in creating a credible, aspirational, and commercially attractive pathway for young drivers. With key partners onboard, and PMR leading the build, the 2027 grid will highlight the next generation of talent on the biggest stage.

Experienced Championship Co-Ordinator Announced 

Power Maxed Racing is also delighted to welcome Laura Payne as Championship Co-Ordinator for the Junior Championship. Laura brings extensive experience in motorsport operations, driver liaison, and championship management, ensuring the series is delivered with professionalism and structure.

Built for the next generation – Their future starts with PM1.

Speedworks Corolla Racing heads to Brands Hatch Indy this weekend (9/10 May) full of confidence and determination, as the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign gathers momentum following an encouraging opening round at Donington Park. Having demonstrated competitive, front-running pace throughout the season opener, the team arrives at the Kent venue eager to convert performance into silverware.

The tight and technical 1.21-mile Brands Hatch Indy circuit presents a task of stark contrast to Donington, placing a premium on qualifying performance, precision, and race craft. With limited overtaking opportunities and no margin for error, execution will be key.

Encouragingly, the Toyota Corolla GR Sport has already shown it has the speed to compete at the sharp end, with Josh Cook consistently battling amongst the frontrunners last time out. While misfortune denied a stronger points haul, the underlying pace has positioned the team as a contender heading into the second event.

Cook will be aiming to capitalise on that speed and fight for podium honours at a circuit where confidence and commitment are essential. His ability to recover strongly through the field at Donington highlighted both the potential of the package and the determination within the team.

On the other side of the garage, Max Buxton continues to build experience in his rookie BTCC campaign. After gaining valuable mileage during a challenging but productive opening weekend, the focus now shifts to extracting more performance and continuing his progression in one of the most competitive grids in world motorsport.

With strong foundations already in place, Speedworks Corolla Racing arrives at Brands Hatch with a clear objective: to turn promise into results and establish itself firmly at the front of the field.

Christian Dick, Team Principal, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said: “Donington Park gave us a really solid platform to build from. The pace we showed throughout the weekend was extremely encouraging, even if the final results didn’t fully reflect that. As a team, we’ve taken a lot of confidence from the performance and also learned where we need to improve.

“Brands Hatch Indy is a very different challenge – it’s short, intense and leaves no room for mistakes – but that’s exactly the kind of circuit where strong fundamentals and a well-balanced car can make the difference. We’ve worked hard between rounds to refine our package, and we head into the weekend feeling confident, focused and ready to fight at the front.”

Josh Cook, Driver, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said: “We showed at Donington that we have speed in the car, which is really encouraging going into Brands Hatch. It was frustrating not to come away with a bigger result, but it gives us confidence knowing what we’re capable of when everything comes together.

“Brands will be a different challenge, and we’ve got to be on it, right from the first lap of practice. Track position is always crucial here, so qualifying will be important and then see if we can make the most of it in the races.

“I’m feeling confident in the car and the direction we’re heading as a team. If we can put a clean weekend together, there’s no reason why we can’t be right in the mix.”

Max Buxton, Driver, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said: “Donington was a really valuable first weekend for me in terms of learning and getting up to speed in the championship. There were definitely positives to take away, and now it’s about building on that heading into Brands Hatch.

“The Indy circuit is a big challenge because it’s so tight and competitive, but that’s also what makes it exciting. The goal for me is to keep progressing, improve each session and hopefully be in a position to fight for stronger results.

“I’m continuing to learn a huge amount every time I’m in the car, and I’m looking forward to getting back out there and seeing what we can do this weekend.”

For the first time in BTCC history, strategic thinking starts earlier than ever as championship order impacts Saturday running.

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Rounds 4, 5 and 6 of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place at Brands Hatch this weekend (9/10 May) with the all-new format taking full effect for the first time for all cars, stars and thousands of fans in attendance to experience.

In 2026, we have seen the introduction of the ‘Qualifying Race – Race to Pole’, and for the first time this season, all drivers and teams will face the challenge with TOCA Turbo Boost (TTB) implications at Brands Hatch.

It will be four-time champion Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK) who will feel the effects of his slim TTB allocation, leaving the Donington Park curtain raiser at the head of the championship, after bouncing back from a challenging start to proceedings.

Daniel Rowbottom (Cataclean Plato Racing) made history by winning the first-ever ‘Race to Pole’. A sensational opening lap saw Tom Ingram (Team VERTU), Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK), Rowbottom and Sutton battle fiercely, before the latter ran onto the grass early on lap two while challenging Ingram. Sliding across the track, Sutton was collected by team-mate Cammish, leaving him out of the Qualifying Race and last on the grid for race day.

Despite the perfect opening to the team’s BTCC account, Rowbottom would have a poor start in the season opener, leaving Ingram to head the field. Ingram, however, would cross the line first on track but would later be disqualified for a significant overboost infringement. Mikey Doble (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing) inherited victory in Round 1 of the 2026 season.

Sutton then romped to victory in race two, having started the prior bout from last on the grid. The Ford Focus Titanium driver started the race from second, before taking the lead by the exit of Redgate on the opening tour and never looked back to claim his 48th career BTCC triumph.

