Reigning two-time Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Independent champions Speedworks Motorsport will join the series’ Manufacturer ranks in 2019 after gaining factory backing from Toyota GB and rebranding as Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport – and an all-out title assault is the target.
 
Tallying nine race wins with Tom Ingram, consecutive Independent Teams' and Drivers' trophies in 2017 and 2018 and coming within just 12 points of clinching the outright Drivers’ laurels this year – Speedworks has now upped the ante in Britain’s premier motorsport series by officially joining forces with the UK arm of Toyota.
 
Ever since debuting in the BTCC in 2011, the Cheshire-based outfit has campaigned Toyota’s Avensis, but next year will herald a new dawn as the all-new, UK-built Corolla – due to take to Britain’s roads in 2019 – enters the fray.
 
Ingram – widely tipped as a future BTCC champion and one of the series’ undisputed rising stars – has competed for Speedworks since making his bow in 2014, and the 25-year-old will spearhead the Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport challenge as he bids to add the most coveted crown in national motorsport to his burgeoning career CV.
 
Both the Corolla – the best-selling car in history, achieving more than 45 million worldwide sales to-date – and Team Toyota GB have a proud heritage in the BTCC. Chris Hodgetts memorably claimed back-to-back championship titles in a Corolla GT Coupé in 1986/87, and Team Toyota GB remained a front-running force in the series through to the popular 1990s Super Touring era.
 
The 2019 BTCC season will begin at Brands Hatch (Indy) on 6/7 April, meaning Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport’s new contender will take to the track at the same time as the latest-generation road-going model arrives in British showrooms. The campaign will conclude on the legendary Kent circuit’s Grand Prix layout six months later.
 
Christian Dick, Team Principal, Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport, said: “We have been speaking to Toyota GB on-and-off for the past couple of years, establishing an ever-closer relationship and nurturing that bond through our common passion for motorsport, engineering excellence and, ultimately, success. To now have them officially on-board is fantastic news, and will enable us to take that final step to really push for the overall BTCC title. The intention is to develop the new Corolla in 2019 before building up to a two-car assault in 2020. We feel we have proved what we are capable of on the Independent scene and we are well aware that the BTCC Manufacturers’ battle is another level higher again, but as a team, we are ready to pitch ourselves against the very best in Britain and – with Toyota GB’s backing – we are confident of doing just that.”
 
Tom Ingram, Driver, Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport, said: “Having dreamt about racing in the BTCC since I was a little boy, the past five years have been something of a whirlwind for me, if I’m totally honest. What we have accomplished as a small Independent outfit – particularly over the last two seasons – has been nothing short of mind-blowing, and demonstrates just what this little team is made of. To attract the support of a major manufacturer is a phenomenal achievement and huge credit must go to Christian and Amy [Dick – Team Manager], who have worked their absolute socks off to pull this deal together. For Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport, 2019 starts now – and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds!”
 
Andrew Cullis, Marketing Director, Toyota GB, said: “Bringing the Corolla name and Team Toyota GB back to the British Touring Car Championship in 2019 is a great way of helping us launch this important, all-new British-built car. Speedworks Motorsport and Tom Ingram have a winning track record and we look forward to working with them throughout the coming season.”

The 60th anniversary, 2018 British Touring Car Championship was rounded out in fine style at the annual TOCA Night of Champions this past Saturday (24 November) – with Kwik Fit unveiled as new title sponsors on an evening of celebrations.

ITV Sport anchorman Steve Rider hosted proceedings with Louise Goodman on hand to interview the stars of the TOCA package as they collected their silverware.

Paul Rivett (Renault UK Clio Cup), Tio Elinas (Porsche Carrera Cup GB), Kiern Jewiss (British F4 Championship), Charlie Ladell (Ginetta GT4 Supercup), Adam Smalley (Ginetta Juniors) were those crowned champions from the TOCA support series’ and were first to make their way up on stage at IHG’s Crowne Plaza Marlow.

The BTCC proceedings were kicked off with the presentation of the largest trophy of the night – the coveted Jack Sears Trophy – as well as a Stilo ST5 carbon fibre crash helmet courtesy of nickygrist.com to Halfords Yuasa Racing rookie Dan Cammish.

"It's great to win," said Cammish. "It's not the only trophy I hope to win in the BTCC but it's fantastic. It's been a great season. It was my first in a front-wheel drive car and the engine's in the other end of the car compared to what I'd been used to. That was a lot to adjust to but I think we were quick from the outset."

