Scott Sumpton will make his Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship debut in 2024 with Restart Racing, where he’ll race at the pinnacle of UK motorsport behind the wheel of one of the team’s new CUPRA Leons.

With Sumpton staying with the team in this exciting new programme, this also means Scott continues his great working relationship with Chris Smiley from last season.

The 19-year-old from Essex graduates after two successful seasons in touring car competition, racing in 2022-2023 in the TCR UK championship where he became a regular front-runner and points-finisher, as well as a fast qualifier. This was followed by a short spell in the 20+ car strong TCR Spain series where he scored a pair of podiums in a brand-new car and at his first time at both the Jerez and Barcelona-Catalunya circuits.

With Sumpton confirmed in the team’s second car, the team has a consistent line-up as it moves into the highly-competitive BTCC. The team’s already hard at work redeveloping the CUPRA Leon ahead of the new season, which gets underway on 27-28 April at Donington Park.

Scott Sumpton said: “I’m looking forward to this season more than anything. To race in the BTCC is almost every UK driver’s dream, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to develop as a driver and get to benchmark myself against some of the best drivers in motorsport.

“I’m also really happy to be racing again with Restart Racing. I joined this team last year and instantly felt at home. They’ve helped me so much to improve as a racing driver, and our results at the end of the year are a testament to the work we’ve done together. To carry that on into the BTCC is the natural next step.

“Of course, I’m under no illusions, the BTCC is an incredibly competitive championship. My goal for this year is to carry on learning, hopefully to fight for points in the races, and also contend for the Jack Sears Trophy and take some wins in that class.

“I’m also very happy to have the support of Trade Nation as my first partner coming onboard this year, and we’re looking to build a strong relationship. Let's have a good year!”

Ben Taylor, Team Principal, said: “We’re really happy to have Scott onboard for a second season with us, and he’s a logical choice to bring both consistency as well as exciting new and young talent with us as we join the BTCC.

“Scott’s made incredible progress in the last year, and we’re really excited to see what he can do in the BTCC in our CUPRA Leon. He also works really well with Chris Smiley, who’s a fantastic mentor as well as a driver.

“It’s great for us as a team to have our programme in-place so early on, so we can spend the next three months getting ready for the start of the season, and to compete against the already-established competition. This year is going to be an exciting challenge, and one we’re relishing as a young operation.”

The New Year festivities are well and truly over, and it is very much down to business ahead of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, so we thought we would bring you an update on what to look out for over the coming weeks…

Driver Announcements
The next of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship driver announcements is due in the next 48 hours, so make sure you keep checking the official website and social media channels for the latest news. The bulk of the BTCC driver signings will be coming later this month and into February/March with some truly exciting announcements in the pipeline.

Autosport International
Motorsport News will be presenting BTCC cars and stars at this week’s Autosport International (11-14 January) and we will also be there to capture some of the latest news that the show has to offer. The BTCC Media Team will be providing video and audio content from the championship’s drivers and main protagonists via the BTCC’s social media channels.

Kwik Fit Car Unveils
Title sponsor Kwik Fit has confirmed that it will be launching three of this season’s upcoming car unveilings and/or driver announcements via their official channels during the off-season. Discussions are ongoing as to exactly which cars and drivers will be covered as part of these exclusive videos, but as in previous seasons the BTCC fans will undoubtedly enjoy the end result.

London Calling
The BTCC Media Team will also be kicking off some new video features in 2024 with a filming day planned in London later this month. Jake Hill, Dan Rowbottom and Andrew Watson will be joining the team so watch this space as we find out a little bit more about the personalities behind the visor.

New Season. New Teams. New Rivalries.

The fourth series of Kwik Fit's 'On the Limit' has arrived with the first prologue episode being launched across YouTube and Facebook.

Adam Morgan (Team BMW), Dan Rowbottom (NAPA Racing UK) and Andrew Watson (CarStore Power Maxed Racing) were all followed throughout the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and this is their 'Behind the Scenes' experience of the greatest motorsport spectacle in the country.

In this initial prologue episode, On The Limit takes a look at some of the biggest changes for the 2023 season as the first race weekend draws closer and closer... enjoy.

