Dan Zelos has had an impressive journey in British motorsport over the past decade. After starting his career in the Ginetta Junior Championship, where he secured two wins in his first year, Zelos moved up to the Renault Clio Cup in 2016.

After three years and two podiums in the series, Zelos made the move to the manufacturer series in 2019 that has seen the 26-year-old cement his name into British Motorsport, The Mini Challenge UK, where he has truly made his mark. Over five seasons, he has amassed 18 victories and 42 podiums, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.

His perseverance paid off when he won his first MINI Challenge UK title in 2021. Zelos repeated this success by clinching the championship again in 2023, becoming the driver with the most wins in the current JCW class of the series—a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.

The now three-time champion would continue his dominance in 2024, securing six wins and 11 podiums in 16 races. This stellar performance culminated in his move to the BTCC at Donington Park GP for the eighth event of the 2024 season, marking a significant step forward in his racing career.

Scott Sumpton is set to make his BTCC debut in 2024, joining the grid as a 19-year-old talent with Restart Racing. He will be teaming up with the experienced Chris Smiley, who returns for another season in the championship. This move marks a significant milestone in Sumpton’s young but promising career, as he steps up to compete in the UK's premier motorsport series.

The BTCC's No.29 started his journey in motorsport in 2015 when he started karting at just 10 years old. Competing in various club events around the UK, Scott quickly demonstrated his natural talent and racing instincts. His abilities became even more evident in the British Kart Championship, where he consistently held his own against more experienced and seasoned drivers, gaining valuable experience and honing his competitive edge.

In 2020, Scott transitioned from karting to car racing, making his debut in the Junior Saloon Car Championship. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited testing and racing opportunities, Scott persevered. His resilience paid off when he switched teams for the final three races of the 2021 season. This change proved pivotal, as Scott rapidly progressed to become a frontrunner, showcasing his adaptability and determination to succeed at a higher level of competition.

Over the past two years, Scott has expanded his experience by racing in other touring car categories, driving both a Honda Civic and a Hyundai i30. These stints have allowed him to gain crucial seat time in powerful machinery, further preparing him for the step up to the BTCC. His performances in these categories have underscored his potential, as he consistently improved and demonstrated his capability to compete in top-tier racing environments.

Now, in 2024, Scott embarks on his debut season in the British Touring Car Championship. Competing at this level represents a dream come true for the young driver, who has been working tirelessly to reach this point in his career. His participation in the BTCC also makes him eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy, a prestigious award that recognizes the top rookie driver in the series. With his proven track record of quick adaptation and skill, Scott Sumpton is undoubtedly a driver to watch as he begins his journey in one of the most competitive touring car championships in the world.

Chris Smiley made his British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) debut in 2016, driving a Toyota Avensis for TLC Racing. Although his debut season was cut short, he gained valuable experience and showcased his potential in the highly competitive series.

In 2017, Smiley returned and embarked on his first full BTCC season with BTC Norlin Racing. Piloting a Chevrolet Cruze, he steadily improved throughout the year, achieving a season-best finish of ninth.

The 2018 season was a breakthrough for Smiley. Competing again for BTC Norlin Racing, he secured his maiden BTCC victory at Rockingham in the third race of the weekend. This win, coupled with a second-place finish at Donington Park, propelled Smiley to 14th in the championship standings, nearly halving his position from his debut season. His success at Rockingham remains his sole BTCC victory to date, but it was a clear indication of his growing competitiveness in the series.

In 2019, Smiley returned to Honda machinery, driving for BTC Racing in a Honda Civic Type R. The season saw him return to the podium on multiple occasions, including a second-place finish in the opening race at Croft.

The 2020 season brought a new challenge as Smiley switched to EXCELR8 Motorsport, driving a Hyundai i30 Fastback N. Despite the change in machinery, he continued to perform well, adding another podium finish to his career achievements.

