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.

Team VERTU has revealed the livery that will be carried by both reigning Kwik Fit British Touring Car Champion Tom Ingram and team-mate Tom Chilton during the 2026 season.

Ingram secured his second BTCC title in impressive fashion last year in what proved to be a stunning campaign for the EXCELR8-run team, which scored no fewer than nine wins and 32 podiums across the 30 race season.

As well as Ingram regaining the championship crown he won back in 2022, the results also ensured that Team VERTU clinched the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title for the first time.

Ingram and Chilton – who between them have nearly 900 BTCC starts and 58 wins to their name – head into the new season seeking to challenge for championship honours at the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N that proved to be the class of the field last year.

During the winter, Team VERTU has worked hard to further refine the Hyundai package ready to take on a raft of new machinery that will join Britain’s premier racing series this year, with the new-look car being revealed for the first time in a special launch event held at Birch Gatwick.

The livery on the Hyundai is an evolution of the hugely popular design that featured on the cars of Ingram and Chilton in 2025 with a combination of vibrant teal, orange and white alongside accents of blue.

A new addition to the livery for 2026 is the Vertu Car Giveaway, a series of free-to-enter competitions launched by the fourth largest automotive retailer in the UK back in the autumn.

Fans at BTCC events will have the opportunity to enter the competition throughout the season at the Team VERTU Fan Zone.

The remaining two drivers in the Team VERTU line-up will be confirmed in due course ahead of the season opener at Donington Park next month.

Justina Williams, Team VERTU Team Owner, said:
“Our first season running as Team VERTU last year was absolutely amazing, both in terms of the silverware we secured on the track but also with the ever-growing levels support we had from fans.

“The vibrant colours on the car – and on the teamwear that we saw so many people wearing in the paddock – meant Team VERTU really stood out from the crowd, so it’s a logical move that our livery for 2026 is an evolution of that. As the saying goes, if it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it!

“We are hugely proud of our relationship with Vertu, which stands as one of the longest-running partnerships in the paddock, and are confident that the new season will be another one to remember.”

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, said:
"The 2025 BTCC season marked the start of an exciting new era for Team VERTU, and was a huge success both on and off the circuit.

“Securing two championship titles in such a competitive racing series was an astonishing achievement. The performances on track, and our drivers’ grit and determination were nothing short of inspirational.

“We are looking forward to carrying the momentum from 2025 into another season and are proud to take the covers off another striking livery that will ensure Team VERTU once again stands out on the grid."

Power Maxed Racing is proud to confirm that, with thanks to LKQ Euro Car Parts, Mikey Doble will continue with the team for the 2026 BTCC season, pairing up alongside Aiden Moffat in the LKQ Euro Car Parts with Power Maxed Racing cars. 

Mikey will contest his fourth consecutive season with PMR, with the squad pointing towards a ‘statement of unity and belief’ following the most challenging season in the team’s history. 

The 2025 campaign tested Power Maxed Racing both on and off the circuit. In a year defined by intense competition and the devastating workshop fire that temporarily halted operations, Doble stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the team as they rebuilt, regrouped and returned to the grid with determination that resonated throughout the paddock. 

The former Jack Sears Trophy winner won his first outright BTCC race last season and will now lineup in 2026 in one of the team’s all-new Audis.

Mikey Doble said: “Last season showed the character of this team more than anything else. What happened off track would have broken most operations, but PMR responded with grit and determination. Keeping me in the fight for Independent honours, that meant a lot to me. Four years together now isn’t just continuity, it’s commitment. We know each other, and we know what we’re capable of. I’m more motivated than ever to reward that belief with the results we all know we can achieve.”

Adam Weaver, Team Principal, added: “2025 demanded resilience from everyone involved, and Mikey never once took a step back. His professionalism, feedback and determination were critical during a period that could have easily derailed momentum. In this championship, stability is powerful. Heading into our fourth year together gives us a platform built on experience rather than promise. We’re proud of how we responded, but our focus is firmly on what comes next. I’ve always said if we can retain the right driver for five years we will challenge for championships in that time, I suppose it’s time to prove that.”

LKQ Euro Car Parts stated its own pride at being ‘part of the great championship that is the BTCC’ as well as hailing its partnership with Power Maxed Racing… going on to say, “Mikey speaking so highly of the team gives us such confidence and obviously brings a great deal of experience – we firmly believe we have all the ingredients for an incredible season.”

The covers are off at Plato Racing as the team drops a stunning testing livery on its all-new Mercedes'. Take a look at the first images of the car and video from the Wellingborough-based squad as the car was wrapped in preparation for its testing debut...