British Touring Car Championship driver Bobby Thompson has competed in a wide range of motorsport categories across his career. From a young age, Thompson was immediately interested in four wheels, competing in the Super one British Karting Championship from aged 10.  

Graduating from karts to cars, Thompson debuted in the Ford Fiesta Championship in 2012. In 2013, Thompson competed full-time in the series and achieved his first car racing podium in that same year. 

In 2014, Thompson had a mixed campaign competing in both the Formula Ford Championship and a couple of rounds of the Ford Fiesta Championship.  

Thompson would refocus in 2015, putting his effort into tintops with the VW Racing Cup Great Britain. Staying in the championship for three seasons, Thompson would improve his speed each year, culminating in championship victory in 2017.  

Springboarding from this success, Thompson would enter the BTCC in 2018 racing for Team HARD. with trade Pricecars. Thompson would use the year to gain experience in the top-flight of British motorsport, scoring a season high of seventh at Rockingham.  

Continuing in a Volkswagen CC — but this year with GKR Scaffolding with Autobrite direct — Thompson would improve on his skill from the previous year and continued to move up the driver standings in 2019.  

Switching to an Audi S3 Saloon in 2020, Thompson became a regular in the top ten, but would unfortunately not compete in the BTCC after Croft, despite his good performances. 

Competing in six rounds of the Mini Challenge UK – JCW in 2021, Thompson would return to the podium, proving his prowess behind the wheel. 

In 2022, Thompson would return to the BTCC with Autobrite Direct with JourneyHero. This would be a breakthrough year for the Hornchurch born driver, scoring his first BTCC podium at Brands Hatch and triumphing in the Jack Sears Trophy.

Following from this success, Thompson would repeat this feat in 2023, scoring two podiums on both the Brands Hatch Indy circuit and Grand Prix, showing himself as a circuit specialist in the process. With 130 BTCC starts under his belt, Thompson continues to be an exciting talent to watch.

A comparatively ‘late’ starter in car racing, Michael Crees (Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils) enjoyed a rapid rise up the British motorsport ladder, winning Ginetta’s GRDC+ title in his maiden campaign in 2017 before announcing himself to the TOCA paddock.

This was off the back of a sensational display to clinch the ‘Am’ class crown in the 2018 Ginetta GT4 SuperCup – recording 11 victories and eight other podium finishes from 23 starts up against a number of more experienced rivals.

Having earned his stripes in Ginetta machinery, he then realised a lifelong dream by stepping up to the BTCC in 2019 with Team HARD, adding to a points-scoring debut at Brands Hatch with a top ten finish at Silverstone towards the end of the season.

Having switched to BTC Racing for 2020 to drive a Honda Civic Type R, Crees would match his personal best result of ninth and was a regular points scorer as he secured the Jack Sears Trophy.

Crees re-signed with BTC Racing for a second season but the two parted company little more than a week before the opening rounds.

Instead, he signed up with Parker Revs Motorsport to contest the Porsche Supercup after Josh Webster stood down from his drive. Crees took part in three races over the course of the 2021 season, achieving one of his dreams to race at Monaco.

For 2022, it was time to return to the BTCC once again where Crees landed a drive with CarStore Power Maxed Racing. With all 30 races complete he secured 50 points and came 20^th in the Drivers' Standings.

Crees made the switch back to his debut team with Team HARD during the 2023 season, where he ran a Cupra Leon with Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils, alongside Daniel Lloyd.

Crees took part in five race weekends and collected 13 points, which placed him 23^rd in the Drivers' Championship. His seasons best finish was 11th in Race 3 at Croft.

We hope everyone enjoyed a happy festive season as we looked back on another fantastic year... and we now begin the countdown to the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship!

From marshals to fans to drivers to teams and everyone in between we would like to thank you all for playing your part in the 2023 BTCC season.

Congratulations to all of those that collected silverware last year, and especially to our new record-equalling four-time champion Ash Sutton.

There will be more exciting driver announcements and car unveilings over the coming weeks as we build towards the 2024 campaign... and we cannot wait!

So, from everyone involved in the BTCC, we would like to wish you all a Happy New Year.

Like most, Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK) began his career in karts, claiming several titles as he rose rapidly through the ranks. Progressing on to single-seaters, he finished fourth in the 2010 Formula Vee Championship, snaring Rookie of the Year honours for good measure.

