Honda and Halfords Yuasa Racing would like to thank Gordon Shedden for his years of loyal service to the brand and team in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), as the Scot departs for a new challenge ahead of the 2018 campaign.

Gordon first joined Honda in its Team Halfords guise back in 2006, completing three seasons for the squad in his initial stint, claiming ten victories and a best championship finish of third as he immediately made his mark in Britain’s premier motor sport series.

Affectionately known as ‘Flash’ within the paddock, Gordon rejoined Honda in 2010, since when he has gone on to claim 38 further race wins and a hat-trick of Drivers’ crowns – in 2012, 2015 and 2016. In so doing, he formed a formidable partnership with team-mate Matt Neal – himself a three-time BTCC Champion in Honda machinery.

Halfords Yuasa Racing is continuing its preparations for the 2018 season and will announce Gordon’s replacement in due course.

Gordon Shedden said: “Today is a really difficult and emotional day for me. I can confirm I will not be competing in the British Touring Car Championship in 2018, which obviously means I will not be racing with Honda and Team Dynamics. They have been part of my life for the last 11 years and I have been made to feel a part of the family.

“Steve and Matt Neal gave me a chance in 2006, and we haven’t looked back since. From a Fiesta racer to a triple British Touring Car Champion, I could not have dreamed of the success we have achieved together. That success, along with Matt’s three championships, is a testament to the hard work, determination and passion that is intrinsic in the team. To Steve, Matt, [Technical Director] Barry Plowman and everyone at Team Dynamics I will be forever grateful, in particular my race engineer Eddie Hinckley, who has engineered my car since 2006!

“I am very lucky to have had such a successful partnership with the team, Honda and all our sponsors. We have been on a huge journey together, achieving multiple Teams’, Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships. Along the way, we have had a lot of fun and created memories I will take and cherish forever. It may be the end of a chapter, but it won’t be the end of the friendships I have made.”

David Hodgetts, Managing Director, Honda UK, said: “I would like to thank Gordon for the key role he has played in Honda’s BTCC successes over the past decade. He has made a tremendous contribution to the team, not only winning three Drivers’ titles but also helping us to secure five Manufacturers’ crowns and six Teams’ trophies, which is an outstanding accomplishment by any measure. Indeed, his 48 career victories place him fourth on the all-time list – and we are immensely proud that he achieved every single one of them in Honda cars. I wish Gordon all the best in his future career.”

Matt Neal added: “Gordon is a part of our family and success story. He’s got a new and exciting opportunity and we would never hold him back from that. We wish him the very best of success in his new challenge – he’s a phenomenal competitor and he’s certainly talented enough! One thing is for sure – despite ‘Flash’ racing elsewhere this season, he’ll always remain part of our Dynamics family and part of our team.”