BTC Racing has launched a brand-new website showcasing its activities in the prestigious Kwik Fit BritishTouring Car Championship.

BTCRACING.CO.UK boasts a fresh new look and hosts a plethora of state-of-the-art features including an interactive 3d model of the squad's Honda Civic Type R on the homepage. A detailed partners section also highlights each of the Brackley-based team's technical partners area of expertise on a 3d rendered model of the FK8.

Fans are treated to a dedicated Fanzone area with a collection of exclusive downloads and activities, a merchandise store, and can easily keep abreast of the squad's latest news and stories with access to all episodes of The BTC Racing Line podcast.  

The new platform provides visitors with the capability to find news, driver information, full vehicle specifications and track layouts ahead of the 2020 BTCC season which is scheduled to commence at Donington Park on August 1/2. 

Unsurprisingly, one area fans are keen to learn about is the role of Technicians and Mechanics. In keeping with our BTCC Careers feature, Team Dynamics' Craig Smith talked us through the various responsibilities of his role as number one Technician on Matt Neal's #25 Honda in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Name: Craig Smith
Job Title: No. 1 Technician (Car 25 – Matt Neal)
Years in the Role: 12 years
Favourite Circuit: Oulton Park

How did you get the position?

I started in motorsport in March 2004 – which seems an awfully long time ago now. I was set a task, whilst doing my A-Levels, to find a 'Dream Job Advert' and theoretically apply for it. The only thing I did differently was to actually apply for it. I had to leave college in order to start the job, which was Junior Race Mechanic, and from there I have worked my way up the ladder.

What are your main responsibilities, both on event and pre/post event?

I have overall responsibility for Matt Neal’s race car, ensuring that the car is always finished to a safe, fast and presentable manner, with the set up as requested by the engineer. On event, we have three technicians (including myself), along with an Engineer, Data Engineer, Bodywork Technician, Tyre Person and Fabrication Specialist. I have to guarantee that all operations on the car happen in the most efficient way to ensure the car is ready for the next session.

Away from the circuit, we have one less mechanic, but all the rest of the staff remain and it is much the same with all works and preparations being done under my control.

What drew you to this field?

I wanted to be either a fast jet technician or motorsport technician and because of the dream job project at college, I ended up being a motorsport technician.

What have you found to be more valuable in your career, your education or experience?

Real world hands on experience has been invaluable, I didn't go down the motorsport college route as when I started college that was nowhere near as accessible as it is now. I’ve been very fortunate to have been in this job full time since 2004! However, education is also important as it provides the foundations that you build on with on the job experience.

What skills have you found vital to do your job?

Communication; being able to communicate to your team-mates, sometimes even non-verbally, in a loud, high pressure situation such as a car coming into the pits, is essential. You all need to be able to come to a decision very quickly on who is doing what, especially when things don’t go to plan!

Do you have a favourite moment of your career in the BTCC? Can you tell us it?

I have several favourite moments and stories – some of which are best not put on the internet! My stand out moment as a number one was probably Matt's win at Snetterton for the Diamond Double race in 2018.

What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?

Follow your gut, if something doesn’t sit right with you, rectify it immediately! There have been times where I have gone back over work I’ve done and changed the most stupid little thing, however doing so has saved failures and other small problems from occurring.

What advice do you have for someone who aspires to work in a similar position to yourself?

Don’t be afraid to start at club racing level, you will be better off for it in the long run! Get yourself out on track, the appreciation of knowing what these machines are capable of goes a long way. If you can appreciate the G Force when a BTCC driver stands on the brakes then you will think twice about how you build certain parts of said car!

Team BMW and WSR regret to announce that driver Andrew Jordan has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2020 British Touring Car Championship.

We would like to thank Andrew for his immense contribution to our BTCC success story, which includes 10 race wins, three Manufacturers’ titles and the runner-up spot in last year’s Drivers’ Championship, and to wish him the very best for the future.

Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, said: “AJ has made a huge contribution to our BTCC success since 2017 - coming so close to winning last year’s title - and we’re sorry to be losing him. On behalf of all at WSR and Team BMW, we thank him for our seasons together and wish him well for the future.”

