Campaign kicks off in style with Season Launch at Brands Hatch

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The 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship was officially launched earlier today (8 April) with the full entry list confirmed at its annual Season Launch event at Brands Hatch.

A host of big stars and an influx of new cars have made the biggest headlines during the off-season with the BTCC boasting one of the most exciting lineups in its recent history.

While the build‑up to Britain’s biggest motorsport championship is often led by the drivers, a trio of new cars – Audi A3 Saloon, Mercedes A35 Saloon and Ford Focus Titanium – have arguably stolen the limelight ahead of this season’s BTCC campaign.

These new entries, three former champions on the grid, an eye-catching list of additional contenders, plus the return of a BTCC legend in an all-new role only tell half the story of one the BTCC’s busiest winters in memory.

If the spiced‑up entry list wasn’t enough, TOCA – organiser of the BTCC – has introduced the most significant change to qualifying in the Championship’s near 70‑year history, with a race now taking place on Saturday to set the grid for Sunday. And it’s not just about grid positions, with a further 100 championship points on offer during the season as drivers battle it out in a ‘Race to Pole’.

So, while the championship still features the unmissable 30 rounds across ten standout events around the country, fans will now also enjoy the added spectacle of ten Qualifying Races on Saturday afternoon… in total, making 40 races in the season.

This all follows an incredible 2025 where Tom Ingram became a two-time BTCC Champion during a season that saw cars run 100% fully sustainable fuel for the first time and the championship continued to grow its fanbase around the world with every race being broadcast LIVE globally for the first time via its YouTube channel.

To further highlight the anticipation ahead of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship literally thousands of spectators have descended on Brands Hatch for today’s annual Season Launch event, as the drivers and teams contest the final official pre-season test, as well as meeting and greeting the fans during a pitlane walkabout.

Read on for more information on the lineup, new cars and rule changes for what is sure to be a classic BTCC season…

New Champion or familiar face?

The two most recent title winners on the grid – Tom Ingram (Team VERTU) and Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK) – will more than likely boast the shortest odds at winning the most coveted prize in UK motorsport, but the BTCC remains an unpredictable sporting spectacle.

The fight may well come from within their own camps with Team VERTU retaining the experienced challenger and ever quicker Tom Chilton, series returnee Ricky Collard and the fiercely talented Nic Hamilton – brother of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Hyundai i30N package is also proven of course with the team taking overall Drivers’ and Manufacturers’/Constructors’ honours last season.

NAPA Racing UK is blasting back with the introduction of the Ford Focus Titanium saloon, albeit with much of the learning from the hatchback version being carried over.

Sutton will be joined by Dan Cammish – potentially the standout challenger of those looking to win the title for the first time – plus race winner Sam Osborne and debutant Lewis Selby.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport are no strangers to winning the overall crown, having done so with Jake Hill in 2024, and the outfit has put together its biggest project yet in 2026.

The signing of three-time champion Gordon Shedden, the increase to two cars with Árón Taylor-Smith, and the switch to Toyota machinery suggests the squad means serious business.

There’s the factory-supported Speedworks Corolla Racing in the same stable too, as multiple race winner Josh Cook is joined by youngster Max Buxton, with a fully revamped Toyota Corolla GR Sport looking to propel them to glory.

The biggest story of pre-season was the birth of Cataclean Plato Racing – led by two-time champion and tin top legend Jason Plato.

If the news and excitement around Jason’s return in an all-new guise wasn’t enough then its introduction of the Mercedes A35 Saloon plus the potent driver lineup of Dan Rowbottom and Adam Morgan quickly made the fledgling outfit a fans’ favourite.

WSR has quite literally won it all, proving to be the BTCC’s most successful team in history, and now the Surrey-based squad is looking to continue building its next generation of success with its two young stars – Daryl De Leon and Charles Rainford.

The pair won a race apiece overall in 2025, as well as duelling it out for the Jack Sears Trophy, so their progress this season towards the leading contenders will certainly be one to watch.