Speedworks Motorsport and Tom Ingram were busy on the night, taking home both the Independent Teams' and Independent Drivers' gongs respectively for the second consecutive year.

"It's really difficult to put into words how much it means – it truly means the world to all of us," said Team Principal Christian Dick. "We were disappointed not to come away with the big one but I must pass on a massive thanks to all of the team. Without them it wouldn't be possible.

"Every season we've been involved we've crept forward but most of it has gone under the radar until we've got to the very sharp end. We've made huge steps this year and have got more planned for next year again. I couldn't be more excited to get into work and get going at the moment."

"We can look back at this season with real pride," added Ingram. "We've got really good memories and it's been such an amazing team spirit. That's what pulled us through. For the work that everybody's put in it's the least we've deserved.

"We learn so much with each year that passes. I've been with the team since 2014 and we get better year-on-year, we move on and we grow. From a driver's point of view you learn that it's so tough in the BTCC you can't afford not to score and not to be on the podium and build that momentum. That's what I've learned most."

Ingram made his way back on stage to collect Dunlop's #ForeverForward honours, having also topped the tally for most positions gained last season.

West Surrey Racing-backed Team BMW walked away with the Teams' crown once again, while the Bavarian marque sealed Manufacturers' honours. Legendary BTCC team boss Dick Bennetts spoke of his delight.

"The BTCC gets tougher every year," said Bennetts. "The competition is getting tougher but it's a team effort and we have an advantage there with running three, or this year four, very good drivers. We can compare the data between drivers to improve. I've a difficult task sometimes keeping them all under control but I must say the team effort, all 27 of us, have been exceptional.

"When we started WSR in Formula 3 back in the day, there were three of us and we've come a long way. It isn't just me. There are a lot of guys and girls doing fantastic work. It makes it easy for me. We love a challenge – 28 cars within 0.8 seconds at Silverstone is certainly that, and it makes the BTCC a fantastic championship to win."

BMW and WSR added another title to their haul this year via Colin Turkington, and BMW Group UK and Ireland Managing Director Graeme Grieve aired his gratitude.

"It means the world to us, to our colleagues in Munich and most importantly our customers. Motorsport is at the heart of our brand and there were a lot of people supporting the team and Colin heading into Silverstone and Brands Hatch hanging on in there with us.

"We've had four drivers in three cars but with Andy (Jordan) and Rob (Collard) both taking wins, and the former fifth in the championship despite the worst of luck throughout the season. We also had Ricky (Collard) taking a maiden podium. It's been a great year."

"They're all difficult but this one meant more to me than the others," added Turkington. "It's really special to win it three times. This is one of the biggest prizes in global touring car racing, so to be on here three times is an immense pleasure and it makes me very proud.

"When the engineer comes on the radio and tells you that you've won, all of those feelings that you've been bottling up throughout the year come out. It's relief that all of the discipline that all the teamwork and the hard work that the team put in has paid off.

"The podium, champagne, fireworks and your phone's on fire – everyone wants a piece of you. You want more of that and we're so lucky to be doing this. For me, driving for BMW and winning this championship and doing it for them was a joy.

"I'm not sure there were many single moments. Never through this year did I think we were far and away quickest, we just kept working hard and kept grafting away and scoring points. I got to the end of the season having won one race but to come out with this prize, you just realise how tough it is.

"I just wanted to say to T0m (Ingram) and Speedworks that they put up a hell of a fight and pushed us all the way and that's what you want as a driver – to push yourself and be the best that you can be.

"With competition like that, you have to go to the next level and we all know Tom will be a champion one day, I'm just glad it wasn't this year! 

Award-winning BTCC Engineer of the Year Kevin Berry, Turkington's engineer, was there all the way and has been for some time alongside the Northern Irishman, who was keen to pay tribute.

"He's very hard to please," said Turkington. "He's been the man in my corner for six years now and he's never happy. As soon as I get out of the car he calls me to the engineer's office and says 'Andy (Jordan) is quicker here, Rob (Collard) is quicker there and Ricky's found a bit', so we're always seeking the tiny margins and that's where Kevin comes in.

"We're probably the last two out of the circuit. I don't think I'm good for his health but he's given me two championships... We clicked from day one and he quickly understood what I needed from the car to go fast.

