Champion Colin Turkington joins Louise Goodman to look back at how he rose to victory in the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Season Review, which also includes exclusive interviews with other key players and the best of the action from an extraordinary season, in an unmissable two-hour extravaganza.

A full complement of 30 cars made the grid last season, with 11 different marques represented. The balance achieved between manufacturer-backed outfits and independent teams created superb racing right through the field and left pundits and fans alike guessing as to who would come out on top right until the very last round of the season.

The momentum swung back and forth throughout the year, with no fewer than 13 different race-winners, before the most coveted title in British motorsport was clinched by Turkington – a move which saw him become a record-equalling four-time BTCC champion.

Indeed, the 2019 campaign was one which will live in the hearts of many for years to come, especially its dramatic finale around Brands Hatch’s legendary GP layout providing a multitude of nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moments.

All of the unmissable action will be available on ITV4, Sunday 24 November 1045-1245, with the BTCC television treat also available subsequently on the ITV Hub.

For the second #WinItWednesday, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is celebrating Andrew Jordan!

Jordan went on to secure a further five victories following his first of 2019, in race two at the Brands Hatch Indy opener; this made Jordan’s winning tally of six the highest of all drivers in 2019.

The BMW Pirtek Racing driver's number of wins propelled him into second spot in the Drivers' standings, ahead of Dan Cammish on race victories though level on points with the Halfords Yuasa Racing man.

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Oliver Shepherd, EXCELR8 Team Principal, spoke this week on the challenges of bringing the Hyundai brand to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the 2020 campaign, with the team building a pair of NGTC-spec I30 Fastbacks over the course of the off-season.

Why did you choose the Hyundais?
“There are a few answers to this, with the first and main point being that Hyundai is currently quite involved with motorsport as a whole as part of its brand, and it’s not yet been a part of the BTCC grid. This is a great opportunity commercially to build a fan base and potentially also links with the manufacturer further down the line.

“Technically the car has some properties which suit the NGTC design very well, such as the overhangs and the wheelbase. It’s very similar in size and dimension to the new-spec Honda Civics that we’ve seen were so successful across the course of this year. And the aerodynamic properties of the base car are pretty good as well. That will allow us to build a front-wheeldrive platform that’s more progressive than what we had this year with the MGs.”

How big a task will it be building two brand new NGTC i30s?
“Ask me that when we’ve finished! It’s definitely not to be underestimated, but at the same time it’s not unachievable. The key thing is to get the chassis working properly. Parts like the suspension are controlled and the engine is controlled, so it’s about making sure you get the bits that you have some freedom to develop as good as they can be. We’ll be focusing on the aero package, the weight and the centre of gravity, making sure elements like those are as strong as they can be to give us the best base.”

Will any of the components used on the MGs be transferred across, such as engine development or running gear?
“Yes, in short. We’re looking to transfer a meaningful amount of components. It makes sense to move the control parts like the suspension straight across to the new cars. Things like the engine and cooling packages we’ve developed with our partners across the course of this year will also come into the Hyundai – it may need some modification, but the technology will certainly be in the new cars.”

How much data from this year can be used with the new cars, or will it be a process of starting over from scratch?
“Quite a lot, we hope. At the start of the year we got some good base data for the MGs when we took over the running of them from previous teams. We’ll have a combination of using that and what we’ve learned from this year to create our baseline for setups and performance goals for the start of this programme. It’s those small areas and changes that make the big differences. We’ll be looking to get 80 per cent of the way there with what we have already, and fine-tune the rest as we go.”

What’s the timescale for the build?
“Having the chassis and with work already underway in preparing them, we’re hoping it won’t be a last-minute thing. We don’t have the resources of a team like West Surrey Racing or Team Dynamics, but we’ve already made a good start. We’re aiming for two complete cars up and running by mid-February, with a full testing programme in time for March.”

Over the coming weeks, we will be celebrating our 13 different winners from the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. Our #WinItWednesday cards will be available to download on btcc.net each week as they are announced on the BTCC Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

This week we’re celebrating our first 2019 winner, Josh Cook. Alongside his triumph in the Brands Hatch season-opener, Cook went on to achieve a further two wins, claiming a victory at each of the two Thruxton events of the campaign.