The other new car on the grid really turned heads at the recent pre-season test at Croft, as Power Maxed Racing’s introduction of the Audi A3 Saloon wowed the crowds. Coming back from the adversity of its devastating fire last year, PMR embarked on building a trio of new cars, as well as bringing back another famous marque into the BTCC.

PMR didn’t stop there of course and by naming three seriously talented drivers – Mikey Doble and Aiden Moffat (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing), plus Dexter Patterson (Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing) – the squad is looking to challenge on all fronts in 2026.

Restart Racing may be dark horses for some serious silverware in 2026 with a second season running the all-conquering Hyundais and more experience under its belt. Chris Smiley is a proven race winner and young gun James Dorlin set a stellar pace during recent testing at Croft.

Having claimed the Independents Drivers’ crown last year, the team will be looking to both defend the title as well as keep pushing for overall victories and podiums this season.

Race to Pole

TOCA – organiser of the British Touring Car Championship – is always looking at improving and refining the greatest show in UK motorsport, and this winter proved no exception.

Following discussions at the annual end-of-season meeting between TOCA and its competing teams, it was announced that a Qualifying Race – the ‘Race to Pole’ – would take place for all cars on the Saturday afternoon at each race weekend.

Not only would the final classification of each Qualifying Race determine the grid positions for Sunday’s opening contest, but significant Drivers’ Championship points have also been made available as part of this innovative development with ten points being awarded to the winner down to one point for the tenth placed finisher.

As a result, fans will now enjoy BTCC racing action on Saturdays – a change that represents one of the biggest shake‑ups to the structure and excitement of a race weekend ever – while the introduction of an additional 100 points on offer could trigger the most significant dynamic shift yet in the overall BTCC title fight.

The entirety of Qualifying, including the Race to Pole, will be streamed LIVE in the UK and across the globe via the ITV YouTube channel, whilst Sunday will maintain the three full rounds of racing, all-day-live and free on ITV4 as has been the case for many years. 

So, does this press release provide the full story of a history‑making BTCC off‑season? Probably not, but the talking must end at some point, and we are now almost ready for the competitive action to begin.

The opening rounds of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place at Donington Park on 18/19 April.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “It has been quite the off‑season in the BTCC, one of the busiest and most exciting that I can remember.

“A monumental effort goes into making the BTCC the UK’s ultimate motorsport success story, with our dedicated teams, loyal partners, TOCA staff and all stakeholders playing their part in delivering this fantastic entry list and season schedule.

“Whichever way you look at it, the quality of the entire grid is absolutely phenomenal – particularly when also considering the very significant economic and geopolitical headwinds that everyone has faced.

“Last year we took the BTCC to a global LIVE TV audience and introduced 100% fully sustainable fuel for every car, and once again we’ve proven that we never rest on our laurels ahead of the 2026 campaign.

“New cars, former champions, rookies and emerging young talent, alongside established drivers and proven machinery, combine to form a formidable line‑up, with the introduction of a Qualifying Race adding a further twist to our brilliant sporting spectacle.

“The addition of the ‘Race to Pole’ on Saturday will certainly spice things up ahead of our hugely popular three‑race Sunday format, and it’s an enhancement I’m sure will be enjoyed by both drivers and spectators alike.”

Click here for the official entry list for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Ricky Collard will make a return to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the 2026 season after being named as the final member of the Team VERTU line-up.

The 29-year-old joins the EXCELR8-run outfit for what will be his third full-season in the series, having previously spent two years with Toyota in 2022 and 2023.

Collard will partner defending champion Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and Nicolas Hamilton in the four-strong Team Vertu line-up, with his first taste of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N he will race this year coming during the annual season launch at Brands Hatch.

A third generation racer, Collard started his career in karting before joining the Formula Ford grid for his first full season of car racing in 2014.

The following year, he finished second in the inaugural season of British F4 - beaten only by reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris - before going on to finish second in BRDC British F3, the series now known as GB3.