Following three years away from the track, Sutton wound up third in the 2014 British Formula Ford Championship on the TOCA package, prior to switching to tin-tops in 2015. Running in the Team BMR stable with Team Pyro, he won six races and took 14 podiums as he clinched the Renault UK Clio Cup crown.

Sutton graduated to the BTCC in 2016 with Triple Eight Racing, driving an MG6. His first season in the championship was a fruitful one as he garnered a race win and a couple of impressive pole positions on his way to a poignant Jack Sears Trophy triumph in the year of the inaugural champion’s passing.

For the 2017 campaign, Sutton switched to Adrian Flux Subaru Racing and rear-wheel drive. A joint-high of six race wins and nine further podium finishes saw him over the line to seal a first BTCC title in only his second season – the youngest man to become champion since way back in 1966. Sutton overcame a pressure-cooker final weekend battle with double champion Colin Turkington to take the honours.

2018 wouldn’t go the same way, however, despite a chart-topping six race victories once again. Early-season consistency was lacking from his Subaru – a situation that was repeated throughout the following campaign as the 2017 champion managed just a single race win.

Sutton joined Aiden Moffat at Laser Tools Racing in 2020, embracing new challenges in the Infiniti Q50. Adding to his points tally in 26 of the 27 rounds of the campaign, Sutton’s consistency throughout the season saw him rewarded with a second overall BTCC title and the Independents’ crown, having taken the title battle down to the final race.

Sticking with the team in 2021, the Hertfordshire racer would visit the rostrum on nine occasions and, with 27 top ten finishes during the 30-round campaign, Sutton’s consistent and measured approach to the title battle proved more than warranted when he attained an unassailable points lead with one race remaining.

The three-time champion made the move to NAPA Racing UK ahead of 2022, with his #1 Ford Focus ST emblazoned with gold Kwik Fit plates in his championship defending season. Sutton only finished outside the points-paying positions on two occasions, taking three wins across the year. Heading into the finale, Sutton sat third in the title battle, and would conclude the year an impressive second place, beating title rival Jake Hill by just one point.

Going into 2023, Sutton had his eyes on the prize from the beginning. Teaming up with NAPA Racing UK once again he set out in his Ford Focus ST to re-claim the BTCC title from Tom Ingram (BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8).

After a tremendously consistent campaign, Sutton snatched a total of 12 wins, 20 podiums and six pole positions. By the time the Brands Hatch finale came around only Ingram was left to challenge Sutton for the title. Despite his best efforts, he could not close the gap Sutton had built over the course of the season and the NAPA Racing UK driver claimed the Drivers' Championship at the end of Race 1.

Sutton also contributed towards NAPA Racing UK having secured nine out of the ten possible pole positions and taking the Constructors'/Manufacturers' championship, beating main rivals Team BMW. He now equals Colin Turkington (Team BMW) and Andy Rouse with the most BTCC Championship wins in history.

Following in the wheel tracks of his grandfather and father, third generation driver Mikey Doble (CarStore Power Maxed Racing) began his career in karts, competing in the Super One British Kart Championship.

However, moving away from the family tradition, Doble quit motorsport to pursue a career in golf. After five years chasing his dream and winning multiple titles at county and collegiate levels, Doble decided to return to racing. 

Doble began his car racing career in 2018 in the BMW Compact Cup alongside his father who also made a return to racing. After finding his feet in 2018, Doble would have a great campaign in 2019, finishing fifth in the standings out of 45 entrants.

Alongside his efforts in the BMW Compact Cup, Doble also began to race in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge in 2021, competing in the pro category. After a strong debut year, Doble would finish fourth in the standings, marking his statement of intent going into 2022. 

In 2022, Doble produced a superb season-long performance in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge and BMW Compact Cup, with a total of 12 victories and 10 further podium finishes, Doble was crowned champion of each category on the same thrilling weekend. 

Making the step up to the British Touring Car Championship for 2023, Doble was announced with CarStore Power Maxed Racing driving a Vauxhall Astra. At the opening weekend at Donington, Doble would score a fantastic fifth place in Round 2 which would be his best finish in 2023. But his season would produce multiple star moments with his memorable pole-position at Silverstone and double Jack Sears honours.