Leading essential cleaning company teams up with UK’s premier motorsport series

Nilco – the professionals’ choice for essential cleaning products and chemicals – has become the British Touring Car Championship’s Official Sanitising Partner.

Following the global outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent suspension of all elite sport in the UK, BTCC Organiser TOCA has been working tirelessly to ensure that the series’ scheduled return is achieved in the safest way possible, with the health and safety of all involved being paramount.

Industry leader Nilco produces a wide range of dry-touch sanitising and bacteria control products that can be used both as an airborne room spray and on all hard surfaces, as well as sanitising products for personal use.

The company will supply and manage a number of specialist products for TOCA, including hand-sanitising stations throughout various working areas, dry-touch sprays, anti-bacterial cleaners and full product refills as required.

Furthermore, Nilco will supply products for use in all Official TOCA vehicles with the Official Medical Cars, Safety Cars and other essential vehicles being sanitised regularly throughout each day of each race weekend.

Nilco Professional Bacterial and Virus Control products are specially formulated for professional environments where stringent regulations are paramount and performance is essential. 

The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is scheduled to commence at Donington Park on 1/2 August.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We are living in unprecedented times as everyone throughout the world continues to work through the challenges that COVID-19 has posed. 

“I have always stipulated that the correct procedures and protocols must be in place, in order to provide a safe environment for our return to racing, and I am pleased to welcome Nilco on-board as part of that process.

“This is just one aspect of the myriad protocols being finalised, but one that has highlighted many short and long-term benefits for our Health and Safety procedures. Nilco has proven performance and professionalism and we look forward to working with them.”

Peter Schofield, Tetrosyl Group Chairman, said: “I am delighted that Nilco Professional Bacterial and Virus Control product is the Official Sanitising Partner for the BTCC. 

“In motor racing, safety is of the utmost importance, as is the safety and health of all the drivers, medical staff, volunteers and fans. In these uncertain times you need a product you can rely on to help control the spread of bacteria and viruses. This is a fantastic opportunity for Nilco, I am looking forward to a very successful relationship.”

 

Having achieved 12 podium finishes, two race wins and third place in the overall standings in his second year in the BTCC, Halfords Yuasa Racing driver Dan Cammish will be hoping to build on this as we approach the opening rounds of the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park (1/2 August).

The Official BTCC website caught up with Cammish to discuss all things BTCC, including his approach to the 2020 season, specifically considering the condensed calendar and how he’s ensured he is mentally and physically prepared for a busy second half of the year.

Listen to the full interview below.

The latest audio treat from the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship sees Ciceley Motorsport's Norman Burgess discussing the season ahead.

During the interview, Norman talks about the various challenges the current pandemic has caused for Carlube TripleR Racing Cataclean Mac Tools amongst his expectations for the upcoming campaign and the recent M-Sport TOCA BTCC engine announcement, providing insight into the topics through his perspective as Commercial Director for the squad.

Listen to the exclusive interview below now.

The 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will see Motorbase Performance driver Rory Butcher enter his third full season in the championship, having joined in mid-2017 at Knockhill.

Butcher has notched up 71 BTCC race starts so far and the Scot has an impressive motorsport CV, having competed in numerous championships both prior to and during his BTCC career, including the British GT Championship and European Le Mans Series.

Having been exposed to motorsport through his family from a young age, it seemed inevitable that Butcher would try his hand at it, although his journey to Britain's premier motorsport series wasn’t without its challenges.

“I finally got the opportunity to race karts when I was eight, but the frustrating thing was, I wasn’t particularly good and by the end of my first year I’d crashed so much and bent so many chassis’ that my dad canned the whole project,” he said.

During his break from four-wheeled racing, Butcher dabbled with bike racing, before buying his first race car aged 17 and returning to competitive racing.

“That’s where my hobby stepped up into a motorsport career.”

While he continued to move through the ranks, Butcher recalls how he idolised the British Touring Car Championship, particularly when his brother-in-law, Gordon Shedden, moved into the series.

“When I first started car racing, I really looked up to the BTCC," he continued. "But as my career moved and I moved through the ranks, even though I was in the TOCA paddock, my mindset had changed towards sports cars and rear wheel drive, and that’s where my path went for four or five years. If I’m honest the opportunity to compete in the BTCC in 2017 came as a big surprise. But when I actually took part in my first ever race with the series, I was completely hooked – my head was turned!”