Switching to sportscars, Collard produced race-winning performances in the likes of the ADAC GT Masters and the Blancpain GT Championship prior to his two-year Toyota stint, and he has since won the British GT Championship title alongside his father and also competed in GT World Challenge Europe.

Now returning to touring car competition with the team that won the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title last year, Collard heads into 2026 looking to add to the two BTCC podium finishes he has to his name thus far at the wheel of a car that scored nine wins in Team VERTU hands last season.

Collard’s first taste of the Hyundai will take place during the season launch event at Brands Hatch, with the opening event of 2026 coming at Donington Park later in the month.

Ricky Collard said: 
“I’m delighted to be returning to the BTCC this season as it’s a championship where I feel I’ve got unfinished business. Back in 2023, I picked up some strong results and showed I have the pace to run towards the front of the field, but I missed out on getting the win that I know I’m capable of.

“Winning the British GT title in what was a particularly competitive season allowed me to learn a huge amount, and I feel that I’m coming back into touring cars as a stronger driver and in better shape than ever.

“The opportunity to join forces with the defending champions is one that I had to take, and although this deal has all come together quite late and I won’t have much track time before round one, I’m feeling confident.

“The Hyundai is clearly a very strong package and with the support of Team VERTU behind me, I’m hoping to hit the ground running when we get to Donington Park."

Team Owner, Justina Williams said: 
“We’ve spoken to a number of drivers over the winter but when the chance arose to bring Ricky into the line-up, it was a deal we were really keen to do.

“He brings a huge amount of experience competing in a wide range of different championships and won the British GT title in impressive fashion a couple of years ago.

“Having shown he has the pace to fight for podium finishes in the past in the BTCC, we are confident he will be a strong addition to our line-up, and I see no reason why he can’t look to be right up there fighting towards the front during the season ahead.”

Plato Racing has today (7 April) taken the covers off its two Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons to reveal the livery that will be carried by Daniel Rowbottom and Adam Morgan for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season. 

In what is the latest in a long line of groundbreaking moments for the series’ newest team, the two front-wheel-drive machines are guaranteed to turn heads this year with its striking colour combination of purple, white and grey.

Running under the banner of Cataclean Plato Racing, the team - led by Jason Plato, two-time champion and winner of 97 BTCC races - head into the new term looking to make an instant impact too as they target overall honours.

While the 2026 season will be the first for the squad in the UK’s premier motorsport series, Cataclean is poised to embark on what promises to be a seventh successful campaign on the grid - and it does so as title sponsors. 

Renowned across the UK's automotive aftermarket sector for its fuel and exhaust system cleaner, Cataclean has utilised the BTCC platform to forge innovative partnerships with the likes of championship sponsors Kwik Fit down the years.

In addition to Cataclean, Plato Racing has also welcomed ASUS to the BTCC, a multinational technology leader renowned for its world-class hardware. 

ASUS drives innovation across its portfolio, from the world’s best motherboards and high-performance graphics cards to a comprehensive range of personal computing solutions, including the robust ExpertBook series, all leveraging cutting-edge advancements in AI-enhanced computing, alongside monitors, routers, and other pioneering technology.

Those brands, along with the likes of Snap-On and Ciceley Commercials, have become central in the design of the team’s inaugural race season livery.

Fans will be able to get a first glimpse of both cars sporting their new colours at Brands Hatch as Rowbottom and Morgan take part in the final official pre-season test before the opening round, which takes place at Donington Park (18/19 April).

Jason Plato, Plato Racing Team Owner: “It’s an incredibly proud moment to reveal the final livery that both Dan and Adam will compete with this year. What has been achieved over the past few months defies description, and the cars in their final form are nothing short of sensational. 

“Having brands such as Cataclean and ASUS on-board shows that we aren’t messing about too. They’re globally recognised and operate at the very highest level, something that we pride ourselves in doing. We all now can’t wait for the season to get underway.”

Daniel Rowbottom, Plato Racing: “The car looks absolutely phenomenal in its livery and it's a credit to everyone at Plato Racing for what we’ve been able to achieve in a relatively short time. We’re certainly not going to be hard to miss on-track.

