BMR Racing has today confirmed that Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champion Ashley Sutton will remain with the outfit for 2018 as he bids to retain his Drivers' title. He will carry #1 on his Subaru throughout the forthcoming campaign.
The 23-year-old was crowned 2017 BTCC Champion back in October at Brands Hatch after an outstanding year in the Subaru Levorg GT, tallying an impressive six victories and no fewer than fifteen podiums in what was his second season in Britain's premier motor racing series.
Sutton's relationship with BMR is a longstanding one, following his induction into the BMR Academy – the team's young driver programme that provides mentoring and training to aid career progression of talented hopefuls.
The champion has enjoyed a superb run of success over the course of the last four seasons with the Jack Sears Trophy in 2016, the Renault UK Clio Cup in 2015 as well as Formula Ford scholarship class titles in both 2014 and 2015.
“I'm pleased to be back on the grid for the 2018 season with BMR and back behind the wheel of my championship-winning Subaru Levorg!" said Sutton.
"Last year is going to stick with me, it was a roller coaster of a season but one that’s going to sit well in the memory bank.
"I wouldn’t have been able to get where I am now if it wasn’t for all my sponsors and for the BMR Academy that have supported me from the beginning.
“Everyone has been asking how I will approach this year now I am going in defending my title.
"I won’t be changing my approach too much but I'm just making sure I'm zeroing in on all my defects to make sure I am in the best possible position come the end of the season.
"We as a team will be taking into account the Teams' Championship along with the Manufacturers' title for Subaru.
"I can’t wait to get going, the boys are working hard in the workshop in preparation for what lies ahead.”
Warren Scott added: “We’re delighted and extremely proud that Ash will be carrying the number one on his Subaru Levorg for 2018 and we are very excited about the 60th Anniversary season ahead.
"With Ash wrapping up the Drivers' Championship last year, we will be looking to defend that alongside a full assault on the Manufacturers' title for Subaru as well as the overall Teams' Championship.”
“It’s great to have Ash on board again for 2018," said Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK.
"We’re looking forward to another successful year with BMR and we know they’ll work the Levorg Sports Tourers to their max. Ash is a great driver and we’re expecting another year of exciting races from him.”
Sutton will be appearing at Autosport International this weekend (13-14 January) at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham where he will be speaking of his success and the season ahead. His championship winning car will be on display on the Adrian Flux Insurance stand in Hall 6.
BMR will be making further announcements ahead of the new season in due course.