The four-time champion then made it two wins from two to complete the opening weekend of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, marking his 300th race in style.

Now, the BTCC heads to the shortest track on the calendar – the action-packed Brands Hatch Indy circuit. The much-loved Kent venue is a mainstay on the BTCC schedule, having held more races than any other circuit and at least one event every season since the championship’s inception back in 1958.

Read on for more details on the local lights, TV times, circuit timetable and the all-important ticket information…

Brands Balance

Recently the Brands Hatch Indy circuit has arguably favoured rear-wheel-drive machinery, but the championship-order boost levels and newly introduced Qualifying Race are set to provide an updated variable in comparison to previous years.

Both WSR drivers, Daryl De Leon and Charles Rainford, won their first BTCC race at Brands Hatch Indy one year ago in rear-wheel-drive BMW 330i M Sports. The former doing so in the second race of the day, his 50th BTCC start, and the latter in only his sixth BTCC start.

Along with stablemate and 2024 Champion Jake Hill taking pole position and victory in the weekend’s opening contest, the team took a trio of victories on one weekend, something that hadn’t been seen in nine years.

Rainford enters his home race weekend with limited boost available to him on Saturday, arriving second in the drivers’ standings, whereas teammate DeLeon has the full allowance available to him.

Despite the recent rear-wheel-drive success at the circuit, it is reigning champion Ingram who arrives with the most triumphs at the Kent venue with four wins, all in front-wheel-drive machinery. The #80 will be looking to regather some points after a challenging opening race weekend.

TV, Timetables and Tickets

Complimenting the tin top racing will be a sensational line-up of support series, as the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, The MINI CHALLENGE, the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA and the Caterham 310R Championship complete the schedule of exciting races.

BTCC will be wowing the crowds both trackside and at home, with Saturday’s ‘Race to Pole’ and earlier qualifying session being streamed live via ITV Sport’s YouTube channel from 1355, before ITV4’s seven-and-a-half-hour race day broadcast gets underway at 1045 on Sunday.

Remember, the BTCC is being broadcast globally with every race being streamed live in 2026 via the BTCC YouTube Channel, whilst fans in North America can watch the action on the Racer Network. Look out for the races on Sunday starting at 1130, 1445 and 1730 (BST).

There’s no place like being there of course, and fans can purchase tickets in advance or at the gate throughout the weekend – visit here for more details.

Cataclean Plato Racing will look to convert the front-running promise that was shown at last month’s season-opener into a strong haul of results this weekend (9/10 May) as the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship sets course for Brands Hatch. 

The team made an immediate impact on their debut at Donington Park as Dan Rowbottom claimed a historic victory in the series’ first-ever Qualifying Race before Adam Morgan went on to tally a hat-trick of top-ten finishes.

Putting the rest of the grid on notice that they will be a force to be reckoned with as the campaign wears on, the Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloon squad are now looking to make their mark as the BTCC speeds into Kent.

Brands Hatch has been a staple of the championship since its inception in 1958, and down the years it was a firm favourite for Team Owner and Manager Jason Plato, who took 26 of his 97 career wins around the circuit.

Having had a couple of weeks to unpack the data gathered at Donington Park and the opportunity to unlock further performance from the two cars, both Rowbottom and Morgan head to the 1.21-mile circuit optimistic of challenging for front-running honours. 

The multiple race winners will each hit the track for one solitary practice session on Saturday morning before heading into qualifying later that afternoon. They will then both contest the new Qualifying Race, the ‘Race for Pole’, to decide the grid for race one the following day. 

Cataclean Plato Racing will take centre stage on Sunday at Brands Hatch with Race 1 scheduled to take place at 11:30, Race 2 at 14:45 and Race 3 at 17:30. All three contests will be broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK, the Racer Network in North America, and the BTCC YouTube Channel in all other locations. 

Dan Rowbottom, #32 Cataclean Plato Racing: “Although some things went against us, I felt like we gave a good account of ourselves at Donington Park and since then the focus has been on raising our game even further to ensure we can come away with some big results.

“We’ve got the benefit of having tested there just a few weeks ago so that should enable us to hit the ground running on Saturday morning. We’ve left no stone unturned since the first round so I’m confident we can be in the mix across the Race To Pole and Sunday’s three races.”

Adam Morgan, #33 Cataclean Plato Racing: “Brands Hatch is a great circuit and one that I always enjoy going to. Although its a short lap, its packed with undulation and challenging corners which is great for both us drivers and those watching on the spectator banks. 

“It’s easy to forget how new this whole project is but we’re all feeling confident heading into the weekend. We learnt a huge amount coming away from Donington Park and in addition to having tested at Brands Hatch recently, I’m confident we should have a strong front-running package.”

Jason Plato, Cataclean Plato Racing Team Owner: “I think its fair to say we’re all looking forward to the weekend. We’ve got that first event out of the way, so now it’s about knuckling down and making sure we start bringing home so really strong results on a consistent basis.

“We went well at Brands Hatch during pre-season testing and with Dan and Adam having a nice amount of TOCA Turbo Boost available to them, as well as the car having evolved, I’m confident that we can get in amongst it for wins and podiums.”