“This Mercedes is unlike anything I’ve ever driven before and the details that have gone into the build are incredible. We’ve covered a lot of ground during pre-season testing so far and I feel like we’re in a good place ahead of the season-opener in just over a week's time.”

Adam Morgan, Plato Racing: “I’m loving the look of the livery. Seeing it on paper was impressive but to see it now in the flesh is really special. It’s been a long road to get to this point and this reveal is somewhat of a celebration for the entire team.

“Everyone has put all they have into this project and from the testing we’ve done so far, it feels like we’ve got something special underneath us. Obviously we won’t know where we stack up until round one but I’m excited to see what we can go and achieve this season.”

Nicolas Hamilton will take on his most exciting programme in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship to date in 2026 after agreeing a deal to join forces with defending champions Team VERTU.

Hamilton, who is the only person with a disability to have raced in the series since it was formed back in 1958, is the third driver to be confirmed by the EXCELR8-run team for the season ahead, and will compete in a Hyundai i30 Fastback N supported by Draper Tools.

The relationship between Draper Tools and EXCELR8 is one of the most established on the British motorsport scene, having started back in 2019 when the team moved into the BTCC for the first time after years of success in the MINI CHALLENGE.

The partnership is set to run until at least the end of the 2027 season, with Hamilton becoming the latest driver to carry the famous Draper Tools logo on his car, which will also showcase the familiar light blue colours for which the company is so well known.

Having made his BTCC debut all the way in 2015, Hamilton has over 160 starts in the series to his name and will be embarking on his second full season of competition since returning to action after a short break.

Joining forces with Team VERTU is set provide Hamilton with the most competitive package of his racing career to date, with the Hyundai having proven to be the class of the field last season - scoring nine wins and 32 podiums.

That allowed Tom Ingram to secure the championship title for the second time, with Team VERTU also picking up the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title.

Joining forces with Ingram and Tom Chilton will also provide Hamilton with the opportunity to work side-by-side with two of the most experienced drivers on the BTCC grid as the 33-year-old seeks to make his mark in Britain’s most competitive series.

Going into 2026, Hamilton - who has a career best finish of sixth - will be amongst those drivers eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy, which is open to any driver who has yet to score more than one podium finish in the series.

Having sampled the Hyundai in a recent test at Snetterton, Hamilton will appear on track in carrying his new Draper Tools livery for the first time during the BTCC season launch test at Brands Hatch, with the opening rounds of the season taking place at Donington Park in late April.

Nicolas Hamilton, #28 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, said:
"I am incredibly proud to be joining such a strong outfit in Team VERTU and EXCELR8 for this season as throughout my career, I have struggled for funding and budget, which meant I found myself in less competitive equipment.

"Thanks to my 2026 partners and the team's long standing partner Draper Tools, I can now step into a more competitive package, and that is a really special and exciting moment for me. I have worked harder than ever over the winter to build my strength and fitness to improve my disability and I will be giving absolutely everything I can to be as competitive as possible. 

"A big thank you to Antony, Justina, and everyone at EXCELR8 for this incredible opportunity.”

Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing at Draper Tools, said: 
"We are thrilled to be back in the BTCC for the 2026 season and embarking on our eighth year backing the EXCELR8 team. 

“Supporting Nicolas Hamiliton to achieve his racing goals this season is an exciting step for us. The dedication of the entire EXCELR8 team, from the mechanics in the garage to Nic at the wheel, represents exactly the kind of commitment and passion we stand for. 

“We can’t wait to be back amongst it all, meeting fans, watching all the action on track and seeing our tools put to good use in the garages. Here's to a competitive season and pushing boundaries as a team."

Justina Williams, Team VERTU Team Owner, said:
“We are delighted to to welcome Nicolas into our team for the 2026 season, and to have him at the wheel of our Draper Tools car. 

“The way Nicolas has battled against the odds to achieve his dream of competing on track despite his disability is well documented, and he is an inspiration to many for the way he has never given up on that dream.

