After the news that the outfit would switch to Honda for the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, BTC Norlin Racing has today announced that Chris Smiley will once again race for the team throughout the coming campaign.

The Northern Irishman returns for a third consecutive campaign in Britain's premier motor sport championship and he is keen to jump into proven title-winning machinery in the Civic Type R come Season Launch in March.

“I'm over the moon to be back with BTC Norlin Racing – even more so with the Honda Civic Type R for 2018," said Smiley. "This is a hugely exciting time for me, the team and our sponsors, with the Honda being a double championship-winning car.

"My expectations for the coming season are high after producing top tens consistently in the second half of the 2017 season.

"I can’t thank Norlin and Bert Taylor enough for everything they have done for me and ensuring I have the best package possible this coming year.

Meanwhile Smiley's 2017 team-mate Dave Newsham has announced his retirement from the BTCC as he switches focus on to his son Callum’s racing career. 

Newsham, who competed in seven consecutive BTCC seasons with three independent outfits, said: “I was almost ready to retire from BTCC at the end of 2016 when out of the blue I was handed a lifeline from BTC Norlin.

"We achieved some great results together last year and I have to say it was my most enjoyable season in the championship.

"I hope I played my part in establishing the team and helping to make it one of the best in the paddock. I wish everyone involved success in the future.

"Thank you BTC Norlin Racing!”  

Bert Taylor, BTC Norlin Racing Team Director, praised the fan-favourite: “I’d personally like to thank Dave for joining the team. From the start, he brought a wealth of experience to us in our first season, scored our first points, grabbed our first independence win and got our first podium. For that, we’ll be forever grateful.

"I’d like to wish him all the very best for the future.“ 

“We are delighted that Chris has agreed to race again for us in 2018," added Richard Irwin, owner of BTC Norlin Racing. "He has the character and commitment to grow year on year and I have no doubt he will be challenging for podiums at each round in the Hondas.

"I also want to personally add my thanks to Dave Newsham for last season, seeing us through a very competitive maiden campaign in the BTCC. His race results consistently lifted the garage, team and all our guests and he will be sorely missed by us all.”

AmDTuning.com with Cobra Exhausts can today confirm that Ollie Jackson and Sam Smelt will race the team's Audi S3s in the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

The West Thurrock-based team heads into the new campaign seeking to build on the impressive progress made throughout last year, when it picked up it’s best points haul in the series to date.

Tamworth-based Jackson returns for a third successive season with the team on the back of a strong 2017 that saw him lead a race for the first time and finish inside the top ten in the Independents’ standings.

He will seek to build on those results to regularly push towards the top ten, with the 33-year-old aiming to make the most of improvements being made to the Audi over the winter to try and push for a maiden podium finish.

Jackson will also look to challenge for honours in the revised Jack Sears Trophy, which is now open to drivers who go into 2018 having yet to take to the overall podium.

New team-mate Smelt, meanwhile, will be making his debut in the series this season as he makes a return to tin-top competition for 2018.

The 21-year-old from Northampton ended last year racing in the BTCC-supporting British F4 series, taking a best finish of eighth at Rockingham, having earlier competed in six races in the Volkswagen Racing Cup.

Having only graduated from karting twelve months ago, this season will be Smelt’s second year in car racing, with the youngster looking to gain as much experience as possible to make progress up the highly-competitive grid.

Work is currently ongoing to prepare the two Audis for pre-season testing, which is scheduled to get underway in February ahead of the opening meeting of the season.

Further details on AmDTuning’s 2018 racing programme will be revealed in the coming weeks.

“I’m delighted to be returning with the team for a third season with the Audi and am really excited about what 2018 holds," Ollie Jackson, #48 Audi S3, said. "We made a lot of progress last year but I don’t feel the job is finished yet, and I’d like to think that we can continue to build on everything we learned in 2017.

“The testing programme we have in place means we can do some proper pre-season running, and will allow us to be fully prepared for the start of the season at Brands. We’ll be able to hit the ground running and can then focus on maximising our performance on track.

“Having regularly challenged for points last year, the aim for me is to push for top ten finishes from the outset and I certainly feel that a podium could be possible if things fall our way.

“Independents’ class wins and the Jack Sears Trophy are certainly realistic, and I feel we have a good chance of coming away from 2018 with some silverware.”

“I really enjoyed the chance to sample the Audi when I tested back in November and came away from the day having ticked all the boxes I felt I needed to tick," Sam Smelt, #23 Audi S3, said. "Given how well it went with the team, I saw a good chance to make the move up the BTCC and am delighted that we’ve been able to agree a deal.