Everyone loves a one‑off livery, don’t they? 😜

We put a lot of love into this one 💜#PlatoRacing #BTCC pic.twitter.com/fqp4XLYXpG

— Plato Racing (@PlatoRacing) March 17, 2026

Power Maxed Racing is proud to confirm that multiple race winner and record-breaker Aiden Moffat will join the team for the upcoming season, a partnership years in the making. This sees the continuation of Aiden’s relationship with LKQ Euro Car Parts for the 2026 season.  

When Aiden became the youngest-ever driver in the British Touring Car Championship back in 2013, his debut was supported by PMR Team Principal, Adam Weaver, through the Steel Seal - Pour in Head Gasket Fix brand, which is part of the same Automotive stable as Power Maxed. The early support from Weaver sparked a strong relationship between the team and Moffat family, with both parties sharing a long-term desire to see Aiden line-up in a PMR car. That day has now arrived.

Despite becoming the youngest driver in BTCC history and a multiple race winner, the team believes Aiden’s best is yet to come. With the experience he has built and the proven capability within Power Maxed Racing to design and run both a race and championship winning car, there is a quiet confidence that this partnership can unlock his full potential. 

Adam Weaver, PMR Team Principal, commented: “We’ve known Aiden and his family for a long time. Backing his debut all those years ago and now bringing him into a Power Maxed Racing car feels like things have come full circle. He’s achieved a lot already, but we genuinely believe the best is still to come.”

Aiden Moffat added: “It’s about time? We’ve been talking about this longer than a Scottish winter! Honestly though, I’m so happy we could finally make it happen. Adam backed me when I was just a young lad starting out, so to come full circle and get in a PMR car now, it just feels right. Combining this with LKQ Euro Car Parts, who I have also had a long relationship with, is something very special. I haven’t been this excited since my BTCC debut.”

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 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.

• Speedworks Corolla Racing confirms exciting two-car line-up
• Multiple race-winner and double Independent Drivers’ champion Cook returns determined to build on 2025 finale victory
• Rising star Buxton rewarded with full-season drive following a strong series introduction

Speedworks Corolla Racing has today confirmed an exciting driver line-up for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, with Josh Cook joined by Max Buxton as the team mounts a strong two-car assault with the Toyota Corolla GR Sport.

Proven race-winner Cook returns to the Speedworks Corolla Racing fold as a driver certain to be a major contender throughout the season. Cook ended the 2025 campaign in style by delivering a commanding victory in the final race of the year with the team, underlining both his pedigree and his affinity with the Toyota package. With multiple BTCC wins to his name, he brings experience, racecraft and an uncompromising competitive edge that will be invaluable through the season.

Buxton continues his journey with the team after a hugely encouraging start to his BTCC career. The 20-year-old made a seamless transition into the UK’s premier touring car championship last season, demonstrating excellent potential in the early stages of his BTCC career. Mature beyond his years, Buxton showed consistent progress, composure in wheel-to-wheel combat and the ability to convert opportunity into points — laying solid foundations for his first full campaign in 2026.

Christian Dick, Team Principal, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to confirm Josh and Max as our driver line-up for 2026 in our two Toyota Corolla GR Sport cars. 

“Josh needs little introduction. He’s a proven winner in the BTCC and demonstrated that perfectly by taking victory in the final race of 2025 with us. He will undoubtedly be one to watch this season, and his experience will be a huge asset as we push for consistent podiums and race wins.

“Max showed tremendous potential last season and proved that he belongs at this level. With a full season ahead of him and continuity within the team, we expect him to take another significant step forward.”

Josh Cook, Driver, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said:

“It’s great to be back with Speedworks Corolla Racing. Winning the final race of 2025 together was a brilliant way to end the year, and it showed what we’re capable of. The aim now is to fight at the front consistently and challenge for wins from the outset.”

Max Buxton, Driver, Speedworks Corolla Racing, said:

“I’m really pleased to be continuing with the team for 2026. Joining the BTCC midway through last year was a huge learning experience, and scoring points in my debut season gave me a lot of confidence.

“Now that I know the car, the team and the championship, the goal is to keep building and aim for regular points finishes. The level in the BTCC is incredibly high, but I feel I’ve laid solid foundations, and I’m fully focused on making the most of this opportunity.

“The support from Speedworks Motorsport has been fantastic, and I’m determined to repay that faith with strong, consistent performances throughout the season.”

The 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship begins with official pre-season testing in March, before the opening rounds at Donington Park on 18/19 April.

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.

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.