The NAPA Racing UK name will continue to chase top honours in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship until the end of 2026 at least after an extension of the ultra-successful partnership between NAPA Auto Parts and the Alliance Racing team. 

NAPA Racing UK first appeared on the BTCC grid in 2022 after a commercial partnership was agreed between the famous automotive parts brand and what was then known as Motorbase Performance, fielding two cars in Britain’s premier racing series for multiple champion Ash Sutton and proven race winner Dan Cammish.

In what would be a successful start to the new partnership, both drivers would make it onto the top of the podium during the season, with Sutton ending the year second in the standings and NAPA Racing UK beating Team BMW to lift the Teams’ Championship.

That would only be a taster for what was to come, with records tumbling as NAPA Racing UK’s expanded four-car programme emerged as the dominant force in 2023. 

A stunning season on track saw NAPA Racing UK romp to championship glory on three fronts, with Sutton taking a record-equalling fourth Drivers’ title, and the team not only defending the Teams’ Championship, but also ending BMW’s run of success in the Manufacturers’ / Constructors’ standings.

Along the way, there were no fewer than 16 race wins, 32 podium finishes, 13 fastest laps and a scarcely believable nine pole positions out of ten; a reflection of the astonishing work put in by Alliance Racing’s ace engineering squad to transform the team’s Ford Focus ST into one of the most complete packages seen in the series in recent memory.

The announcement of a new three-year agreement between NAPA Racing UK and Alliance Racing is a reflection of the strong bond formed between the two parties, and comes at an exciting time for the team, which is in the process of relocating to new headquarters in the Midlands in preparation for the 2024 season.

Pete Osborne, Team Owner, Alliance Racing, said:

“This is a fantastic day for everyone involved in Alliance Racing. Since forming a partnership with NAPA, over 2 years ago, we have worked together to deliver success both on and off the track. We are excited to commit to 3 more years together and continue to grow from strength to strength for all our staff and sponsor partners.  

“I wish to thank everyone involved with our team, their hard work and dedication is what make this partnership so successful. It has been fantastic to witness the growth of the NAPA brand in the UK and Europe through their support of UK motorsport. Especially the most prestigious series of them all, the British Touring Car Championship. 

“We can’t wait to see NAPA Racing UK back on the grid in 2024.”

Steve Richardson, Managing Director, NAPA Racing UK, said:

“The signing of this agreement marks the next step in the evolution of NAPA Racing UK and our partnership with Alliance Racing. From the outset, Alliance Racing have proved to be the perfect platform for the NAPA brand and share our ethos of continuous growth & improvement. 

“We’re delighted that the partnership will continue for at least the next 3 years. We’ve broken records and achieved significant success to date and look forward to seeing where the journey forward takes us.”