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The Hyundai marque will appear in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for the first time in 2020, as Independent team EXCELR8 Motorsport confirms it will design and build two new cars based on the striking i30 Fastback N Performance.

The 2019 season was a landmark for EXCELR8 Motorsport, which made the step up to the top tier of British motorsport by running the venerable MG6 cars that had previously been a feature of the grid since their introduction back in 2012. The miles logged with the MGs this year has allowed the team to build up significant understanding of the underpinnings and intricacies of the Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) regulations, and the competitive landscape of the BTCC itself.

The Suffolk-based squad has made no secret of its intention to develop new machinery in order to progress up the grid in its second season, and the team evaluated models from a range of manufacturers before settling on the i30 Fastback N Performance – with the groundwork for the switch being laid during the BTCC’s annual summer break in July.

Launched in early 2019, the road-going i30 Fastback N Performance shares all of its running gear with the 271bhp, front-wheel-drive i30 N Performance hatchback that made its debut to much acclaim in 2017, but with a 7% increase in torsional stiffness thanks to the coupe-like bodyshell.

EXCELR8 Motorsport is no stranger to developing new cars, having been responsible for the development, build and global distribution of over 70 MINI CHALLENGE cars, which compete in the headline John Cooper Works class in the UK, as well as Japan and China.

The design process for the i30 Fastback N Performance began in late September and the team has strengthened its technical department with a new relationship with seasoned NGTC design consultants. The programme also has the support of key players in Hyundai’s UK Dealer Network.

Additionally, with hybrid technology set to be introduced to the BTCC in 2022, EXCELR8 is also in consultation with Cosworth Electronics, which will be responsible for the BTCC Hybrid System, in order to future-proof the design of the i30 Fastback N Performance to extract the maximum benefit from the additional electrification.

“The build of the Hyundais marks the next stage in our multi-year plan to become a title contender in the British Touring Car Championship," said EXCELR8 Team Principal Oliver Sheperd. " The i30 Fastback N Performance offers a very favourable combination of wheelbase, track width, drag coefficient and torsional stiffness, so we are extremely excited about the prospects of this project. It’s going to be an extremely busy winter, but the whole team is extremely motivated to get the cars out on track as soon as possible.”

“The 2019 season has been a real success for the team having achieved all the goals we set for ourselves at the start of the season,£ said Justina Williams, EXCELR8 Team Owner. "On track we scored points with both drivers in our first season, and from operational, commercial and presentation points of view we were able to compete with the established frontrunners. With the development of these new cars we should not only be achieving better results, but also deliver increased value for our Brand Partners, especially as we are first out of the blocks with the introduction of hybrid technology.”

“It’s fantastic to see another new marque join the BTCC, this time with EXCELR8 Motorsport," remarked Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive. "When we set the NGTC regulations it was for precisely this purpose, to allow this sort of diversity between teams and drivers. Hyundai is a globally recognised brand, which has made a big impact in other forms of motorsport already. This new project from EXCELR8 should make a great addition to the grid. It’s been fascinating to see how the team has grown across its maiden season in the BTCC, and the attitude and work ethic the team has shown while it gets up to speed. It’s no secret that the MGs were one of the oldest chassis on the grid, and the job the team had done to refresh them was very impressive. I look forward to seeing how much of a step forward EXCELR8 Motorsport can make with the new-generation Hyundais.”

Dunlop, official tyre supplier of the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, gave three champions from Dunlop-supported national series an opportunity to test a top BTCC car today.

Winning BTCC team, Motorbase, ran the Ford Focus RS at Snetterton. Regular driver, Ollie Jackson, was on hand to provide coaching and mentoring for the champions.

Due to work commitments, Kyle Reid had to wait a year for his BTCC prize drive after winning 12 of the 17 rounds in the 2018 MINI Cooper Pro category. He revelled in the step up to the Focus RS stating: “It's been a great experience. I'm racing in the JCW class of the MINI Challenge next year and it's a step towards BTCC. There's a strong link between the MINI Challenge and touring cars and the handling characteristics are similar.”

James Gornall is no stranger to winning at the highest levels of UK motorsport, having been crowned 2008 British GT Champion in the thundering Dodge Viper. However, despite his vast experience, 2019 marked his first year racing front-wheel drive cars. He adapted quickly, winning the MINI Challenge JCW at his first attempt. 

