Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher has announced the signing of Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race winner James Cole for its 2018 campaign.

The Liverpudlian returns to the Motorbase fold having last raced with the Kent-based outfit during its part-season campaign in 2015. Cole has spent the last two seasons as part of BMR Racing's manufacturer-backed squad where he took his Subaru to a maiden BTCC pole position and race win at Rockingham in 2017.

Cole was a successful single seater driver in his early career, winning the British Formula Ford Championship in 2009, going on to compete in the British Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2 Championships before making his BTCC debut in 2013.

“It’s great to welcome James back into the team,” said Team Principal David Bartrum. “James was with us in  2015 for half a season, he came in during a very difficult year for us as we only got to run half a season, so he has unfinished business with Motorbase.

“James has done a very good job in the Subaru in the time he’s been away. He’s been on pole, won a race and has clearly raised his game and coming back to FWD may well suit him,” added the team boss.

“He has a big task coming into the team late but we’ve got an excellent infrastructure around him and he has a very strong team-mate in Tom Chilton so I know he’ll be able to equip himself well and get up to speed quickly. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in the car this year.”

“It’s fantastic to be back as part of the Motorbase line-up this year,” said Cole. "I’ve never felt happier and more excited going into a new BTCC season. Thanks to David Bartrum for having the faith to welcome me back.”

“I’m coming back into the team as a race winner now and I have another two years’ experience under my belt which should put me in good stead to have a proper crack this year. It’s also great to be back working with James Mundy, my engineer from Formula Ford, it’s been 10 years since we last worked together so it feels like a homecoming!”

Having secured the remaining Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher seat alongside new signing Tom Chilton, Cole joined the Motorbase-run outfit for the final day of pre-season testing at Parcmotor Casterlloli circuit in Spain last week, where the 29-year-old got his first chance to sample the squad’s new challenger for the 2018 season, the Ford Focus RS.

“It was like putting back on an old pair of gloves at the test last week,” Cole added.  “I thought it might take a while to get to grips with FWD again but I managed to get up to speed very quickly.

"The new RS gives me a lot more confidence to push early on and considering I haven’t been in FWD for a couple of years, I managed to get on the pace within a day which shows how much the car has moved on from the old ST.”

Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher continues its pre-season testing programme over the coming weeks before the Championship’s official Season Launch at Donington Park on 27 March.

Halfords Yuasa Racing's all-new BTCC Honda Civic Type R broke cover for the first time this morning (27 February) at Parcmotor Castellolí, just outside Barcelona, Spain.

The car will be subjected to a near week-long test at the circuit, with latest generation Civic Type R (FK8) set to be shaken down and thoroughly evaluated as the team begins its pre-season programme ahead of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Triple BTCC champion Matt Neal and new signing Dan Cammish are scheduled to get their first taste of the car in Spain, before heading home to Brands Hatch and Donington Park for further track-time and development.

It has been a herculean effort from the Team Dynamics squad to build the pair of Civic Type Rs over the winter, with the team looking forward to unveiling the 2018 livery at their brand-new factory on 22 March.

The championship's official Season Launch event will then take place at Donington Park, 27 March, which will be the first time that all of this year’s BTCC's challengers will be on track together.

The opening rounds of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will commence at Brands Hatch on 7/8 April.

David Hodgetts (Managing Director, Honda UK) said: “The Honda Civic Type R has been one of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship's most successful cars during its time in the series, and with the launch of the FK8 road car in 2017, it's fantastic to see the next generation in full racing trim out on track for 2018. With the new car and a new driver pairing, we're sure the season ahead will be one to remember. The new Civic Type R has scooped a host of awards, from Top Gear's Car of the Year to AutoExpress, Evo and Whatcar? Hot Hatch of the Year and we're hoping we can follow up those accolades with more success, on the track this time, in 2018.”

James Rodgers (Team Manager, Halfords Yuasa Racing) said: “It's been a massive effort by the team over the off-season to transition to the new Honda Civic Type R and to see all of those hours labour bear fruit is just a fantastic feeling. The car provides an excellent platform to work with and we're sure it'll prove a potent package when it hits the track in anger at Brands Hatch. We've got a busy testing schedule in the lead up to that point, and we will be sure to hit the ground running when the season starts, in the best shape possible.”

Matt Neal (Driver, Halfords Yuasa Racing and Director) said: “This next generation Honda Civic Type R is fantastic and the guys have pulled out all the stops to get us to this point. I can't wait to jump in and get out on track this week. If the car goes as fast as it looks then we'll be in great shape this season!”

