Restart Racing has confirmed that Chris Smiley will remain with the team for the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, which follows the exciting announcement that the squad will switch to running two brand new Hyundai i30 Fastback N cars next season.
Following an impressive debut year running Cupra Leons, the move to the Hyundai i30s signals a significant step forward for the team in its challenge to become an established contender in Britain’s most competitive championship. The team has also confirmed a partnership with Swindon Powertrain, a renowned engine builder in the BTCC, having powered multiple championship winning teams and drivers in the past.
Smiley remains with the team after scoring the outfit’s best result of sixth at Silverstone in 2024, but the Northern Irishman is no stranger to silverware in the BTCC. In a solid run between 2018 and 2020, Smiley scored one victory and a total of six podiums in the BTCC, which interestingly included a first-ever podium for the Hyundai i30.
The team is currently seeking a second driver to race alongside Smiley but will be pleased to have already made significant progress with these two early off-season announcements.
Chris Smiley, Driver, said: “I’ve raced the i30s before, securing EXCELR8’s first podium at Donington Park in 2020, so I’m fully aware of what this package can deliver. It’s a proven race-winning car, and with the right team and preparation, we’re aiming to climb as far up the grid as we can. I’m thrilled to be back with Restart Racing and can’t wait to get started.”
Peter Jones, Managing Director, commented: “Since announcing our plans for 2025, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing with interest from potential drivers. Our focus is to find someone who can match the incredible package we’ve put together with the Hyundai i30s and our partnership with Swindon Powertrain. We’re here to compete and push for podiums, and we believe the right driver can take us even further up the grid.”
Ben Taylor, Team Principal, added: “Having worked with the i30s during my time at EXCELR8, I know firsthand just how fast and competitive these cars are. They were among the quickest on the grid last year, and with the talented team we have here at Restart Racing, we’re eager to hit the ground running in 2025.”