"We make each other's job easy and we make a good team. I look forward to working with him in the future and hopefully more success."

Kidderminster-based Renault UK Clio Cup ace Dan Rowbottom will join Ciceley Motorsport for the 2019 British Touring Car Championship.

Backed by Cataclean, the leading fuel additive to clean and restore engine fuel and exhaust systems, Rowbottom will graduate from the Renault UK Clio Cup into one of Ciceley’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars for the forthcoming campaign.

He was a triple race winner last season his way to fourth place in the Clio Cup and has been eager to climb the ladder into the BTCC. With the support from Cataclean, a long-time backer and supporter, he feels the time is right to make the step up.

Rowbottom’s career began in karting, winning the 2001 Super 1 National Comer Cadet Championship and the Renault Elite League - Super Libre title in 2005. A move to cars came in 2008 with a season in the SEAT Cupra Championship before funding stopped his progression. A return to car racing in 2015 placed him in the Lotus Elise Trophy before moving to Clios in 2016.

“To join the BTCC grid is a dream come true,” said Rowbottom. “Cataclean has been a great backer of my racing and with its support we have been able to make this possible for 2019 and beyond.

"With Ciceley Motorsport we have found a team that is a perfect fit and one that I am really happy to be with. We have been talking to the guys at Ciceley for a while and I have a really good feeling about the team and it will be great to be able to learn from Adam Morgan who has proved that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a winning car. I can’t wait to get started.”

Ciceley Motorsport Commercial Director Norman Burgess said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan to the team. We have been watching his pace in the Renault Clio Cup and have been very impressed, especially as he has been the real underdog up against the bigger teams.

"We are confident that he will soon be up to speed in the BTCC and we look forward to working with Dan and seeing him progress in the championship.

"Dan is a class act both at and away from the race track, we nearly secured his services while running our Clio team, everybody at Ciceley Motorsport is really looking forward to working with him. 

“We are delighted to welcome Cataclean to the grid as well. A new, major sponsor on the BTCC grid is always welcome and we look forward to helping Cataclean promote its message successfully next season.”

Rob Smith has been confirmed as the first signing for new British Touring Car Championship squad Excelr8 Motorsport.

Smith, from Telford in Shropshire, is no stranger to the Excelr8 ranks having competed with the squad for the past four years in the MINI CHALLENGE as part of the official MINI UK VIP Customer Team, where the 26-year-old has been a consistent front-runner.

Now, as the Norfolk-based outfit makes its step-up to the pinnacle of British motorsport, having purchased a pair of MG6 cars and the required TOCA BTCC Licences from AMD Tuning, Smith too climbs the ladder for his eagerly awaited maiden season in the BTCC.

The focus for Smith is now on bringing additional partners on-board to join his existing portfolio which will be revealed at the annual Season Launch next spring.

“It’s an absolute dream come true to be stepping-up to the British Touring Car Championship for 2019, and especially to be doing it with Excelr8 Motorsport,” said Smith. “As soon as I joined the team in 2014 it was clear that we both saw our future in the BTCC, so it’s fantastic to finally make it a reality.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes all year, and it’s fantastic to be in a position to confirm we’ll be on the grid at such an early stage. We’re in the process of finalising a couple of deals, and still have a number of sponsorship packages available, so we should have an exciting range of partners to reveal at the Season Launch.”

“I have no doubt it will be a steep learning curve for both myself and the team, but continuity is key so hopefully by extending our relationship we will be able to add to the success we’ve already achieved. The MG6 is a proven package and one of the most successful cars of the NGTC era, so we have an excellent platform to build from and I know the team has some exciting plans for the future.”

After joining Excelr8 in the MINI CHALLENGE part-way through the 2014 season following a switch from the Renault UK Clio Cup, Smith took his first victory at Silverstone in only his third appearance in the category and has been a title contender in each of the following seasons, claiming a further six wins and 18 podiums since the introduction of the JCW class.

Speaking on the BTCC deal, Excelr8 Team Manager Oliver Shepherd said: “Rob has been with us for a number of years now so we’re well aware of his ability and the effort he puts in to be successful, so we were very keen for him to make the step up with us. Working with a driver we know means we have one less variable to think about while we get to grips with the demands of the BTCC.

“He was involved in the development of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW and our endurance car, so that experience should help us get an understanding of the MG6 over the winter. Rob knows exactly what he needs from the car and if we can deliver that then the results are sure to follow. He’s also very strong commercially, so we can be sure that our partners are going to be well represented both on and off-track.”

