A season of breakthrough performances, changing championship leaders and memorable firsts saw Dexter Patterson emerge as the 2026 Jack Sears Trophy Champion, securing his maiden BTCC title in a remarkable campaign for Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing.

From James Dorlin's early challenge to Nicolas Hamilton's emotional Snetterton success, the competition delivered plenty of standout moments. However, it was Patterson who ultimately set the benchmark, claiming 16 class victories before rounding off his season with a maiden outright BTCC podium.

Donington Park

Patterson made an immediate impression on his debut for Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing, completing a clean sweep of Jack Sears Trophy victories across the opening three races of the season.

Two seventh-place finishes and a sixth overall marked his strongest BTCC weekend to date, equalling his previous career-best result. The Scotsman left Leicestershire with a 13-point championship lead over NAPA Racing UK's Sam Osborne, while Restart Racing newcomer Dorlin sat third.

Brands Hatch Indy

The championship took its first significant turn at Brands Hatch Indy, where Dorlin emerged as the driver to beat. After finishing second in the opening race, the Hyundai racer claimed consecutive Jack Sears Trophy victories to establish himself as a serious contender.

Patterson's weekend began with a retirement, allowing Dorlin to capitalise and overturn the early deficit. The Restart Racing driver departed Kent eight points clear of Patterson, with Osborne remaining third after claiming the opening class victory.

Snetterton

Snetterton produced one of the season's most memorable moments as Hamilton secured his first-ever Jack Sears Trophy weekend success, sparking emotional celebrations in front of the Norfolk crowd.

While Dorlin, Osborne and his teammate Lewis Selby shared the individual race honours, Hamilton's consistency earned him the weekend's silverware. Dorlin maintained his championship advantage, extending his lead over Patterson to ten points, with Osborne continuing to hold third.

Oulton Park

Patterson responded emphatically at Oulton Park, repeating his opening-weekend success with another clean sweep of Jack Sears Trophy victories across all three encounters.

The Audi driver's maximum return saw him reclaim the championship lead heading into the summer break, overturning Dorlin's advantage to establish a seven-point cushion. Osborne remained firmly in contention in third, while Hamilton climbed to fourth following another competitive weekend.

Thruxton

The championship battle remained finely balanced when racing resumed at the Hampshire speedbowl, with Dorlin producing his strongest weekend of the campaign.

The Restart Racing driver claimed all three Jack Sears Trophy race victories to move back ahead in the standings, although Patterson's consistent results kept the gap exceptionally tight. Just two points separated the leading pair heading to Knockhill, with Hamilton moving into third.

Knockhill

A return to home soil proved the perfect opportunity for Patterson to strike back, as the Scotsman delivered another dominant display in front of the Knockhill crowd.

Three further Jack Sears Trophy victories, alongside a strong set of outright results culminating in fourth place in the finale, put Patterson firmly back in command. His advantage over Dorlin grew to 17 points, while Osborne and Selby continued their battle for third.

Donington Park GP

The championship picture changed dramatically on the Grand Prix layout at Donington Park as Patterson continued his outstanding run of form.

Another clean sweep brought his tally to 12 Jack Sears Trophy victories for the season, with Dorlin unable to add to his points total. The result extended Patterson's championship advantage from 17 to 77 points, while Selby moved into third ahead of Hamilton and Osborne.

Croft

Croft brought a fresh name to the Jack Sears Trophy winners' list as WSR newcomer Lewis Gilbert enjoyed a breakthrough weekend, securing his first two class victories in the opening encounters.

Patterson responded with victory in the finale, adding another 50 points across the meeting to strengthen his position at the summit. His advantage grew to 118 points over Selby, who had moved into second ahead of Dorlin, with the title now firmly within the Audi driver's grasp.

Silverstone

The penultimate event of the season delivered the decisive moment in the Jack Sears Trophy battle, as Patterson secured his maiden BTCC championship title at Silverstone.

Selby enjoyed an impressive weekend with two class victories, but Patterson's consistent points scoring was enough to put the championship beyond reach in the opening race on Sunday. The Steel Seal with Power Maxed Racing driver departed Northamptonshire with an unassailable 111-point advantage, confirming his place among the 2026 title winners.

Brands Hatch GP

With the championship already secured, Patterson headed to Brands Hatch looking to bring his breakthrough campaign to a fitting conclusion.

The Scotsman completed another Jack Sears Trophy clean sweep, but it was his performance in the final race that provided the perfect ending. Starting from reverse-grid pole position, Patterson battled among the outright frontrunners before a post-race penalty for Ricky Collard promoted him to third, securing his maiden overall BTCC podium.

Patterson finished the season with 519 points and 16 Jack Sears Trophy victories, 143 points clear of runner-up Selby. Osborne completed the championship top three, ahead of Dorlin and Hamilton.

The title marked a significant milestone for Patterson in his first campaign with Power Maxed Racing, and contributed to an exceptional year for the Audi squad, which also secured both Independent championships.

From an opening-round clean sweep to a championship title and a first outright podium, 2026 proved to be a defining season in Patterson's BTCC career.