Handy Motorsport's Rob Austin drew first blood in 2017 as he topped the British Touring Car Championship Drivers time trial in the Live Action Arena at the Autosport International Show last weekend.

A strong selection of drivers were paired head-to-head in a Ginetta GT Supercup car as part of the hour-long show, held in front of thousands of fans. Of course, what was intended as a light-hearted contest would never truly prove to be so with a line-up full of ultra-competitive BTCC racers...

Austin, who will once again step into Handy's Toyota Avensis this season, set the quickest time on the very last outing around the two-lap course on Sunday evening – pipping the rest to the post right at the end of the weekend's action.

“I am certainly counting this as a victory – my first of the season,” said Austin. “I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t get a trophy though. Hopefully they will come later in the year!”

Times

1 Rob Austin 36.200s Sunday

2 Colin Turkington 36.830s Sunday

3 Gordon Shedden 37.000s Saturday

4 Matt Neal 37.700s Saturday

5 Andrew Jordan 37.780s Sunday

6 Ollie Jackson 38.040s Sunday

7 Matt Neal 38.240s Sunday

8 Aron Taylor-Smith 38.710s Saturday

9 Senna Proctor 38.720s Sunday

10 Mike Epps 39.390s Saturday

11 Rob Austin 40.500s Sunday, first run

12 Colin Turkington 41.380s Saturday

13 Dave Newsham 43.150s Saturday

14 Aron Taylor-Smith 43.800s Sunday

15 Tom Ingram 44.850s Saturday

16 Andrew Jordan 44.230s Saturday

17 Senna Proctor 47.400s Saturday

18 Matt Simpson 49.820s Saturday

AmDTuning.com is an outfit looking to push its operation up a notch for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship as it expands to a two-car operation.

Driving those striking Audi S3s will be the returning Ollie Jackson, partnered by reigning Renault UK Clio Cup champion Ant Whorton-Eales – confirmed this week by buoyant team boss Shaun Hollamby.

"I’m very pleased with what we've done," started Hollamby. "Ollie came on leaps and bounds last year, getting used to the Audi S3.

"The deal was done very late in the day for the previous campaign so he was thrown in the deep end, and I think he did very well given that.

"We’ve been planning the second Audi for a year and a half now with the shell ready to go. The key for me is to get young blood into the series and Ant Whorton-Eales was always on the radar.

"He was talking to other teams and I’m really keen to have someone young and enthusiastic like him. Plus, we can fight for the Jack Sears Trophy, which we won a few years back with Dave Newsham. I know we’ll be getting a feisty racer."

Last year, a lack of testing hampered Jackson and AmD. At the mid-season Dunlop Tyre Test, the outfit uncovered a setup tweak that yielded some half-a-second – enough to throw them into the mix for points, in what is an incredibly competitive field, throughout the second half of 2016.

"We had Keith Cheetham join us, an engineer from our GT programme, and he found a few things on the car – particularly on dampers.

"It really made the car come alive. It didn’t take much, given the competitiveness of the BTCC, to fire us up the order. We found pieces on the car setup wise and with Ollie in the car without it being a race weekend situation, it made a difference.

"A bit more luck in the last couple of races and he’d have been top ten. At Rockingham, we were legitimately battling with Gordon Shedden – a guy fighting for the championship – it was great for us."

Jackson himself is thrilled at the promise of continuity, having signed a new deal early – giving him a good amount of time in preparation for the Brands Hatch opener over the first weekend in April.

"It’s great for me to get some continuity in touring cars and what better place to get it," said Jackson. "We all get on really well, it’s a nice atmosphere and we’ve got a fantastic car as well.

"It’s going to be massively competitive this year but we’ve prepared well ­as a team and I’ve never been as ready as I am now with the deal in place early. It’s the best chance we’ve had of getting some results.

"Now we've a second S3, It’s double the running time and development on the car. With someone as quick as Ant, it’s all going to be very valuable."

As for new signing Whorton-Eales, it's something of a dream come true to be racing in the BTCC – the top of the touring car tree.

"It’s going to be a really good year. It’s a good move for me and I'm in a great car. I’m looking to learn from Ollie and overlay data to push the cars up the grid.

"It’s been a dream for years. Five years in the Clios did feel like a really long time and to win that championship last year made it feel like the perfect time to move on.

"It’s always been touring cars for me – I’ve never been interested in anything else.

"I knew the car was available and we managed to come to an agreement with Shaun [Hollamby]. I’m thankful to Stewart Lines for pushing me and getting my name out there too. I’m hoping to get dialed into the car and straight into it."

It has been a hugely busy week in the BTCC with announcements and unveilings aplenty, and news of Motorsport Performance's completed driver line-up was among them.