“I’m really excited about the fact that I’m going to be competing in the series this season, but I’m also aware that the step up is a big one in my second year of car racing.

“I think this will be a learning year for me, particularly in the first half of the season, and I’ll have to take it race-by-race and see how I get on. I’m expecting it to be tough at the start, but I’d like to think that as the year goes on, I’ll be able to start pushing for points finishes and fighting my way further up the field."

Team Principal Shaun Hollamby said: “We’re pleased to confirm Ollie and Sam as our drivers for 2018, and are confident that both can enjoy a successful year on track.

“In Ollie’s case, he has taken huge strides forwards since he rejoined us back in 2016, particularly last year which was arguably his strongest season in the BTCC. Our hope for 2018 is to see him regularly challenge towards the top ten and push for the Jack Sears Trophy title.

“Sam faces a steep learning curve as a rookie driver, but he did a solid job when he tested the car in tricky conditions back in November. He is a youngster with a lot of potential, and there is no reason why he can’t look to challenge for points as the season goes on.

“We’re also delighted to have retained the support of Cobra Exhausts and a number of our other loyal sponsors for the year ahead. It has allowed us to work on some new developments for the Audi and also to put in place a full testing programme that means we go into 2018 in better shape than ever before.”

Team HARD has today confirmed the signing of former British GT Champion Michael Caine as the final piece of its 2018 jigsaw puzzle. He takes the last of four seats in the stable ahead of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and will once again adorn #44.

Following on from the announcement that the team had re-signed Jake Hill last week, Team Principal Tony Gilham believes the experience offered up by Caine is the final ingredient required and is optimistic that it’s yet another positive step forward for the Kent outfit.

“When I took the call from the guys at Pioneer Race Events mid-December and spoke to Tony (Gilham), I thought Christmas really had come early for the Caine household,” said Caine. 

“It wasn’t just about the drive, it had to be a seat that would be competitive. I feel that the team has built on consecutive positive campaigns and is now in the right place to be a challenger, with a competitive package in the Volkswagen CC, and the right resources to be a presence in the 2018 championship.

“I cannot wait to get to work with the team and help to transition from potential to delivering. Roll on Round 1 at Brands Hatch.”

“I’ve known Michael (Caine) since racing in Porsche Carrera Cup GB and we used his talents briefly in 2016,” started Gilham. “We have been working with him and his partners to bring a season-long challenge together. 

“I feel confident in saying that with Michael’s quality and the backing of the Insightful Technology and Pioneer Race Events, we have the ability to challenge right at the top in 2018.

“I know for a fact that in Michael, we have a driver who has been looking for a real shot at the BTCC for many years.

“His motivation and ability will fuel the team’s progression and make us one to watch this season.”

After a successful 2017 debut season, BTC Norlin Racing has announced it will switch from Chevrolet to Honda machinery for the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

“The move highlights the ambitions of the BTC Norlin Racing team to continue to invest in the BTCC and progress to become a regular fixture on the podium,” said Team Director Bert Taylor.

“We wish to extend special thanks to Honda and Barry Plowman, Steve Neal and Matt Neal from Team Dynamics who gave us this unique opportunity to acquire world-class manufacturer machinery.”

Richard Irwin, co-owner of BTC Norlin Racing, added, “The Honda Civic Type R has consistently been at the front of the grid with Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal. Norlin strives to steadily challenge for the independent title in the coming seasons and therefore the switch of body shells was important to achieve this.”

Norlin Hotels and Central Fusion will continue to sponsor the cars in 2018 along with a number of new sponsors that will be announced in the coming weeks.

Stephen Symington, co-owner, concluded, “The professionalism and ambition of the BTC Norlin team surprised many in our debut season and thus has attracted the attention of a number of new sponsors and brands, some already involved in motorsports and others new to this arena. We look forward to welcoming them and their guests to a real VIP experience at each round of the 2018 season.”

Welcome the new look Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship website as we kick off the New Year and our 2018 Diamond Jubilee celebrations!

First and foremost, you will see the new BTCC 60^th anniversary logo, which will be used across all official championship branding throughout 2018. The design, which incorporates a wreath as per previous celebratory BTCC seasons, plus a 60^th diamond detail, has been created in seven solid colours (white, black, teal, orange, purple, blue and yellow).

The colour variations of the logo will be displayed across the year, whilst the website colours will be changed on a bi-monthly basis – teal being displayed during January and February.