Joining the championship at Knockhill in August 2017, Butcher consistently achieved points-scoring finishes, before his first win at Brands Hatch would kick off his most successful campaign, in 2019, where he not only achieved three race wins and podium finishes, but also took the Independent Drivers' title, Jack Sears Trophy and, alongside teammates Sam Tordoff and Mike Bushell, steered Cobra Sport AmD AutoAid/RCIB Insurance to the top of the Independent Teams' Championship.

The 33-year-old hopes to build on the success of his 2019 season, as he moves to Kent-based squad Motorbase performance, with new team-mates and a new car for 2020.

“We have this really exciting project with the brand-new Ford Focus ST. It is definitely an unknown quantity at the moment, but from the very little running we’ve had, it’s showing really positive signs and I’m really excited to learn more about the car.

“I think if we can just get the first few rounds out of the way I don’t see any reason why we can’t be competing for trophies come the second half of the year, and be in with a shout of the drivers’ title at the final round – my long-term goal is to fully establish myself in the championship for the long term.”

His process during lockdown to ensure he’s physically and mentally prepared for the first event at Donington Park (1/2 August) has included an increased fitness routine, alongside the use of home simulator training. As well as this, the Scot has been spending time with his family and undertaking some home improvements, which has resulted in the discovery of a new skill, having fitted new flooring in his kitchen!

Following the reopening of circuits for testing, the team has been working to ensure the period in the run-up to the series’ return is used most effectively, with Butcher explaining; “we’re almost doing a second pre-season testing programme, which will take us up to mid-July.

“I think having just built a brand new car, we need every bit of track time we can get and hopefully we'll be out almost every week between now and the start of the year, so I can’t wait to get my hands back on that Ford Focus.”

BTCC race winner to conduct testing programme with Speedworks Motorsport
British Touring Car Championship race winner and Le Mans 24 Hours class winner Darren Turner will conduct the majority of the on-track testing with the BTCC’s new hybrid-specification car after confirming an agreement to be the official Hybrid Development Driver for both TOCA and Cosworth.

Turner competed in the BTCC between 2006-2008 – winning five races – and will now get his first opportunity to sample the new hybrid Speedworks Motorsport-built Toyota Corolla at tyre supplier Goodyear’s two-day test at Snetterton on 7/8 July. 

The hugely-respected 46-year-old has a wealth of experience, having contested more than 70 BTCC races, as well as claiming class honours on three occasions in the world’s most famous endurance race... the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Cosworth Electronics, the official hybrid supplier, contracted Speedworks Motorsport to integrate and validate the hybrid solution into a new-build BTCC Toyota Corolla. With the car build now complete it will embark on an intensive test and development programme ahead of the planned hybrid introduction in the BTCC from 2022.
 
Darren Turner said: “It’s a really interesting project. I hugely enjoyed the British Touring Car Championship when I raced in it and this is a brilliant opportunity to get back in a touring car and do something a little bit different. I’ve not had the opportunity to use hybrid with anything else I have done before, in terms of race cars.

“I want to come at this fresh – I will meet the team and the guys doing the development and we will work out clearly what the objective is, because it isn’t just about the ultimate performance of the cars. It’s about making sure that it enhances what the racing currently is like and it adds to what the British Touring Car Championship is all about. And of course another important aspect is durability testing - we’ll be putting the equipment through some punishing test cycles.

“As the hybrid deployment will be for both attacking and defending, we will need to work on how it is best configured so that it’s easy to understand and easy to use. It’s also important that the fans can see it and understand what’s going on. All involved will be going through a learning process with it, but that is exactly what this testing programme is for… we want to see what it is capable of, and then work out the best deployment strategies from there.”

The BTCC ‘Raceday Programme with a Difference’ is out now! Whether you are able to watch the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship trackside or from your sofa, this season guide will keep you bang on the pace.

With features on leading teams and drivers, the full entry list and team guide, plus the revised calendar and a look at what’s new for the year ahead, no BTCC fan should be without it. There’s even a comprehensive social media directory and a colouring and wordsearch page for the young at heart.