Dan Cammish (Driver, Halfords Yuasa Racing) said: “It’s really exciting to see the new car in the flesh, in full racing trim and it’s really something special. Sitting in the cockpit for the first time will be a really proud moment for me.”

Multi award-winning car dealer Trade Price Cars will join Team HARD Racing as title partners for the 60th anniversary of the UK’s premier motorsport series, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, with the outfit mounting a four-car challenge in 2018.

The company's owner Dan Kirby raced with Team HARD in the Ginetta Supercup, notching six podiums in the AM class. The Essex-based businessman was keen to expand his involvement with the outfit in the BTCC, having taken time out from his driving duties for the forthcoming season due to family commitments.

“It's is an exciting time to be involved with Team Hard Racing, so it’s fantastic to welcome Trade Price Cars as our new title partners," said Team Principal Tony Gilham. "We get stronger with every year that passes in the BTCC. We have built an amazing technical team and all four drivers are capable of success, in the overall running and in the Independents' Championship.

"It’s great that Dan (Kirby), as a friend of the team, has given us such a superb platform to work together, I can’t wait to see what we can achieve, both on and off-track this year.”

Trade Price Cars will feature on all four of Team HARD’s 2018 Evolution VW CC’s, with its distinctive logo prominently visible across the team's race operation. Team HARD will welcome guests of the company to enjoy its VIP weekend experiences, and Trade Price Cars will benefit from the incredible television and media exposure the BTCC offers up.

“Being part of the TOCA package last season was a mega experience, not only to compete in but to give something back to my sponsors in VIP benefits and nationwide coverage," said Kirby. "It is so important in modern day motorsport that drivers look after their partners and encourage them along to the track where the atmosphere and general race day vibe is electric.

"Our guests raved about the VIP experience with Team HARD and for the forthcoming season we are confident those businesses will continue to support us. I know how hard Tony Gilham has worked to progress the team, so it seemed an ideal time for us to join as title partners.”

“Already recognised as winners in business, now is the time to win on the race track with Trade Price Cars Team Hard Racing. The Independents' Championship and Jack Sears Trophy are strong possibilities – we will be pushing for both! Who knows, but it’s certainly an exciting time to be involved with the team.”

The 2018 Trade Price Cars with Team HARD livery will be revealed at the BTCC Season Launch on 27 March at Donington Park.

The latest 2018-spec Team HARD VW CC hit the track for the first time earlier today (22 February), as three of its four confirmed drivers shared the running at Croft Circuit.

This first completed car will be driven by series returnee Mike Bushell during the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, so it was left to reigning Clio Cup champion to take first honours at the North Yorkshire circuit.

Bobby Thompson and Michael Caine went on to get their first taste of the VW, which was all carried out under the watchful eye of team boss Tony Gilham.

“I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement to see the first of our new 2018 VW CCs take to the track today at Croft,” commented Gilham. “In what has been an amazing winter period for the team we have improved in all areas and essentially developed an all-new package for the coming season.”

“Initial feedback from the drivers, engineers and the rest of the crew fills us with confidence for the year ahead. It looks amazing on-track and very much looking forward to revealing the new livery and partners in the coming weeks.”

The Kent squad’s testing programme will continue over the coming weeks at Snetterton, Brands Hatch and Thruxton, before the entire 2018 BTCC field takes part in the official pre-season test at Donington Park on 27 March.

AmDtuning.com with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing has announced the signing of race winner Tom Boardman for the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The Lancashire racer is the first driver to be confirmed at the wheel of one of the West Thurrock-based team’s new MG6 GTs as he makes his return to the series for the first time since 2011. Boardman made his debut in the series back in 2001 in the now defunct Production Class before going on to secure championship success in both the SEAT Cupra Championship and the Spanish-based SEAT Leon Supercopa.

Two seasons in the BTCC with his family run team saw him regularly challenge towards the sharp end of the grid, securing multiple podium finishes and a victory at Knockhill. The 34-year-old also contested a total of 60 races across five seasons in the World Touring Car Championship, scoring numerous top ten finishes.

Having evaluated his options ahead of a return to competition this year, Boardman put pen to paper on a deal to drive one of the MGs, with pre-season testing due to get underway shortly.

Discussions over the second seat with the AmDtuning.com with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing team are ongoing.