Finally, for now… you will see the specially TOCA-commissioned artwork by Guy Allen, which takes in a number of the iconic cars and stars from the first 60 years of the BTCC.

Watch this space for more info on this special edition artwork and details on a limited run of t-shirts, posters and stickers, which will be available to the public in due course.

All that’s left to say at this stage is Happy New Year and we look forward to sharing this celebratory season with our many fans across the world.

British Racing Driver’s Club ‘Rising Star’ Jake Hill says he is ‘very confident’ of challenging for success with Team HARD Brisky Racing, having today re-signed with Tony Gilham’s squad for a third successive Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

Goudhurst-Based Hill starred in his first season with the team in 2016, impressing with his pace and race craft in the team’s Toyota Avensis. He continued to put in several noteworthy performances in 2017 in the VW CC, especially during qualifying, putting the car in the top-ten on five occasions.

“Last season we had some great pace, but our results didn’t really reflect just how competitive we really were,” said the 23-year-old. “So for 2018 I am really excited to be part of Team HARD Brisky Racing again. I can’t thank Tony, Gary, Kingsley and the guys enough for the faith they have shown in me, and for the opportunity to continue our journey together.

“With Geoff (Kingston) on board and seeing the impact he has already made, implementing several fairly major technical changes to the car, I know we will be in a really strong position to regularly challenge at the front.

“My friend and long-time supporter Richard Wheeler from Brisky Racing is an integral part of making this possible for me, and for helping things move forward with the team. Without him this simply wouldn’t be possible, I am hugely grateful for the faith he’s shown in me. 

“Bobby (Thompson), Mike (Bushell) and I will work well together and push each other along,” concluded Hill. “Being paired with Mike to score team points leaves me confident we will be in the hunt for the Independent Teams’ title. I’m also eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy so will do everything I can to challenge for that honour, and of course the Independent Drivers’ championship.”

Team Principal, Tony Gilham, knows Hill’s strengths and was determined to retain his services for 2018.

“We have seen what Jake can do, and we wanted to use his experience and technical strength as well as outright pace to help us continue making progress,” he said. “It’s great to have continuity and Jake is part of the family here. 

“The addition of Brisky Racing has seen us move forward. We already have some great people here, and a fantastic level of support for the team, so with the combination of Geoff’s input and Jake’s speed we are very confident that we will be in the mix right from the start of the season.”

The BTCC is ‘driving home for Christmas’ and we would like to wish you all a fantastic festive period and a Happy New Year!

From marshals to fans to drivers to teams and everyone in between we would also like to thank you all for yet another incredible Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season in 2017.

Senna Proctor, Speedworks Motorsport, Tom Ingram, BMW and Team BMW all claimed titles in this unforgettable year, but of course the biggest cheer must go to our king of the BTCC jungle – Champion – Ash Sutton.

Announcements for our 60^th Anniversary campaign are already in full swing with further driver signings and car unveils coming up soon in the New Year.

So, from everyone involved in the BTCC… once again, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – see you in 2018!

Motorbase Performance is proud to announce a new-look driver line-up for its 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign, with Tom Chilton confirmed as the Kent-based squad’s first signing for its Ford Focus team.

After a successful partnership in 2017, Nestlé Shredded Wheat return as primary sponsors for the new season and the team also welcomes global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, Gallagher, under the new banner of Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher.

“We are proud to announce our partnership with Motorbase to take part in the 2018 BTCC Championship and look forward to the exciting prospect of Tom Chilton winning with the Gallagher brand prominently displayed on his Ford,” commented Christopher E. Mead, Chief Marketing Officer for Gallagher.

“Millions of fans in the UK and around the world enjoy the close racing in the BTCC, as do our clients and employees. We will leverage this sponsorship to showcase Gallagher’s global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services expertise and brand. This sponsorship brings additional attention to the capabilities of our brokers and sales consultants who deliver innovative solutions to their clients here in the UK and globally.”

Chilton joins the Motorbase line-up off the back of a stellar WTCC season, having recently secured the FIA WTCC Trophy (Independent’s title) and finishing third overall. The 32-year-old made his hotly-anticipated return to the BTCC last season after a five-year absence, and is eager to add to his impressive record which includes 12 race wins, 45 podiums, 12 pole positions and the 2010 Independents Drivers title.

“Motorbase is one of the most professional teams on the grid and I think I’ll fit in very well;” said Chilton. “I’m excited to be back in the Ford Focus. The last time I raced in the Focus I was crowned British Indy Champion in 2010, so it’s great to come back to it.