Michael Crees will realise a lifelong dream next season as he lines up on the British Touring Car Championship grid after signing a deal with Team HARD for his debut campaign in the UK's premier motorsport series.

The move sees the culmination of Crees’ meteoric rise up the motorsport ladder in Britain, having won the Ginetta Racing Drivers’ Club title in his maiden car-racing campaign in 2016, before announcing himself to the BTCC paddock with a sensational display in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup last year. Less than three years since the Kent racer was standing on the banks as a fan watching the BTCC in action, he is now set to seize the opportunity to take on some of the best touring car drivers and teams in the world.

With the support of his loyal sponsors, Crees has signed with experienced outfit Team HARD to race one of its Volkswagen CC’s – an established race-winning car in the series that he tested for the first time earlier this month at Snetterton in Norfolk.

Having earned his stripes in Ginetta machinery, he follows in the footsteps of leading BTCC stars like Tom Ingram and Adam Morgan, having dominated the AM Class with a record of eleven race victories and eight other podium finishes across the twenty-three race campaign.

“My dream has become a reality!" said Crees. "After winning two titles in two years of racing, we wanted to challenge ourselves in the premier championship in the UK.

“I want to thank Tony Gilham for taking a chance on us. Having spent the last couple of weeks working with and getting to know the team, how they work and our plans, it became clear this would be the right decision for the next chapter in my racing career.

“We share a lot of the same values and goals for the future so I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to see what we can achieve together. I can’t wait to get out this week and start a long tough journey to becoming a successful BTCC driver.”

Crees is Team HARD’s fourth and final signing for the 2019 BTCC season, partnering with two-time Renault UK Clio Cup champion and BTCC top six finisher Mike Bushell, 2017 Volkswagen Racing Cup champion Bobby Thompson and fellow Ginetta GT4 Supercup graduate Carl Boardley.

“We are very proud to welcome Michael to what we call our family," said Team HARD Team Principal Tony Gilham. "Michael is very much like us in the way he approaches his racing with his family support around him and his mindset to do the best job possible on-track but to enjoy things off-track too.

“That makes him a perfect fit for our set-up and we have already seen the value that we can offer each other as a package. He is a very special talent and has had a meteoric rise to the top and we cannot wait to share the next chapter of our stories together.

“In what will be a huge year for the team, it will also be a very steep learning curve for Michael as he steps up to what is the pinnacle of British motorsport. That said, we have all been very impressed with Michael on the recent test days.

“We’ll be working hard over the winter to arrive at Brands Hatch as ready as we can be for the year ahead. There have been several changes to the team structure and personnel, and we are hoping to achieve great things together as this is a long term programme for us all.”

The British Touring Car Championship, in partnership with fusesport, is delighted to announce the launch of a new official BTCC mobile application – free and available now for all iOS and Android devices.
 
Britain’s premier motorsport series prides itself on further enhancing the fans’ experience, and this BTCC mobile app becomes a significant part of its digital offering to its many followers around the world.
 
The app, which will continue to be evolved and enhanced ahead of the 2019 season, will feature an array of exclusive content, including latest news, videos, behind-the-scenes access, polls, surveys and stats that will be of great interest to all BTCC and motorsport fans. You will also find driver and team information, plus details on events such as race dates, timetables and tickets.
 
It will also be the place to visit during a race weekend, with quick links to video, timing and audio ensuring followers are kept right up to date with the action.
 
Fan interactions will become a key part of the app’s offering too, with your chance to sign-up, follow your favourite driver and team while contributing with photos and opinions on everything BTCC.
 
Series Organiser, TOCA, has worked with sports industry leader fusesport in development of the app. Fusesport is a global leader in helping sports organisations grow their communities and revenue by managing their events and data more effectively. One of the most complete event management solutions available, its cloud-based software covers everything from registration, accreditation, promotion, volunteer/workforce management, data analysis and more.
 
Series Director, Alan Gow, said: “The BTCC has continued to transform its digital offering in recent years, having launched a new website, enhanced its coverage with our loyal television partner ITV, increased its social media presence, as well as adding ‘as live’ and further video content online.
 