Fresh from confirming that Luke Davenport and Martin Depper would join multiple race winner Mat Jackson at the Kent-based squad, the Team Shredded Wheat boys got together with Alan Hyde to record a special video podcast...

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow and Dunlop Group Motorsport Communications and Public Relations Director James Bailey look ahead to the forthcoming campaign and in particular the introduction of new, wider Dunlop tyres…

Click below to listen to the interview in full.

Colin Turkington and Team BMR have today (13 January) announced that they are parting ways by mutual consent.

Turkington joined Buntingford-based Team BMR in 2015, campaigning a Volkswagen CC to fourth in the overall classification that year – as well as Independents’ honours for the fifth time in his BTCC career – and claiming the same position last season behind the wheel of the new Subaru Levorg GT.

Along the way, the two-time champion made history by claiming Subaru’s first-ever BTCC race victory at Oulton Park, and team owner Warren Scott was quick to pay tribute to the significant role that Turkington played in the squad’s successes and maiden Teams’ championship crown in 2015.

“Colin has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past two seasons and has brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the team, which has aided BMR in its growth and development as a front-running BTCC team,” Scott commented. “I wish Colin good luck for the forthcoming season and would like to thank him for all his efforts and great achievements that he has brought to BMR.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Team BMR and will savour the success we shared together over the past two seasons,” added Turkington. “However, the time has come to part company and apply the focus to each of our own individual goals and needs.

“I sincerely value the journey we have shared together, securing the Teams’ Championship in 2015, winning my fifth Independents’ title and of course the thrilling year we have just had with the Subaru Levorg. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business at BMR and it has been a valuable experience and certainly helped me grow and improve.

“The BTCC is surely one of the toughest championships in the world to win, and to finish last season with a realistic shot at winning the title in a new car was a tremendous achievement. I wish Team BMR every success going forward and I hope that they are just as proud of our two seasons together as I am.”

The 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign kick-started today as driver and car unveilings took centre-stage on the Dunlop BTCC stand at the NEC’s Autosport International.

A busy schedule of key announcements was finalised in the lead up to the event and duly, from doors-open on Thursday morning, a string of cars and drivers were revealed as teams laid out their 2017 plans. On top of the announcements, Series Director Alan Gow took to the main stage as well as the BTCC stand alongside Dunlop's James Bailey to speak on the season ahead, as did a clutch of drivers – eager to outline their prospects for 2017.

Halfords Yuasa Racing took the wraps off its challenger with triple title-winners Gordon Shedden and team-mate Matt Neal on-hand to do the honours, with a striking and stealthy black livery the direction the Team Dynamics-backed outfit will take for 2017. Simpson Racing, switching to the Team Dynamics stable this season after debuting under Speedworks Motorsport's banner last year, also showed its Honda Civic Type R adorned in new colours.

Rob Austin confirmed his continued deal with Handy Motorsport on Wednesday and took the opportunity on Thursday at ASI to introduce a major new sponsor, Northgate plc. alongside a sharp re-imagining of Handy Motorsport's green-and-white.

AmDTuning.com revealed the man that would be taking the wheel in its second car this coming campaign with reigning Renault UK Clio Cup champion Ant Whorton-Eales also on hand to help pull back the covers on the stunning-looking AmD Audi S3.

“As a rookie driver, the main target has to be the Jack Sears Trophy and it would be nice if we could be pushing towards the top ten in the championship by the end of the year," Whorton-Eales said. 

“Of course that won’t be easy and I’m aware that I have a lot to learn, but I also want to aim high and make the most of the opportunity I now have.”

Motorbase Performance, too, took the opportunity to show just who would be sitting in the other two of its Shredded Wheat Ford Focus', with Mat Jackson already confirmed. Martin Depper joined the line-up with a wealth of experience, having made his BTCC debut in 2010. After a short absence, the Midlands-based driver returned to the series in 2014 with Eurotech and has become a regular points-scorer in the past three seasons.

Another new name on the grid for 2017, following Whorton-Eales announcement, 23-year-old Luke Davenport comes to the series from a successful sportscar background. Having worked his way through the Ginetta ranks, the Cambridge-based driver competed in the British GT last season, piloting the factory-team’s G55 GT3 and will be challenging for the Jack Sears Trophy during his maiden BTCC season.  

Finally, West Surrey Racing-supported Pirtek Racing revealed what the latter's colours would look like wrapped around a BMW 125i M Sport. The now-trademark blue and orange scheme is always a favourite among BTCC fans – particularly followers of long-time Pirtek and new-to-WSR man Andrew Jordan – who were suitably impressed with the results.

Much more is to come over the next three days from the NEC. There will be further interviews with a host of BTCC personalities – drivers, key team personnel, partners and leading figures from the championship including Series Director Alan Gow, Dunlop’s James Bailey as well as ITV Motorsport’s team.

