EXCELR8 Motorsport has today (1 March) revealed the striking Bristol Street Motors livery that it will carry as it bids to defend the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title this season.

The Suffolk-based squad stormed to a first BTCC crown last year thanks to Tom Ingram, in what was the first campaign competing with title sponsorship from award-winning motor retailer Bristol Street Motors.

That successful partnership will continue into 2023, as EXCELR8 once again fields a four-strong line-up in Britain’s premier racing series, with Ingram and 2022 team-mate Tom Chilton being joined by series newcomers Ronan Pearson and Nick Halstead.

As was the case last year, Ingram and Chilton – two of the most experienced drivers on the grid with a combined record of 39 wins and 121 podium finishes – will head into battle behind the wheels of some of the most striking cars in the series, after the covers were lifted from the 2023 Hyundai i30 Fastback N models.

An evolution of the universally popular colour scheme seen on track last year, the 2023 livery features a striking blend of blue, white and neo pink, with lightning flashes running across the front doors and the famous Bristol Street Motors shield being incorporated into the design.

Also on the BTCC livery, NASCAR-like numbering has also been introduced onto the rear doors, with unique gold detailing added to Ingram’s car to reflect his position as defending champion.

The official team name for the 2023 BTCC programme will be revealed in due course, along with the liveries for the remaining two cars – including Pearson’s Macklin Motors-backed machine.

"I always enjoy this time of year when plans are starting to come together, and you get to see a new livery on your race car for the first time,” said Ingram. “This year is even more special, because having run the #80 throughout my career, this will be the first time I’ve carried the #1 - which is a huge honour in itself.

"The Hyundai was one of the best-looking cars on the grid last year and the livery we have for this season is an evolution of that thanks to the continued support of Bristol Street Motors.

"I think the 2023 version of the livery looks fantastic and I love the way that there have been little touches added to my car as defending champion, like the gold number and the gold wing mirrors. I can’t wait for Donington Park so we can get out on track and get down to business."

"As a driver, the first thing you want to see in your livery is for the car to look fast – and the 2023 Hyundai looks very quick,” added Chilton.

"Although it’s similar to the car we had last year, there are a number of small changes that have been introduced – like the pink flashes – that link into some of the other partnerships that Bristol Street Motors are involved in. It shows the value that comes from being a sponsor within the BTCC, and it’s great that they are using our programme in that way.

"One thing I really love is the introduction of the numbers on the side, which are a bit NASCAR-like and look really cool. The whole car just looks 'racy', and I’m sure it’ll look even better when we get out on track."

"When we revealed our Bristol Street Motors livery last season, we were delighted with the reaction from BTCC fans, and I have no doubt that the revised version for 2023 will be equally popular,” said Team Owner Justina Williams.

"The changes we have made to the livery have a big impact on how the car looks, and we’re thrilled with the end result. On a personal level, I loved how our car looked last year but I feel this colour scheme is even better, and will really stand out when we take to the track for the opening round.

"After such a strong 2022, we’re looking forward to another hard-fought campaign on track and will be giving 110 per cent as we seek to replicate the success we enjoyed last year."

"After a hugely successful season for EXCELR8 last year, we are delighted to be supporting the team’s bid to retain the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship title in 2023,” concluded Bristol Street Motors Chief Executive, Robert Forrester.

"The livery looks absolutely superb, representing the Bristol Street Motors brand perfectly. We look forward to seeing our colours out there on the racetracks and podiums many times once again.

"Good luck to all four drivers – we’re behind you all the way!"