“We feel we can give Nicolas the tools to really show what he can do this season and are looking forward to working with him to reach his goals during the year ahead, one of which is to stand on the BTCC podium with the team. We’ll be working hard with him to make that happen!”

WSR are very pleased to announce reigning Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Jack Sears Trophy title winner Daryl De Leon as the team’s second confirmed driver for the 2026 season.

Daryl, 20, remains with the team for a second season after an impressive campaign in 2025 and will race a BMW 330i M Sport alongside Charles Rainford as part of a multi-car line-up.

The Cambridgeshire driver joined WSR for his sophomore BTCC campaign last year and made an immediate impact, taking his maiden series win at the second event of the season on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

He claimed two podium positions as well as scoring a first pole position at Silverstone at the year’s penultimate round and then going back-to-back with another on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

He also headed a WSR one-two in the Jack Sears Trophy with nine maximum scores and 21 class podiums.

The continuation of his relationship with WSR ensures he stays with the 18-time series champions, who last year broke the BTCC’s all-time record for race wins.

BTCC 2026 begins at Donington Park on April 18-19 and comprises 10 triple-header rounds at eight of the UK’s finest racetracks, culminating on the iconic Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on October 10-11.

Daryl De Leon said: “I’m excited to continue with WSR for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship and want to thank everyone who made this possible. Racing the BMW in 2025 was an incredibly valuable and rewarding year for me in every way. Taking my first win, securing my first pole positions and winning the Jack Sears Trophy title are achievements we can all be proud of, however with the new season just around the corner the focus is now on repeating that success. I’m really happy to keep working with my engineer and crew as we continue to grow stronger together. We showed good pace during pre-season official testing at Croft, so hopefully we can carry that momentum into the season ahead.”

Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, said: “We’re very pleased to announce Daryl as part of our 2026 British Touring Car Championship line-up. Moving from a front-wheel-drive touring car to a rear-wheel-drive machine is a bigger challenge than many people realise, but Daryl did extremely well to adapt to the differences needed in driving style and was rewarded with his first win, two pole positions and the Jack Sears Trophy. With a year of experience under his belt, I’m confident that together we can move forwards and challenge for wins and podiums more consistently this coming season.” 

WSR are very pleased to announce Charles Rainford as the team’s first confirmed driver for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in 2026.

Charles, 27, remains with the team for a second season after an impressive rookie campaign in 2025 and will race a BMW 330i M Sport as part of a multi-car line-up.

The Horsham driver made his BTCC debut last year at the Donington Park season opener and scored his maiden series victory at only his second event - becoming the first driver in 21 years to win so early in his career.

He claimed three podium positions and three fastest laps as well as scoring a first pole position at Knockhill.

That took him to eighth in the overall standings while he also took second in the Jack Sears Trophy with six maximum scores and 22 class podiums.

The continuation of his relationship with WSR ensures he stays with the 18-time series champions, who last year broke the BTCC’s all-time record for race wins.

BTCC 2026 begins at Donington Park on April 18-19 and comprises 10 triple-header rounds at eight of the UK’s finest racetracks, culminating on the iconic Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on October 10-11.

Charles Rainford said: “Racing in the British Touring Car Championship was always a long-term plan, so it’s brilliant to be able to announce a second season with WSR for 2026. I learnt so much in my rookie season and am a much stronger driver as a result. Obviously the win at Brands Hatch and the pole at Knockhill were the highlights and the support from WSR was fantastic, but some of the tougher moments may well have helped us even more. We’ve done some very good work in testing so far and we’re heading into the new season aiming high.”

Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, said: “We’re very pleased to announce Charles as the first piece of our puzzle for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season. The BTCC can be a real minefield for a rookie with the tyre and boost regulations as well as the general rough and tumble that comes with racing a touring car, but he navigated the pitfalls extremely well, scored a win, a pole position and podiums and established a terrific relationship with the team. With a year of experience under his belt, I’m sure he’ll be a far more consistent threat for wins and podiums and we look forward to being a part of that development.”

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.

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.