In 2021, Smiley continued with EXCELR8 Motorsport in the Hyundai i30. While he narrowly missed out on a podium finish, with a season-best result of fourth, he demonstrated consistent pace and competitiveness throughout the year. This would be his final season in the BTCC before a two-year hiatus.

Now, after a brief break from the championship, the Northern Irishman is set to make his return to the BTCC in 2024. Smiley will be driving a Cupra Leon for the new Restart Racing team, bringing his experience and determination back to the grid. Fans will be eager to see how he performs in his comeback season as he looks to add to his impressive BTCC career.

Nick Halstead was a relative latecomer to racing, making his competitive debut in 2017. Despite his late start, he quickly proved his talent by winning the Am category of the Ginetta GT5 Challenge in just his second season, showcasing his natural racing ability.

Following his early success, Halstead became a regular on the BTCC support package, competing in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup. His debut season in the Supercup was particularly impressive, as he scored 16 podiums, including five race victories, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the series. Building on this momentum, Halstead took on a new challenge in 2020, stepping up to the British GT Championship in the GT4 Pro/Am class. His performance was outstanding, and he finished the season in second, further cementing his status in British motorsport.

In 2021, Halstead made his British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) debut, stepping in for Rick Parfitt at Croft after Parfitt was unable to participate. Although it was a challenging introduction to the highly competitive BTCC field, Halstead showed steady improvement throughout race day, securing a best finish of 21st in the third race on the 2.13-mile circuit. This experience provided valuable insights into the demands of touring car racing, setting the stage for his future in the series.

Halstead embarked on his first full season in the BTCC in 2023, joining the grid with defending champions BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8. Throughout the season, he demonstrated determination and growth, culminating in two points-scoring finishes. His best result came in the opening round at Donington Park, where he achieved a seventh-place finish, marking a significant milestone in his BTCC career.

Looking ahead to 2024, Halstead returns to the renamed Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with renewed focus and ambition. After gaining valuable experience and achieving points finishes in 2023, he aims to build on those achievements in the upcoming season. With the support of a strong team and a year of full-season BTCC competition under his belt, Halstead is poised to make further progress and continue his climb up the championship standings.

Rob Huff first made his mark in the British Touring Car Championship in 2004, driving for SEAT. Behind the wheel of a Toledo Cupra, Huff quickly established himself as a competitive force, securing two victories – one at Brands Hatch and another at Snetterton. His consistent performances throughout the season also earned him three additional podium finishes, including one at Silverstone, ultimately leading to a respectable seventh-place finish in the overall standings.

Following his impressive BTCC debut campaign, Huff embarked on an international career that saw him compete in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for the next 13 years. During this period, he cemented his status as one of the top touring car drivers globally, highlighted by his crowning achievement in 2012 when he became the WTCC World Champion driving the Chevrolet Cruze. Huff's success in the WTCC was not just limited to his championship win; he was known for his consistent podium finishes and race victories, which earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor on the world stage.

Despite his global commitments, Huff never entirely left the BTCC behind. In 2017, during his final season in the WTCC, he made a notable return to the BTCC grid with Power Maxed Racing at Silverstone. In a testament to his enduring skill, Huff secured his eighth BTCC podium in the final race of the day, reminding fans of his prowess in the series.

After 2017, Huff continued to showcase his talents in the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), maintaining his presence in top-tier touring car racing. His passion for the BTCC remained strong, and he made another appearance in the series in 2023, this time at Knockhill, driving for Team HARD. Even in a part-time capacity, Huff demonstrated his capability and experience, further solidifying his connection to the BTCC.

Now, in 2024, Huff is set to compete in his second full season of BTCC racing, joining TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK. This marks a significant milestone, as he returns to the series 20 years after his debut season. With decades of experience and a world championship under his belt, Huff is poised to bring his wealth of knowledge and competitive spirit to the team, aiming to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.

Daryl DeLeon began his karting journey in 2008, laying the foundation for a promising motorsport career. His first competitive race took place five years later at Rye House Kart Raceway, where he quickly demonstrated his natural talent behind the wheel. 