When doors open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, there will be autograph and selfie sessions where fans will get a chance to meet their heroes. On the subject of selfies, we’ll be running a competition throughout the show where fans, using #BTCCSelfie, can send in their best BTCC-related shots from all over the show floor to be in with a chance of winning a money-can’t-buy experience.

The best #BTCCSelfie will receive two tickets, a grid walk, a garage tour plus a photo with your favourite driver at the Donington Park race weekend in April.

Donington Park will also be offering fans an exclusive ticket offer over the course of the event via the Dunlop BTCC stand (Stand 6440 in Hall 6).

Pirtek Racing has today revealed the stunning livery that will adorn the BMW 125i M Sport of Andrew Jordan for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

The unveiling of the West Surrey Racing-run BMW was one of the main draws on the opening day of the annual Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham, with the car taking pride of place on the Dunlop BTCC stand.

The iconic Pirtek Racing colours will once again stand out from the crowd on track after the decision was taken to retain the stunning chrome appearance that proved to be universally popular last year as Andrew secured the Independents’ title for the third time.

Having shown off his news steed in front of a bumper crowd in Birmingham, Jordan will now continue to prepare for the next phase of his winter testing programme, which is due to get underway next month. 

The 27-year-old has already enjoyed three successful days on track in the BMW prior to Christmas.

“I don’t think there is any doubt that the Pirtek Racing BMW will be the best looking car on the BTCC grid this season,” he said. “The chrome blue really stood out on track last year, but I think it looks even better on the 1 Series. The Pirtek Racing colours and the BMW are just a great fit; they complement each other perfectly.

“Since the testing we did prior to Christmas, the team has been hard at work on making improvements to what was already an extremely good car and I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel when we return to the track next month.

“We want to make sure that when we get to Brands Hatch for the season opener, we are challenging for pole position and race wins. If the Pirtek Racing BMW goes even half as well as it looks, then we’ll certainly be firmly in the mix at the front of the pack.”

Jordan’s 2017 campaign gets underway at Brands Hatch on the weekend of 1-2 April.

Motorbase Performance revealed its new look driver line-up for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season today, 12 January, with Martin Depper and BTCC newcomer Luke Davenport joining Mat Jackson in the Kent-based team’s three-car squad. 

The trio were officially confirmed on the Dunlop BTCC stand during the opening day of the annual Autosport International Show, with Motorbase Performance Team Principal David Bartrum also taking the wraps off the striking new Shredded Wheat livery that will adorn the outfit’s Ford Focus STs for its 2017 championship campaign.

“We're absolutely delighted to announce our new driver line up for the 2017 season,” commented Bartrum. “This season is arguably our biggest yet in the BTCC. Having signed a multi-year deal with household brand, Shredded Wheat, as well as continuing with our key partners from last season - DUO & IKO Enertherm - our focus is very much on the long-term plan.

“After securing our first-ever BTCC titles in 2016, we have one clear aim for 2017 and that’s the overall title,” continued the team boss. “It’s fantastic to have Mat back for his eighth season and his return is key to us mounting a successful championship challenge this year. We now have a formidable trio with Martin and Luke joining him and have three drivers who we would very much like to continue with us beyond the 2017 season.”

Depper joins the line-up with a wealth of experience, having made his BTCC debut in 2010. After a short absence, the Midlands-based driver returned to the series in 2014 with Eurotech and has become a regular points-scorer in the past three seasons.

“Martin has been in the championship for a while now, so he knows exactly what to expect,” added Bartrum. “He tested the Focus at the end of last season and quickly got up to a strong pace in the car. We were equally reassured with his pace and ability both driving, and tuning the car to his liking. I'm sure we'll see him fulfilling his potential as a BTCC driver this year and providing a few surprises along the way.”

“I’m over the moon to be joining the Motorbase team for the 2017 campaign,” said Depper. “When I tested the Focus back in November, I quickly found pace in tricky conditions, so I’m really looking forward to carrying that forward and making my fourth season in the BTCC my best yet. I’m also really excited to be partnering Mat and Luke as I’m sure we will work well together and show real strength in our team work.”

A new name on the grid for 2017, 23-year-old Davenport comes to the series from a successful sportscar background. Having worked his way through the Ginetta ranks, the Cambridge-based driver competed in the British GT last season, piloting the factory-team’s G55 GT3 and will be challenging for the Jack Sears Trophy during his maiden BTCC season.  

“Luke is a really exciting young driver who is ready to rise to the new challenge,” Bartrum explained. “His pace is without question and I'm sure he will be making waves as soon as the flag drops at Brands Hatch. His approach during his initial test impressed us from the start and his driving ability and detail both in and out of the car was the best we've seen for a long time, so we're really looking forward to his showing.”