Venue	Date	Link for Tickets	Timetable
Donington Park	18/19 April	Rounds 1, 2 & 3	Event 1
Brands Hatch Indy	09/10 May	Rounds 4, 5 & 6	Event 2
Snetterton	23/24 May	Rounds 7, 8 & 9	Event 3
Oulton Park	06/07 June	Rounds 10, 11 & 12	Event 4
Thruxton	25/26 July	Rounds 13, 14 & 15	Event 5
Knockhill	08/09 August	Rounds 16, 17 & 18	Event 6
Donington Park GP	22/23 August	Rounds 19, 20 & 21	Event 7
Croft	05/06 September	Rounds 22, 23 & 24	Event 8
Silverstone	26/27 September	Rounds 25, 26 & 27	Event 9
Brands Hatch GP	10/11 October	Rounds 28, 29 & 30	Event 10

Young WSR star tops the times during pre-season testing

Official BTCC pre-season testing commenced at Croft with a two-day run (24/25 March) as thousands of fans flocked to the popular North Yorkshire venue.

The opening day was topped by reigning champion Tom Ingram, before the cars and stars of the UK's premier motorsport championship contended with a wet Tuesday afternoon, but it was WSR's Daryl De Leon that set the ultimate pace on the final day of running.

De Leon's 1:20.417s lap time dipped under Ingram's pole position from last season, as the #2 BMW 330i M Sport driver kicked off the 2026 campaign in impressive fashion.

It must be noted of course that testing times are often treated with caution as teams and drivers carried out varying fuel load and tyre combinations throughout the two days of running.

Restart Racing's James Dorlin thought he had scooped the bragging rights when his afternoon run promoted him to the head of the timesheets, but he fell just 0.027s short of De Leon's brilliant benchmark.

Team VERTU's Ingram had clocked the fastest lap time in the dry cool morning session on the opening day, with team-mate Tom Chilton ending up second – the pair eventually finishing up third and fifth overall with the second WSR BMW of Charles Rainford wedged between them in the order.

Heavy rain fell as Tuesday afternoon progressed with three-time champ Gordon Shedden setting the pace in the wet. The Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver recorded a solid 1:28.453s lap time as the Corolla continued its pre-season improvement, albeit more than four seconds off the pace in comparison to the fastest lap in optimum conditions.

NAPA Racing UK and Speedworks Corolla Racing went through their respective test programmes, with the former amassing a mind-boggling 652 laps across its quartet of new Ford Focus Titaniums.

Plato Racing officially ran its cars for the first time with Daniel Rowbottom and Adam Morgan both showing solid pace on the second day in their Mercedes A35 Saloons.

PMR's trio of Audi A3 Saloons also wowed the crowds as Aiden Moffat, Mikey Doble (LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing) and Dexter Patterson (Power Maxed Racing) carried out an extended shakedown.

In total, the 20 drivers amassed 2,268 laps around the 2.13-mile circuit – more than 4800 miles across the two days – with reliability and speed already proving impressive.

The show now moves on to Brands Hatch for the official Season Launch of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship on 8 April, which will include the final pre-season test.

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Official Croft Test – Combined Times

1. Daryl DeLeon, WSR 1:20.417
2. James Dorlin, Restart Racing +0.027s
3. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU +0.038s
4. Charles Rainford, WSR +0.133s
5. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +0.239s
6. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +0.388s
7. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +0.477s
8. Chris Smiley, Restart Racing +0.511s
9. Daniel Rowbottom, Plato Racing +0.826s
10. Josh Cook, Speedworks Corolla Racing +0.838s
11. Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.048s
12. Lewis Selby, NAPA Racing UK +1.137s
13. Gordon Shedden, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.304s
14. Senna Proctor, NAPA Racing UK +1.365s
15. Adam Morgan, Plato Racing +1.618s
16. Sam Osborne, NAPA Racing UK +1.833s
17. Max Buxton, Speedworks Corolla Racing +1.863s
18. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +2.112s
19. Mikey Doble, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +2.782s
20. Dexter Patterson, Power Maxed Racing +3.930s

Click here for the full and final classification.