Available from www.btcc-programme.co.uk, the Raceday Programme with a Difference costs just £6 including postage.

For the latest BTCC Careers feature, btcc.net caught up with pitlane commentator and BTCC aficionado Alan Hyde.

Alan expressed interest in radio and television presenting from a young age, watching presenters on TV to increase his understanding, as well as comparing his own skills and abilities with theirs.  

“When I was in a rock band, I looked forward to talking in between the songs more than playing the songs. So I guess the signs were already there – I wanted to be a talker!”

In addition to this interest, Alan had been drawn to racing for many years and, given the opportunity to bring these two passions together, felt it was an opportunity too good to miss!

“Although I never planned it, it seemed like the perfect fit. I think at the time I was still planning a presenting career in music radio if possible, but events took over and here I am with no regrets whatsoever!”

After leaving school, Alan’s involvement in motorsport took off, as he also increased his experience in presenting. A missing commentator on the podium at Thruxton in 1993 would allow him the opportunity to demonstrate his presenting abilities, ensuing a request for him to fill another date at the Hampshire circuit covering support race podiums at a BTCC event – it’s this anecdote that has resulted in Thruxton being Alan’s favourite circuit.

“The next year I got some more dates, the next year some more, including some dates presenting Radio TOCA, the radio service at the time, and it’s carried on ever since! I just sort of eased into it and didn’t go away. I’m waiting for the time I turn up to the first round of a season and Mr Gow says, ‘what are you doing here?’”

While Alan’s route to becoming a pitlane commentator and presenter didn’t rely on his education, in recent years the opportunities for individuals looking to enter the field, through both vocational and academic routes, have increased tenfold.

In listening to him, however, it seems a key factor is preparation. In both understanding the role and necessary skills prior to entering the industry, and ensuring he’s ready for whatever an event can throw at him, “preparation is everything”.

Having worked in the series for over 20 years, Alan has an incredible level of experience in the British Touring Car Championship. Due to this, his duties on and off event may be extensive, but are also fine-tuned to be undertaken efficiently.

“Doing my homework on each and every driver competing in the BTCC and support races is a day’s work for every race weekend, then I’m reporting on stories and events from the pitlane and presiding over the podium presentations for each race meeting for the PA system and live stream.”

Alongside his on-event duties, Alan works closely with Championship Co-ordinator, Dan Mayo, in the preparations towards the annual TOCA Night of Champions, as well as presenting numerous support championship awards evenings and, needless to say, presenting the hugely popular BTCC podcast, Autoglym Tin Top Tuesday.

“I also arrange the other commentators for BTCC meetings and do music things here and there. Jack of all trades, master of none.”

Courtesy of his vast experience in the championship, his favourite moments are numerous and the emotion that highlights them makes for some impressive anecdotes:

“There are many. Presiding over the podium when Matt Neal won £250,000 at Donington for being the first Independent to win a race overall. Interviewing Nigel Mansell on his excursions into the BTCC when he was at the very top of his game (such a thrill, and during lockdown, one of my self-assigned jobs was to transfer hundreds of my cassettes and MiniDiscs onto computer and, during that process, I recently chanced upon and listened to some of my chats with him from those meetings – lovely memories).

“And finally, most recently, the moment when I went up to Colin Turkington to interview him after he claimed his fourth title in 2019, and he just hugged me. The moment was beautifully caught on camera and the picture is proudly on my office wall. I’ve interviewed Colin since he first came into the championship, and have worked with him often, away from the BTCC, and it was a terribly special moment for me.”

In addition to discussing the route which carved out his career and the duties his role consists of, he highlights the importance of awareness of the audience and the level of respect necessary towards everyone in the industry.

“Being aware of the audience you are talking to, and never losing sight of the fact that you’re still one of them – a race fan, who was once sitting where they're sitting now, but who’s lucky enough to talk about it on a microphone.

“Be nice, do your prep, and never become big-headed. There are some hugely talented and experienced people in our industry (racing and broadcasting) that can share that mine of information if they like you. If they don’t, they won’t. Respect the knowledge they have and soak it up like a sponge.

“The people you are talking to are the talented ones, you’re just talking.”