The rookie added: “It’s great to be back on the TOCA package after racing GTs for the past couple of seasons. I have fond memories from racing in the Ginetta Supercup in 2014 when we won the Teams’ Championship with United Autosports and there’s really nothing quite like the buzz of the BTCC. If you’re involved in British Motorsport you can’t help but keep an eye on the BTCC and the incredible reach and impact it has. I feel incredibly privileged to get the opportunity not only to race in the UK’s leading series but to also be joining a front-running team in my rookie year. There’s a great atmosphere within the Motorbase team and their results speak for themselves.

“I have to say a big thank you to Alex at DUO for helping to put this deal together;” continued Davenport. “DUO has supported me since 2014 and they’ve been essential to my development as a driver and helped me to reach the stomping ground of the BTCC. I hope to repay that support with some great results this year.”

An extensive winter testing programme is next on the agenda for Motorbase with the team making final preparations before heading to Portimao next month ahead of the official BTCC Season Launch at Donington Park on 16 March. The 2017 Dunlop British Touring Car Championship gets underway at the Wrotham-based squad’s local circuit, Brands Hatch, 1-2 April.

The covers came off Simpson Racing's Honda Civic Type R this morning, 12 January, at the Autosport International Show inside Birmingham's NEC.

Driver Matt Simpson returns to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for 2017, having switched from Speedworks Motorsport to Team Dynamics backing in Britain’s premier motor sport series.

Simpson entered the BTCC in 2016 off the back of multiple title successes in the European Hot Rod Championship and Quaife Intermarque Championship. He got off to a good start by tallying a point on his debut weekend at Brands Hatch Indy behind the wheel of his Honda Civic Type R, adding to that with a brace of 13th placed finishes a month later at Thruxton.

Those results earned Simpson 15th spot in the Independents’ Trophy standings and third in the chase for the Jack Sears Trophy, with a victory in the latter in the Brands Hatch GP season finale underscoring his progress.

Rob Austin and Handy Motorsport Team Principal Simon Belcher unveiled the squad’s stunning new livery for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Autosport International this morning, 12 January, confirming new commercial partner Northgate plc.

Taking the covers off the team’s Toyota Avensis on the official Dunlop BTCC stand during the first morning of the annual motorsport extravaganza at Birmingham’s NEC, the reveal highlighted the exciting multi-year partnership Northgate is embarking on with the Evesham racer.

“I’ve been really looking forward to revealing the car and showing the world the results of all the hard work we have put in since the 2016 season ended”, commented Austin, “The car is, as usual, immaculately prepared and ahead of schedule. The striking new livery looks fantastic I think and, most importantly, it is fantastically supported!

“New for this year, we are very proud to announce a major sponsorship deal with Northgate plc. The BTCC serves as the perfect platform for a national marketing campaign for the growing van hire company. We also have continued support from Close Brothers, Kerax, Rocwood, Webb, Cobra Seats, Alsa and many others.”

Northgate plc is the leading light commercial vehicle (LCV) rental business by fleet size in the UK, providing a complete LCV rental service with predictable weekly costs, saving customers money on the total cost of ownership. Northgate’s UK national branch network hosts 73 locations, 50 wholly-owned workshops and local dedicated account teams, all committed to delivering the full range of services to keep customers on the road.

Northgate’s Managing Director, Eddie Aston, said: “We are looking forward to 2017 and the Northgate plc sponsorship of Rob Austin and the Handy Motorsport team. This is an important partnership for Northgate that enables us to share the excitement of motorsport with our customers and employees, many of whom are already enthusiasts. The close proximity of the races to our branch network is helpful for our local customers as is the ability to experience vehicle performance and safety management of the highest standards.”

With everything in place for Austin’s second BTCC campaign with Swindon-based Handy Motorsport, driver and team are looking forward to mounting a consistent front-running challenge this year having climbed the outright podium on three occasions in 2016.

“It’s been a very long time since I have been so excited for a season’s racing and I’m determined to get back on the top step of the podium this year”, said Austin, “I’ve been doing this for a while now, this will be my seventh season in the BTCC – but until now there’s always been a compromise or something has been missing from the package.

“I have never been anywhere near this confident that I have the right package to do the job! I’ve won races before and I’m very well placed to do some more of it this season – that’s the target we’re all setting ourselves.”

“I’ve got to say a huge thank you to Simon [Belcher], not only for keeping faith in us but for giving me all the tools and support we need – not just to run a front-running BTCC car but to also ensure our partners see maximum return on their investment and our VIP guests receive the absolute best ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience in the team’s pristine Hospitality suite.”