Gornall returned to the scene of his title-deciding drive to step into the Focus RS and relished the opportunity, commenting: “Getting to drive a BTCC car is a dream come true. Two reasons I chose to race in the MINI Challenge were to learn about driving a front-wheel drive car and for the possibility of this test. I quickly felt quite comfortable. The Dunlops, as we used in the MINI Challenge, allowed me to push even though the track temperature was very cold. The JCW cars prepare you very well in learning about car control and feel quite similar to a BTCC car in their behaviour.” 

Another experienced Dunlop Champion was delighted to have the opportunity to be back in a BTCC car. Andy Wilmot had half a season in the Welch Motorsport Proton Persona in 2015 but a run of ill-fortune meant he couldn’t show his full potential. Four years on, he won the inaugural Focus Cup and secured the coveted prize to drive a front-running BTCC car, explaining: “Thanks to the Focus Cup and Dunlop for providing this opportunity. The power delivery of the car was impressively smooth and despite the wet conditions I was able to feel why this was a front-running car in 2019.”

Motorbase and Dunlop have run this test to showcase British Motorsport talent since 2012. Previous winners have made their way into the BTCC, including Mike Bushell, Ant Whorton-Eales, Dan Cammish and 2017 BTCC Champion Ash Sutton. 

Dunlop’s UK Motorsport Event Manager, Mickey Butler, praised the drivers: “The quality of drivers is testimony to the high level of competition in both the MINI Challenge and Focus Cup. It’s an incredible opportunity to drive a car from the pinnacle of British motorsport and we are hugely grateful to Motorbase for their cooperation over the last eight years of the test. When we support a championship, we offer more than great tyres. We work with the promoters to add value to their championship and we are delighted to give three national stars the chance to drive a race-winning BTCC car.” 

Team HARD. Racing is delighted to announce that multiple race winner and fan favourite Jack Goff will remain with the team for the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign.

Goff, winner of Round 27 of the championship in 2019 will return for another season with Team HARD. Racing of which he made his debut in the series in 2013. Goff will be bringing several experienced personnel to the team to further improve the Kent team’s chances in 2020.

“It’s a pleasure to re-sign for Team HARD. Racing, we made some good progress across the year with limited testing opportunities and with the testing plan we have in place, I am confident of making big strides with the car and the team for the 2020 season.

“Tony showed faith in me by putting me in the car at the last moment for the 2019 season, however we knew we would be up against it with no pre-season testing. I’m delighted to be able to repay the team with their first BTCC victory at Silverstone which was the biggest highlight of the year.

“I am now looking forward to getting started again with the lads at HQ and my engineer Adam to make sure we hit the ground running at the start of the season. 

“Lastly, I want to thank all of my sponsors and the supporters of the BTCC for making it possible in the first place.”

The team have been working hard to develop the Volkswagen CC which saw an improvement in pace during the second half of the season, consistently challenging the front runners and with Goff at the wheel, took the team’s first-ever outright BTCC win at Silverstone.

Managing Director, Tony Gilham is glad to have Jack back for a second successive season and is looking to build on some strong performances in 2019.

“It is great to have Jack back for another season with the team and the Volkswagen CC. 2019 was a whirlwind for Jack after securing the drive just two days before media day but was on the pace right from the get-go and spent the 2019 season as a testing year after missing the entire winter. Despite this he still managed to pick up the teams first overall win in one of the most exciting BTCC races I’ve seen for a while, a moment this team will never forget.

“The 2019 scoreboard doesn’t reflect Jack’s performances last season as many times whilst running near the front, accident damage put him out of the points and the race. The fact that Jack isn’t classified in nine of the 30 rounds is testament to the challenging year we all had as a team but that’s touring cars.

“We’ve put that behind us now and I’m excited to have Jack onboard and confirmed this early into the winter break, it gives Jack time to run through our winter test programme and make the required changes to suit his driving style.”

Goff will be kept busy over the winter as he works alongside the teams engineering department to bring a host of developments to the all-new 2020 version of the Volkswagen CC. Furthermore, Goff will be present at the team’s scholarship programme to offer media tuition and coaching to its entrants.

