• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship hosts its 2026 Season Launch at Brands Hatch on Wednesday 8 April. Spectators are able to attend for FREE.

The day’s schedule includes the final official pre-season test, with plenty of on-track activity expected around the Indy circuit as the stars of the BTCC prepare for another thrilling campaign.

This is an early chance to get a look at the new drivers, teams and cars for the 2026 season, and with the Brands Hatch Indy circuit hosting the second event of the championship, the title hopefuls will be looking to hit the ground running at the famous Kent venue.

Away from the track, fans will also have the chance to meet their favourite drivers during a pit walk and get those all important autographs and photos. Refreshments will be available throughout the day too.

NAPA Racing UK are targeting honours in the Drivers’, Manufacturers’, Teams’ and Jack Sears Trophy Championships this year after confirming a four-car assault on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Four-time champion Ash Sutton, title contender Dan Cammish and race winner Sam Osborne all remain with the squad for the forthcoming 2026 season, and they’ll be joined on the grid by series debutant Lewis Selby.

Preparing to embark on his fifth season with the team, Sutton spearheads the line-up as he looks to become the first driver in the series’ illustrious history to lift the coveted Drivers’ crown on five separate occasions.

The 32-year-old, who this year will surpass 300 race starts in the BTCC, remained in contention right the way throughout the 2025 season and after a winter reset, he’s determined to go one better this time around.

“It goes without saying that the team and I are hungrier than ever to win that fifth title,” says Sutton. “I’ve been in contention in each of the past two seasons, but I feel that now is the time to get back on top and rewrite the BTCC history books.

“Everyone at NAPA Racing UK has been working tirelessly over the off-season. I feel like I’m in a good place too, so all the ingredients are there for us to go and achieve the things that we’re targeting. I can’t wait to get back out on-track.”

Cammish also heads into his fifth year running under the Alliance Racing banner and after enjoying one of his strongest campaigns to-date last year, the Yorkshireman is looking to join Sutton in being a season-long challenger for the overall title.

“I’m really looking forward to the new season,” said Cammish. “There’s a lot of change, we have new rules as well as new team and driver pairings to contend with, all of which means there are plenty of opportunities.

“It promises to be an exciting season, and the aim is to retain the Teams’ title, take back the Manufacturers’ title and on a personal level, I’ll be giving it my all to clinch that elusive first Drivers’ Championship.”

In addition to NAPA Racing UK clinching a fourth successive Teams’ title, one of the undoubted feel-good stories of the 2025 season was the emergence of Osborne as he scored a sublime maiden victory at Silverstone – something he is keen to build on this term.

“I'm really eager to get back on track,” said Osborne. "Getting that first win last year was such a great feeling, now I want to make that trip to the podium more!

“I've seen the cars as they've been taking shape, and they look fantastic. Full credit to the guys back at base for all their hard work, and hopefully we can repay that work with another good season.”

Completing the four-driver line-up for NAPA Racing UK is Lewis Selby, who will make his debut in the UK’s premier motorsport series this year.

Having become a regular fixture towards the front of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW field in recent years, winning the Directors Cup in 2024, Selby will now make his long-awaited touring car bow with the team, where he will be eligible to battle for Jack Sears Trophy honours.

“It’s a dream come true, to race in the British Touring Car Championship with the brand I’ve dedicated so much time to will be a very proud moment,” says Selby.

“I never really considered the BTCC as an option, but due to various events, I was asked and immediately said yes! I can’t thank Pete Osborne and Steve Richardson enough, and I look forward to doing the best job I can for them, the team, and all my many colleagues at NAPA Auto Parts. I can’t wait to get started!”

NAPA Racing UK will soon reveal its new livery and race suits ahead of the opening round of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, which commences at Donington Park on 18/19 April.

Multiple race-winning team Power Maxed Racing is delighted to confirm Dexter Patterson as its first driver signing for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

The talented Scotsman joins the squad as it embarks on an exciting new chapter, with Power Maxed Racing set to introduce brand-new Audi S3 machinery for the upcoming campaign.

Patterson returns to the BTCC grid in 2026 determined to build on the progress he showed last season. After what he described as ‘a season of two halves’, the 22-year-old demonstrated clear pace and maturity in the latter stages of the championship, establishing himself as one of the rising talents in the field.