“In recent months, I’d been looking into the possibility of a programme in TCR but when the chance came along to return to the BTCC in the MG, it was one I grabbed with both hands," said Boardman. "I’ve always wanted to return to the series but until now, the right deal had never come along.

“From the moment we started talking to the team, everything has just fallen into place and I’m absolutely delighted to have signed with AmD to make a comeback. I can’t put into words how excited I am about the season ahead and can’t wait to get behind the wheel and get started.

“I’ve known the team for a good few years and Team Manager Rob Tickner is someone I have worked with in the past, so I’m confident that I’ll fit in well and will be right on the pace when we get to Brands Hatch for the opening three rounds.

“The MG is a proven, race-winning car and I see no reason why this season we can’t be challenging towards the front and fighting to bring home some trophies.”

Shaun Hollamby, AmDtuning.com Team Principal said: “When we agreed the deal to run the MGs, we were keen to make sure we got the right drivers onboard and in Tom, we feel we have someone who can do a very good job during the season ahead.

“He has shown his ability to win races in the past, which isn’t an easy feat in this series, and has also shown he has the talent to compete at the highest level from his time in the World Touring Car Championship.

“To bring a driver with that level of experience onboard is great for us as a team, but also for AutoAid and RCIB Insurance given the support they have provided for this expanded programme.

“Work to build up the first MG is nearing completion so that Tom can get on track and start testing, but I have no doubt that when we get to Brands Hatch, he’ll be right on the pace and able to push for some strong results.”

The all-new HMS Racing Alfa Romeo Giulietta hit the track for the first time yesterday (20 February), as Rob Austin completed a solid test run at Donington Park.

The Swindon-based squad has swapped the Toyota Avensis for Alfa machinery ahead of this year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, and yesterday marked a huge milestone for the outfit.

“We have been working towards this day for some time,” said Team Principal Simon Belcher. “This project has been years in the making and the build of the car has been a lengthy process too. There was a chance to make it happen in 2017, but I always said that you can’t start building a car at Christmas and expect to be competitive come the start of the season.

“It was paramount that we started the build in July and we were able to announce the programme at Rockingham last August. To be on track six weeks before the new season is a great achievement, but we obviously still have a lot of work to do.”

A damp morning and parts problem meant installation laps were the order of the early running, but dry afternoon conditions led to Austin clocking significant mileage in the striking Northgate-backed beauty.

“It went really well,” enthused Austin. “I am really proud of everyone involved; it has been a great day.

“We believe we’ve built an awesome car, but you’re never quite sure until you hit the track. We still have so much to do of course, but we are hugely excited and even more optimistic than we were before.”

The car will now undergo further chassis work before commencing its extensive test programme at Brands Hatch in two weeks’ time.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jakob Ebrey Photography

WIX Filters has been unveiled as the title sponsor of Eurotech Racing for the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, with the team set to enter as WIX Racing with Eurotech for the forthcoming campaign.

The sponsor will see its signature black and yellow colours adorn a pair of cars for the first time in Britain's premier motorsport championship, doubling its brand exposure and providing WIX fans with an extra driver to cheer on as Jack Goff and Brett Smith take the wheel of the squad's Honda Civic Type Rs.

"We are very much looking forward to starting a new era with Eurotech," said Dave Warren, WIX Filters Managing Director. "We're intrigued to see what this season brings, especially with the newly-confirmed deal that will see the Honda powerplant in both of the Civic Type Rs."

"It's a privilege to be working with such a big motorsport name in WIX," said Eurotech boss Jeff Smith. "We're looking forward to rewarding their commitment with some major silverware!"

“I am over the moon to be working with WIX in 2018," added Jack Goff. "They have an amazing heritage in the world of motorsport and I can’t wait to be the next person to represent them on and off track. It’s fair to say the cars look stunning as is always the case with WIX Racing liveries.”

The company has also confirmed that it will continue its support of Ciceley Motorsport, a team it has backed for more than five years. Though the scale of its support will be reduced, it is an enduring relationship which neither party wished to see come to an end.

https://twitter.com/wixracinguk/status/966032209026191361

Eurotech Racing has confirmed they will be reverting to its 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship winning combination of the Honda Civic Type R, married to Neil Brown-built Honda engines. Alongside this, Eurotech has agreed a new technical partnership with Ravenol Lubricants.

Eurotech Chief Engineer Adam Tanner said: "Various factors have made the change from the Swindon 'TOCA' engine package back to Honda engines a logical progression. Clearly, Honda has consistently had one of the strongest packages in recent years and commercially the deal works well for both parties. This change also enables us to work with world class lubricant manufacturer Ravenol as our technical partner, further strengthening our engineering assets."