“I’m fully focused on one full championship next season, the BTCC. I love the fans in the BTCC and I love the racing. It’s such a competitive championship; no other series in the world is as close as the BTCC, every win and podium feels so special.”

“I’m really happy to have AJ Gallagher follow me back to the BTCC off the back of our WTCC title.  I want to keep momentum from my WTCC title win going and British Champion is where I want to be next, that’s the aim for next season.”

Team Principal David Bartrum added; "It's great to have Tom on board. He's an excellent addition to the team with a proven touring car history and has all of the right ingredients to help Motorbase Performance challenge for the BTCC crown next season. He brings a wealth of experience with him from both British and World touring cars and it’s great to see him back with the Ford brand. A lot of his success in the BTCC has been with the Ford badge, he knows the product and knows our team and I think he will fit in well and be on the pace straight away.

“Our 2018 programme is starting to build up nicely with Tom’s signing and we continue to work hard behind the scenes and put all of our plans into place. We still have a few surprises in store and look forward to releasing more details in the coming weeks.”

An extensive winter testing programme is next on the agenda for Motorbase Performance with the team making final preparations ahead of the new livery unveil at the Autosport International show which runs from 11-14 January at the NEC, Birmingham.

Eurotech Racing has today (11 December) confirmed that it is to run Matt Simpson in the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship as it expands to a three-car strong line-up of Honda Civic Type Rs for the season ahead.

The former European Hot Road champion returns to the BTCC for a third consecutive campaign, and will once again be piloting the Simpson Racing Honda, sponsored by Simpson Exhausts and Simpson Recycling.

“I’m really pleased to be back for a third year in the BTCC and I’m excited to be running with Eurotech Racing,” said Simpson. “We have much in common and I’ve been impressed with their achievements over the past year.

“We all want to win and we’re confident that this partnership will give us our best season yet.”

Simpson has been earmarked as the perfect fit for Eurotech by Team Principal Jeff Smith, as the 2017 Independent Teams’ runners-up return to a three-car operation.

“We kept the core team and infrastructure in place to field three cars as it has always been our intention to revert when the right opportunity came along,” said Smith. “Matt currently owns a Honda Civic Type R, which works perfectly. Our mechanics already have the car back at the workshop, stripped down and currently being updated to the same specification as our existing pair of Type Rs.

“We’re looking forward to working with Matt, he’s proved a capable driver in the BTCC. Using our knowledge and experience, we will be doing everything we can to develop him – the aim being to have all three cars right at the sharp end.

“Having the drive confirmed at this relatively early stage allows us to press on with the car build and plan a full test schedule, with the intention of hitting the ground running for the 2018 season.”

Team HARD is wasting no time this off-season in assembling its line-up for 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, with the signing of double Renault UK Clio Cup champion Mike Bushell today (8 December) complementing the additions of Bobby Thompson and renowned engineer Geoff Kingston to the fold.

Bushell sealed his second Clio Cup UK title this season and the Kent racer is set to return to Britain's premier motor racing championship with Team HARD and Brisky Racing as part of the joint-operation's expanded four-car stable for the upcoming campaign.

"I am ecstatic to be returning to the BTCC having notched a second UK Renault Clio Cup title," said Bushell. "On top of that, I am excited to be making my return with Team HARD and Brisky Racing as they have been going from strength to strength.

"With the new technical input from Geoff Kingston, coupled with an already proven race-winning car in the Volkswagen CC, I firmly believe that a strong challenge can be made for the Independent Drivers' title next year.

"However, the partnership extends beyond the on-track potential and into the infrastructure the outfit has at hand to help me forge a long career in the BTCC.

"I am itching to get out on track and in the car for our first test and build a strong relationship with everyone. The team has pulled out all stops to help me return to the BTCC grid and I look to reward them with some great results."

"We are really looking forward to working with Mike next year," added Team HARD Team Principal Tony Gilham. "We have a very competitive package for 2018 and have been in discussions to secure talented drivers. 

"We now have the ability to fight with the best on the grid, so we're looking to secure only those that have shown outstanding race craft. Between myself and Richard (Wheeler) we have put a great package in place to bring Mike back to the BTCC at a time when we can mount a strong challenge."

"I've wanted to work with Mike for a while, he's clearly shown his talent, taking two championship wins in the Renault UK Clio Cup," said Brisky Racing chief Wheeler. "I'm really pleased to have put the final pieces into place with Tony that Mike required to make his BTCC return. The team has a very exciting year ahead."