Now with a fresh environment and new technical package beneath him, Patterson is targeting consistent points finishes, regular top-ten results and a Jack Sears Trophy challenge, as the team develops its new Audi S3 programme.

Dexter Patterson said: “I'm really excited to be joining Power Maxed Racing at such an important time for the team. The move to the Audi S3 makes this a fresh project for everyone, and that's something that really motivated me.

"Last season showed what we're capable of when everything comes together. For 2026, the goal is to start strongly, keep building momentum, and make sure we're fighting consistently at the front end of the grid."

Adam Weaver, Team Principal, added: “Dexter hasn't yet had the full opportunity to show what he's truly capable of in the BTCC, but his CV speaks for itself. His karting record was phenomenal, and when you add his single-seater experience to his touring car background, he brings far more depth and race knowledge than people perhaps realise.

"Heading into 2026, it was important for us to put ourselves in a position to challenge across the board, and Dexter gives us that platform. As a minimum, he'll be a serious contender for the Jack Sears Trophy, and we're determined to bring that title back to Power Maxed Racing."

The team's new Audi S3 will make its first on-track appearance during pre-season testing, with further announcements to follow in due course.

Multiple race winner Daniel Rowbottom will commence a new chapter in his Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship career this year after joining debutant team Plato Racing for the eagerly-awaited 2026 season.

In headline-grabbing news, Rowbottom will spearhead the new squad – figureheaded by Jason Plato, two-time champion and winner of 97 BTCC races – driving a Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloon designed and built by renowned engineering outfit RML.

Joining Rowbottom at Plato Racing are long-term backers Cataclean, a brand firmly established across the UK's automotive aftermarket sector, developing and manufacturing its fuel and exhaust system cleaner since 1995.

Cataclean and Rowbottom have enjoyed considerable success over the years, both on-track and through their business relationship, which has enabled partnerships such as Kwik Fit to be forged as a direct result of competing in the BTCC.

The 36-year-old debuted in the UK's premier motorsport series in 2019, and after switching to Team Dynamics, he made his mark in 2021, claiming a maiden pole position, podium and race win on his way to dominating the coveted Jack Sears Trophy.

After further success the following year, the Worcestershire racer moved to Alliance Racing in 2023, where he doubled both his career wins and podium tallies in a single season.

Playing a valuable role in helping the outfit claim consecutive Teams' Championship titles the following season, Rowbottom underwent major heart surgery just over a year ago before returning to the grid to enjoy his best season to-date in 2025.

With three wins and five further podium finishes on his way to a career-best fifth in the Drivers' Championship, Rowbottom is now poised to embark on an exciting new challenge at Plato Racing.

Playing an integral role in the launch of the new team, Rowbottom is relishing the prospect of driving the team forward on-track this season and establishing himself as a championship challenger in the A35 Saloon.

Daniel Rowbottom, Plato Racing, said: "This is without doubt the biggest move of my career so far. To be a partner with Jason at Plato Racing is a pretty special feeling and something that 10-year-old me would have never believed could be possible.

"The deal has been in the works for a while and as you would expect with Jason being involved, everything is being done properly and to the highest of levels. Being aligned with the team gives Cataclean much tighter control of our destiny and being able to maximise future opportunities.

"We've recruited some big names and the work that is going on back at base is pretty incredible; I'm confident that we've got something special with the Mercedes. For me personally, I'm really excited to be stepping into that role of leading a team and driving it forward too.

"Last season was my best yet in the BTCC and the target now is to build on that. I want to be BTCC Champion one day and believe this is the place where I can do just that. We've got a big year ahead of us but I believe we'll be mixing it for wins and podiums from the get-go."

Jason Plato, Plato Racing Team Owner, said: "We are all very excited to have Dan and Cataclean as a part of Plato Racing for 2026 and beyond.

"On a personal level I'm very proud to have Dan in one of our race cars; the journey he has been on, to come through open heart surgery at the end of the 2024 season is remarkable. His performances last year were the best they have ever been and his focus and determination is second to none. We're all expecting great things from Dan.

"It's also fantastic to have the backing from Cataclean. They are a fantastic company who understand how to leverage this investment in the BTCC; we're all working hard to further expand their growth in the automotive sector.

"I'm confident that Plato Racing, with Dan and Cataclean on board, will be a true force in the BTCC this coming season."

Plato Racing will announce Rowbottom's team-mate in due course.

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