Team Principal Jeff Smith added: "The combination of these two experts in their fields should give us the edge we are seeking. The BTCC is one of the hardest championships in the world and every hundredth of a second counts. We will be pushing every aspect of every component to get the best performance – our aim this year is to win the big trophies."

"We are certainly very pleased with putting the deal together to once again supply Eurotech our Honda engines, along with engineering and technical support over the race weekends," said Wayne Mathurin from Neil Brown Engineering. "During the negotiations we have come to fully understand the expectations of the team for the 2018 BTCC season. It’s going to be interesting seeing the engine utilised by another team on the grid. Eurotech had some good successes last year and looked extremely fast at times, we want to help them improve upon this in 2018."

Eurotech has already completed an initial Honda engine shakedown and will test three new units in its Honda Civic Type Rs, driven by the now-confirmed driver line-up of Jack Goff, Brett Smith and Matt Simpson, during a week-long extensive testing programme in Spain later this month

Ravenol UK’s Managing Director Brian Chase is very enthusiastic about the prospects.

"Eurotech Racing has proved time and time again through sheer talent and determination that they have what it takes to win," he said. "We at Ravenol are extremely proud of our state of the art racing lubricants and are looking forward to helping Jeff and his team achieve the podium finishes they so rightly deserve."

Team Parker Racing has today unveiled its 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship challenger, as it switches to a newly-acquired BMW 125i M Sport for the forthcoming campaign.

The outfit also announced that Stephen Jelley would be behind the wheel once again, as the team doubles down on a push towards the podium in the UK's biggest championship.

BMW's 125i M Sport is a proven race and indeed title-winning platform in the BTCC. Team Parker Racing Team Principal Stuart Parker believes its addition to the stable is what's needed to push the operation to the next level.

"We're thrilled to unveil the 1 Series," said Parker. "It's a car that is right among the most successful in terms of both race wins and championship trophies and it's certainly a great chassis to base things on to move us up the field in 2018.

"We've been working hard over the course of the winter to get everything in place and it'll be great to see it all come together when get out on track for shakedown.

"As a stable, we've a proud history in competing at the very top – counting titles to our name in GT racing and running premier teams in some of the very best championships.

"We're hopeful that in moving from the Ford Focus to the BMW for 2018 we can make a real step forward in what is one of the most competitive series around."

Jelley has himself reached the top step of the podium in the BTCC, in a BMW no less, and the Leicestershire racer is looking forward to jumping into machinery that he sees as a real technical sea-change.

"I really get the feeling that anything is possible this year," said the 35-year-old. 

"West Surrey Racing has put together a real gem with this car. You could eat your dinner out of the engine bay, it's spotless! 

"I still have strong links with WSR and we started talking to them at the end of last season about a BMW. It was the only way I wanted to go. I already feel at home with the car – everything's where you'd expect it to be.

"In my opinion the BMW is better suited to a number of different driving styles – it's a more rounded platform and it's a marked difference. 

"We're looking to be more consistently in the points and make that push towards the podium spots if possible. I just want to get back to the sharp end.

"This change gives us a chance to be competitive and to battle where we should be battling. I can't wait to get out there!"

Motorbase Performance has today confirmed that it has parted ways with Mat Jackson.

Jackson joined Motorbase in 2010 and the pairing has celebrated many Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship successes over the past eight seasons, including 20 overall race wins as well as clinching the Independent Teams’ title in 2016. The Warwickshire-based driver was also instrumental in the build and development of the team’s Focus ST Next Generation Touring Car.

“Mat Jackson has been a fantastic driver for Motorbase Performance and I’ve enjoyed all of the years that we have worked together. We’ve had some great times, but like all things in life, things move on,” said Team Principal David Bartrum.

“Motorbase has been around for 15 years and 2018 marks our 12^th season racing the BTCC, Mat has been a big part of that history, however, drivers come and go and good teams carry on racing.

“I wish Mat all the best in everything he does in the future. It’s been great working with him and we shall all miss him.”

“I’m still very excited about the season ahead,” concluded the team boss. “We have a fantastic line-up with WTCC Independents' champion Tom Chilton and returning BTCC star Sam Tordoff piloting our new Focus RS. Our pre-season testing programme starts very soon and we will announce Mat’s replacement in due course.”