Goff is no stranger to Team HARD. Racing and is very much a part of the teams’ history in the BTCC after making is debut with the team in 2013. He drove the teams Vauxhall Insignia to an overall podium plus independent win during his debut season and of course took the teams first victory in Round 27 at a wet Silverstone circuit at the end of the 2019 campaign.

Since the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship’s announcement in 2018 that the series would go hybrid in 2022, the topic has been eagerly discussed.

Racecar Engineering’s December edition – in shops now – features an in-depth discussion about how the series will have to adapt in its new era. Here’s an excerpt:

‘The BTCC has always been built on what you drive on the road, so with automotive markets moving towards electrification it would be nonsensical of us not to do that as well,’ highlights Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive. ‘But I wouldn’t have done it if I thought it was going to hurt the racing and we’ve incorporated it in a way that actually adds an extra element to the race. We see [hybrid] as additional performance, it is a bit of free horsepower that the drivers can use to help them overtake. We’re not a technological formula, this is about improving the show whilst helping the show be relevant.’

How will it work?

The current plan is to allow drivers to have up to 15 seconds of hybrid boost available per lap. This extra 40bhp (approximately) can either be used as a ‘push to pass’ button or to help defend an overtake. However, the 15 seconds can only be used under full traction, and there is no limit on how many times this ‘boost’ button can be utilised per lap. The one restriction (so far) is that hybrid power can only be deployed under full traction.

Read more on the website or the entire feature in the current issue of Racecar Engineering magazine!

The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship calendar pages have today been updated on the official BTCC website. These cover all ten BTCC events, including the new addition of the event at Silverstone International Circuit, which is due to take place on 26/27 September.

Alongside this, ticket information and purchase links have been published on the circuit information pages, with Knockhill and all MSV rounds now available – other circuit pages will be updated with relevant links as soon as tickets and timetables are available.

2020 British Touring Car Championship Calendar

Rounds             Date                                Venue/Circuit
1,2,3                      28/29 March                  Donington Park (National) 
4,5,6                     11/12 April                       Brands Hatch (Indy)         
7,8,9                     25/26 April                     Silverstone (National)       
10,11,12                16/17 May                        Thruxton
13,14,15                13/14 June                      Oulton Park (Island)      
16,17,18                25/26 July                       Snetterton (300)               
19,20,21               15/16 August                   Croft
22,23,24              29/30 August                  Knockhill
25,26,27               26/27 September          Silverstone (International)
28,29,30              10/11 October                 Brands Hatch (Grand Prix)

A number of minor regulation changes will be implemented for next year’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, following an end-of-season meeting between series organiser TOCA and teams.
 
The key changes relate to tyre choices, success ballast and qualifying and are outlined as follows:
 
Tyres
 
Following the initiative’s successful introduction last summer, drivers will use all three Goodyear tyre compounds – hard, medium and soft – on race day at Snetterton. This will be replicated at Croft, which has been made possible following the circuit’s resurfacing earlier this year.
 
There has also been a change to the way in which tyres are nominated, with teams no longer required to specify before qualifying, the race in which they will use their ‘Option’ tyre. Instead, they will be free to make their choice during the course of race day – thus providing the opportunity to modify their strategies.
 
Success ballast
 
Maximum success ballast will be increased to 60 kilograms, thereafter reducing in 6kg increments down to tenth place as follows:
 
1st: 60kg
2nd: 54kg
3rd: 48kg
4th: 42kg
5th: 36kg
6th: 30kg
7th: 24kg
8th: 18kg
9th: 12kg
10th: 6kg
 
Qualifying
 
A new qualifying format will be trialled at Snetterton. Replacing the usual 30-minute session, drivers will have a marginally reduced window of 25 minutes to record their lap times. The fastest ten competitors will then progress to a ten-minute pole position session to determine the top ten places on the grid.
 
Alan Gow, Chief Executive of TOCA, commented: “Clearly, the regulations for the BTCC work tremendously well. That’s self-evident from the fantastically close racing and championship battles, but we’re always looking at ways in which they can be improved, so whilst these are fairly minor tweaks, they will certainly add some interesting new elements to next season’s championship.”
 
The 2020 Kwik Fit BTCC will begin at Donington Park on 28/29 March.