By the age of 17, DeLeon had already secured significant achievements, becoming the champion in both the Bizkart Rental Championship and the HKC Honda Clubman category. His karting prowess was further highlighted by victories in the finals of prestigious series such as the Motorsport UK British Kart Championship and the UKC Ultimate Karting Championship.

Transitioning from karting to car racing, DeLeon made his mark in 2021 by competing in a select number of Radical SR1 events. He quickly adapted to the demands of racing in a more powerful machine, claiming an impressive double victory at Donington Park. His success wasn't confined to the UK; DeLeon also showcased his skills on the international stage with a class podium finish at the Algarve Circuit during the Radical Intercontinental Cup, further establishing his reputation as a rising star in motorsport.

The winning momentum carried into 2022, as DeLeon continued to excel in the Radical SR1 series. He opened the season with another victory at Donington Park in April, followed by a triumphant performance at Brands Hatch. These consistent successes underscored his ability to compete at a high level and adapt to different circuits.

In 2023, DeLeon took a significant step forward in his racing career by making his debut in the British Touring Car Championship as part of Team HARD’s lineup from the mid-season mark. Despite being a rookie in one of the most competitive touring car series, DeLeon managed to score six points during his debut season, showing promise and determination as he adjusted to the challenges of BTCC racing.

DeLeon will continue his BTCC journey in 2024 with Duckhams Racing with Un-Limited Motorsport for his first full season. This move represents a new chapter in his career, offering him the opportunity to build on his experiences from the previous season and further prove his capabilities in the highly competitive BTCC arena.

Doble began his racing career in 2018 in the BMW Compact Cup, a competitive entry-level series where he spent three seasons sharpening his race craft. During this time he gained valuable experience and showed his potential as a rising talent.

In 2021, Doble took a significant step forward by moving to the Ginetta GT5 Challenge. Competing against a strong field of drivers, he quickly adapted to the new machinery, demonstrating his versatility and race-winning ability. By the end of the season, he had secured an impressive fourth place in the overall standings, confirming his status as a driver to watch.

The following year, 2022, marked a turning point in Doble’s career. Competing simultaneously in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge and returning to the BMW Compact Cup, he delivered a remarkable season-long performance. Doble amassed a total of 12 victories and 10 further podium finishes across both championships, showcasing his consistency and race-winning pedigree. His efforts culminated in an extraordinary weekend where he was crowned champion in both categories, a rare achievement that highlighted his exceptional talent and determination.

Riding the wave of this success, Doble made his debut in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2023 with CarStore Power Maxed Racing. In his rookie season, he faced the challenge of adapting to the highly competitive and fiercely contested BTCC grid. 

Despite being a newcomer, Doble made an immediate impact by becoming the only driver outside the dominant NAPA Racing UK team to secure a pole position, a testament to his speed and composure under pressure. Although he narrowly missed out on winning the Jack Sears Trophy, awarded to the best rookie, his performances throughout the season earned him widespread recognition and respect within the paddock.

Looking ahead to 2024, Doble is set to continue his journey in the BTCC with the renamed Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing. With a year of experience under his belt, he aims to further improve his standings, both in the Jack Sears Trophy and overall in the championship. As he builds on the lessons learned from his debut season, Doble will be focused on moving up the grid and establishing himself as a consistent front-runner in the UK's premier motorsport series.

Sam Osborne navigated his way to the BTCC via single-make series the MINI CHALLENGE and Renault UK Clio Cup, with a brief stint in Radical racing in-between.

A multiple race-winner in MINIs, Osborne finished fourth in the Cooper category in 2010 and replicated that result in the headlining JCW class in both 2011 and 2012.

He returned to the championship in 2015 and 2016 – placing just outside the top ten in the standings on both occasions – before switching to Clios as he continued to learn the ropes of tin-top racing, establishing himself as a regular top ten challenger in the TOCA support series.