Gordon Shedden also stars in the afternoon rain at Croft Circuit

Team VERTU's Tom Ingram clocked the fastest lap time on the opening day of official BTCC pre-season testing at Croft today (24 March).

The reigning champion set a fantastic 1:20.455s lap in the dry cool morning running, impressively dipping under his own lap record from last season.

The 32-year-old's day did take a turn in the afternoon, however, as the #80 car went off amidst slippery conditions around the 2.13-mile circuit, ending his involvement slightly prematurely.

Team-mate Tom Chilton continued to show the pace of the Hyundai as the experienced race-winner ended up second on the timesheets, 0.201s behind Ingram.

The NAPA Racing UK duo of Ash Sutton and debutant Lewis Selby were next in the order, whilst Speedworks Corolla Racing's Josh Cook pipped Dan Cammish's Ford Focus Saloon to fifth.

Heavy rain fell as the afternoon progressed with three-time champ Gordon Shedden setting the pace in the wet. The Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver recorded a solid 1:28.453s lap time as the Corolla continued its pre-season improvement, albeit some four seconds off the pace in comparison to the fastest lap in optimum conditions.

It was all eyes on Plato Racing as its two Mercedes AMG A35 Saloons took to the track for the first public outing, with Dan Rowbottom and Adam Morgan completing an extended shakedown throughout the day.

Power Maxed Racing arrived at Croft with its striking trio of Audis, with Mikey Doble, Aiden Moffat and Dexter Patterson expected to get the team's testing properly underway tomorrow. Moffat and Doble did join proceedings in the final hour of the first day, with the duo each completing a couple of installation laps.

The action continues on Wednesday – with dry weather forecast – as the cars and stars of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship get the action from 0930. You can keep up to date with LIVE timing here, as well as finding all the news via btcc.net and the Championship's social media channels.

Two EXCELR8 Motorsport cars and the remaining WSR BMW were not planned to take part in the test at Croft for various reasons but are expected to run at the Season Launch at Brands Hatch on 8 April.

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Official Test Day 1 – Croft – Morning

1. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU 1:20.455
2. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +0.201s
3. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +0.687s
4. Lewis Selby, NAPA Racing UK +1.099s
5. Josh Cook, Speedworks Corolla Racing +1.119s
6. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +1.280s
7. Chris Smiley, Restart Racing +1.327s
8. Senna Proctor, NAPA Racing UK +1.327s
9. Gordon Shedden, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.435s
10. Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.703s

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Official Test Day 1 – Croft – Afternoon

1. Gordon Shedden, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport 1:28.453
2. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU +0.073s
3. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +0.509s
4. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +0.602s
5. James Dorlin, Restart Racing +0.683s
6. Chris Smiley, Restart Racing +0.748s
7. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +0.765s
8. Daryl DeLeon, WSR +0.795s
9. Daniel Rowbottom, Plato Racing +1.216s
10. Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.340s

2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – Official Test Day 1 – Croft – Combined

1. Tom Ingram, Team VERTU 1:20.455
2. Tom Chilton, Team VERTU +0.201s
3. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +0.687s
4. Lewis Selby, NAPA Racing UK +1.099s
5. Josh Cook, Speedworks Corolla Racing +1.119s
6. Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK +1.280s
7. Chris Smiley, Restart Racing +1.327s
8. Senna Proctor, NAPA Racing UK +1.327s
9. Gordon Shedden, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.435s
10. Árón Taylor-Smith, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +1.703s
11. Charles Rainford, WSR +1.764
12. Sam Osborne, NAPA Racing UK +1.795
13. James Dorlin, Restart Racing +2.095
14. Max Buxton, Speedworks Corolla Racing +2.262
15. Daryl DeLeon, WSR +2.362
16. Daniel Rowbottom, Plato Racing +3.722
17. Adam Morgan, Plato Racing +4.193
18. Aiden Moffat, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +11.854
19. Mikey Doble, LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing +13.765

Click here for the full and final classification.