“The new BTCC app is part of that evolution and we are delighted to be launching the app over the coming days. Working alongside Fusesport, we will continue to enhance and improve the app to ensure it provides fans with the best BTCC experience available. This is something for our followers to enjoy as excitement builds ahead of the 2019 BTCC season, which is sure to be another fantastic campaign – both on and off the track.”
 
fusesport CEO, Jeff Bliss, adds: “fusesport is both honored and excited to partner with BTCC to help enhance their fans’ experience. We bring broad experience across the sports industry and around the world, as well as a deep appreciation for the motor sport industry and BTCC’s fanbase, and we look forward to continually improving the fans’ experience with BTCC”.

Tickets for the Thruxton and Croft weekends of the 2019 British Touring Car Championship are now on sale, with discounted prices confirmed in the run up to Christmas.

With the festive period rapidly approaching, BTCC tickets at British Automobile Racing Club circuits are set to be the perfect present for the petrolhead in your life.

Coming off the back of a pulsating and successful 2018 season, Britain’s premier race series will once again travel the length and breadth of the country, with an expected capacity entry list battling it out across 30 races.

Thruxton, the fastest circuit in the UK, will stage two stops on calendar in 2019 having picked up a round following the demise of Rockingham. The additional date means Thruxton will now stage two rounds of the championship in a single season for the first time since 2007.

The BTCC will first visit the high-speed Hampshire venue on 18/19 May before returning later in the year as the title race gathers momentum during the second half of the season on 17/18 August.

Croft meanwhile has an earlier spot on the calendar for next year as it plays host to the fourth event of the 2019 campaign, taking place on 15/16 June.

Thruxton - 18/19 May 2019

Visit http://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc to view full ticket offers

*Croft - 15/16 June 2019*

Visit http://croftcircuit.co.uk/racing/btcc to view full ticket offers

*Thruxton - 17/18 August 2019*

Visit http://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc-aug to view full ticket offers

British Touring Car Championship organiser TOCA has ratified a number of minor amendments to its regulations following an end-of-season consultation with the championship's teams. 

In addition to these revisions, it was also decided that the introduction of hybrid power - initially outlined for introduction from the 2022 season - may be brought forward to 2021 if all key parameters relating to the supply, engineering, costs, performance and testing of the hybrid units can be achieved in good time for an earlier launch. 

The following regulation changes will take effect from the opening round of the 2019 campaign at Brands Hatch Indy circuit on April 6/7:

Success ballast

The 75 kilograms maximum success ballast will be reduced, due to the incredibly closely matched performance of the current cars. Therefore the maximum amount of success ballast has been decreased to 54 kilograms and the remaining increments have been adjusted downwards accordingly:

1st: 54kgs
2nd: 48kgs
3rd: 42kgs
4th: 36kgs
5th: 30kgs
6th: 24kgs
7th: 18kgs
8th: 12kgs
9th: 6kgs
10th: 6kgs  

'Strike' system revision

As with previously, some on-track driving offences will continue to receive 'reprimands'. From 2019, three reprimands will now constitute a 'Strike'. 

A Strike will also be automatically applied for a more serious offence; as an example, when a driver is found to be wholly to blame in an incident that causes another driver to be unable to finish the race. In this case the recipient of the Strike will also receive the additional  penalty of a minimum 20 seconds added to their race time.

The current Strike tally-system remains as is, with a third Strike resulting in a driver being demoted to the back of the grid, a fourth resulting in a race ban and so on. A reprimand or Strike remains recorded against a driver for 12 months, as is currently the case.

Qualifying red flags

A driver causing a red flag in qualifying will lose their fastest lap time to that point and take no further part in the session.

Tyres

It has been agreed that teams will continue to nominate their 'Option' tyre choices prior to Saturday's qualifying session. 

Teams are still limited to the use of the 'Option' tyre in each of the three races three times during the course of the season – i.e. race three at a maximum of three events, race two at a maximum of three events and so on.

'Option' compounds

Soft: Brands Hatch Indy, Oulton Park, Silverstone and Brands Hatch GP

Medium: Knockhill, with the Soft compound being the ‘Standard’ tyre

Hard: Donington Park and Croft
 Circuit

The Hard compound tyre will continue to be the sole dry tyre to be used at Thruxton.

Additionally, at Snetterton drivers must use a different tyre compound in each race but will not be required to nominate which. However, the compound selected cannot be changed on the grid.

Wet tyre

Following an extensive testing programme, Dunlop is set to introduce an entirely new wet tyre for the 2019 season.