Osborne made his BTCC debut in 2019 with series newcomer EXCELR8 Motorsport, completing the team’s two-car MG6 GT entry and scoring points on the team’s home turf at Snetterton.

In his sophomore BTCC campaign, Osborne tackled fresh challenges in his MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square Honda Civic Type R (FK2), securing two top ten finishes.

Having moved to Racing with Wera & Photon Group in 2021, Osborne continued in the Motorbase Performance-backed Ford Focus ST in 2022, under the Apec Racing with Beavis Morgan banner alongside Ollie Jackson. He kicked off the year with his best qualifying performance of the year and would conclude the campaign fourth in the highly-competitive Jack Sears Trophy battle.

In 2023, we saw Osborne join NAPA Racing UK’s line-up, as part of the then Motorbase Performance-run squad’s expanded four-car line-up.

Returning to the newly named Alliance Racing-run NAPA Racing UK, Osborne looks to add to his 14 point-score finishes of 2023 competing in the Jack Sears Trophy once more.

Ronan Pearson had a standout 2022 campaign in the MINI CHALLENGE, a key support series for the British Touring Car Championship. Competing under the EXCELR8 banner, Pearson secured three race wins, playing a pivotal role in the team's championship bid. His performances throughout the season highlighted his potential as a rising star in British motorsport.

Beyond his on-track success, Pearson was also a part of EXCELR8's BTCC Young Driver Development Programme in 2022. This opportunity allowed him to work closely with the title-winning BTCC team, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the demands of competing at the highest level. Through this program, Pearson was able to learn from seasoned professionals, understand the intricacies of race strategy, and immerse himself in the competitive environment of the BTCC paddock. This behind-the-scenes exposure was instrumental in preparing him for the next step in his career.

In 2023, Pearson made the significant leap to the BTCC, joining EXCELR8 Motorsport's lineup as a rookie. The transition from the MINI CHALLENGE to one of the most fiercely contested touring car championships in the world was a daunting task, but Pearson rose to the challenge. Throughout his debut season, the young Scot showcased his talent and adaptability, consistently improving his performance as the year progressed. His best finish came at his home circuit, Knockhill, where he narrowly missed out on his first podium, crossing the line in fourth place. This result was a testament to his growing confidence and skill in the highly competitive BTCC field.

As Pearson enters the 2024 season, he is focused on building upon the solid foundation he established during his rookie year. With a full season of BTCC experience now under his belt, Pearson's sights are firmly set on claiming the Jack Sears Trophy, awarded to the top-performing driver who has never scored an overall podium before the start of the season. After finishing fifth in the JST standings in 2023, Pearson is determined to push even harder in 2024, aiming to achieve his first BTCC podium and establish himself as a serious contender in the series.

Bobby Thompson makes his return to the BTCC after a shortened 2023 season and missing Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2024 season. Returning in the fourth WSR-run BMW for Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR.

Thompson was a Ford Fiesta champion before making his way to VW Cup racing. This is where he would be introduced to two BTCC teams driving for both Team HARD and Power Maxed Racing. Winning the VW Cup in 2017, Thompson made the step up to the BTCC in a Volkswagen with Team HARD.

The Hornchurch-born driver continued to work his way up the order before a crash in 2020 saw him miss the next round due to concussion. Subsequently, he missed the majority of 2021 before making a return to the MINI Challenge UK.

In 2022 he would come back to the BTCC in the Cupra Leon with Team HARD. His best BTCC season to date saw Thompson win the Jack Sears' Trophy retaining his spot on the grid fro 2023. The following year would agai be in the Cupra Leon before having a shortened season due to financial constraints.

The #19 returns to the BTCC paddock in 2024 at the third round of the season at Snetterton. A track in which BMW's have run well at in the previous five years, securing the most wins and podiums of any manufacturer at the circuit in this time frame. A great starting point to what is a welcome return to a fan favourite.