After re-signing with CarStore Power Maxed Racing for 2024, Doble is poised to cement his front-runner position in the BTCC and has his sights set on his first career podium in 2024. 

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport are delighted to announce that BTCC frontrunner and fan favourite, Jake Hill, will once again lead the team’s assault on the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. A winning combination, Jake will take the wheel of the WSR-run #24 BMW 330e M Sport as the team looks to fight for overall honours in the new season. 

Flying the flag for Laser Tools Racing for the first time in 2023, Jake Hill and MB Motorsport enjoyed their best-ever season notching six victories and 12 podiums on their way to a P3 finish in the Drivers’ Championship. Now the team’s eyes are set on continuing their upward trajectory in 2024, backed by the operational excellence of WSR. 

2024 marks a landmark campaign for Laser Tools Racing in particular as they celebrate their tenth year on the grid of the UK’s premier motorsport championship. Plans are already well underway for the ‘Laser Beemer’ in its 2024 and anniversary iteration. 

Thrilled to have his plans confirmed in good time, Jake cannot wait to get back out on track next year. 

“It is amazing to have everything lined up for 2024 already, this is the earliest I have ever managed to pull everything together and my thanks go out to everyone at Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport for making another year together possible. The combination of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, WSR and the BMW 330e M Sport proved to be a winning one last time out and I am encouraged with all the work going on behind the scenes that we can go even better in 2024. 

“It’s a big year for everyone at Laser Tools Racing as they celebrate ten years in the BTCC so it’s a privilege to be the one chosen to represent them in 2024. Rest assured me and the whole team will be giving it our all to make it a year to remember for everyone.” 

Sporting Director of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, Mark Blundell, is equally delighted to get the key pillars of the team’s programme aligned so early into the close season. 

“I think anyone who knows the BTCC knows just how important continuity and stability are to delivering a winning operation on and off the track. It’s fantastic to bring everything together so that everyone can focus on the task at hand and raise our standards into 2024. My sincere thanks go out to everyone at Laser Tools and Tool Connection for trusting in MB Motorsport to be their partner of choice on the BTCC grid. 

“Jake had a great season in 2023 - his pace is clear for all to see and we know we have learnt some lessons which we can put to good effect next season to make us even stronger. We are also delighted to be continuing to work with Dick Bennetts’ WSR and BMW. We have enjoyed two years of success together so far and I know how motivated everyone is to go even better in 2024.” 

Keith Anderson, Laser Tools Racing’s Sponsorship Coordinator, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing the challenge for the BTCC crown for 2024 with Jake Hill and MB Motorsport. Jake's stellar performance in 2023 sets the stage for an even more remarkable year ahead. With Laser Tools Racing's decade of success in the BTCC, it's only fitting that we stride into 2024 with a formidable contender, ready to write another chapter in our racing legacy.” 

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, said: “We’re very pleased to extend our partnership with Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport for another year and to have Jake Hill once again behind the wheel of one of our BMW 330e M Sports. Over the past two seasons, he has proven himself to be one of the most skilled and committed drivers in the field and been a regular race winner and podium finisher, while our relationship with Mark Blundell and MB Motorsport has gone from strength to strength. We have very high hopes for what can be achieved together in 2024.” 

If you’re missing the BTCC action as much as we are, there’s still several ways to catch-up on the thrilling 2023 season – where Ash Sutton was crowned the youngest four-time British Touring Car Champion of all time. 

Thanks to our long-standing partnership with ITV sport, the broadcaster provides fantastic on-demand coverage to fix any BTCC off-season cravings.

On Christmas Day you will be able to catch a full 2023 Season Review programme, which will cover every battle to the chequered flag this year. Tune in to ITV4 at 1030 to catch it.

If you visit the ITV Sport YouTube channel, you will have access to all of this year’s BTCC on-track action. On the channel, ITV Sport has posted: Full race videos, Race Highlights and Qualifying streams to cover every angle of the UK’s premiere motorsport series.  

As well as thrilling on-track action, the streams include driver and team personnel interviews, insightful information about the championship’s innovative technology, track guides, and iconic punditry from our very own Tim Harvey and David Addison. All of these fantastic productions are ready to view at the push of a button. 

To find out more and dive back into this year’s spectacle, click the link: https://www.youtube.com/@ITVSport