The covers came off Simpson Racing's Honda Civic Type R this morning, 12 January, at the Autosport International Show inside Birmingham's NEC.

Driver Matt Simpson returns to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for 2017, having switched from Speedworks Motorsport to Team Dynamics backing in Britain’s premier motor sport series.

Simpson entered the BTCC in 2016 off the back of multiple title successes in the European Hot Rod Championship and Quaife Intermarque Championship. He got off to a good start by tallying a point on his debut weekend at Brands Hatch Indy behind the wheel of his Honda Civic Type R, adding to that with a brace of 13th placed finishes a month later at Thruxton.

Those results earned Simpson 15th spot in the Independents’ Trophy standings and third in the chase for the Jack Sears Trophy, with a victory in the latter in the Brands Hatch GP season finale underscoring his progress.

Rob Austin and Handy Motorsport Team Principal Simon Belcher unveiled the squad’s stunning new livery for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Autosport International this morning, 12 January, confirming new commercial partner Northgate plc.

Taking the covers off the team’s Toyota Avensis on the official Dunlop BTCC stand during the first morning of the annual motorsport extravaganza at Birmingham’s NEC, the reveal highlighted the exciting multi-year partnership Northgate is embarking on with the Evesham racer.

“I’ve been really looking forward to revealing the car and showing the world the results of all the hard work we have put in since the 2016 season ended”, commented Austin, “The car is, as usual, immaculately prepared and ahead of schedule. The striking new livery looks fantastic I think and, most importantly, it is fantastically supported!

“New for this year, we are very proud to announce a major sponsorship deal with Northgate plc. The BTCC serves as the perfect platform for a national marketing campaign for the growing van hire company. We also have continued support from Close Brothers, Kerax, Rocwood, Webb, Cobra Seats, Alsa and many others.”

Northgate plc is the leading light commercial vehicle (LCV) rental business by fleet size in the UK, providing a complete LCV rental service with predictable weekly costs, saving customers money on the total cost of ownership. Northgate’s UK national branch network hosts 73 locations, 50 wholly-owned workshops and local dedicated account teams, all committed to delivering the full range of services to keep customers on the road.

Northgate’s Managing Director, Eddie Aston, said: “We are looking forward to 2017 and the Northgate plc sponsorship of Rob Austin and the Handy Motorsport team. This is an important partnership for Northgate that enables us to share the excitement of motorsport with our customers and employees, many of whom are already enthusiasts. The close proximity of the races to our branch network is helpful for our local customers as is the ability to experience vehicle performance and safety management of the highest standards.”

With everything in place for Austin’s second BTCC campaign with Swindon-based Handy Motorsport, driver and team are looking forward to mounting a consistent front-running challenge this year having climbed the outright podium on three occasions in 2016.

“It’s been a very long time since I have been so excited for a season’s racing and I’m determined to get back on the top step of the podium this year”, said Austin, “I’ve been doing this for a while now, this will be my seventh season in the BTCC – but until now there’s always been a compromise or something has been missing from the package.

“I have never been anywhere near this confident that I have the right package to do the job! I’ve won races before and I’m very well placed to do some more of it this season – that’s the target we’re all setting ourselves.”

“I’ve got to say a huge thank you to Simon [Belcher], not only for keeping faith in us but for giving me all the tools and support we need – not just to run a front-running BTCC car but to also ensure our partners see maximum return on their investment and our VIP guests receive the absolute best ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience in the team’s pristine Hospitality suite.”

Halfords Yuasa Racing took the wraps off its 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship challenger during the traditional pre-season Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC today, 12 January, as defending champion Gordon Shedden and fellow triple title-winner Matt Neal unveiled their strikingly-liveried Honda Civic Type R to widespread acclaim.

Honda is the most successful marque in the modern era of the BTCC – commonly regarded as the world’s toughest tin-top series – having sped to no fewer than six Drivers’, five Manufacturers’ and six Teams’ titles since 2005.

Last year, Shedden battled his way to back-to-back crowns behind the wheel of the potent Civic Type R, with Halfords Yuasa Racing team-mate Neal only ruled out of title contention on the final day of the season.

With no reason to change a winning combination, the two men will head into their eighth consecutive campaign together in 2017 chasing sustained success for Halfords Yuasa Racing.

Shedden will be bidding to become the first driver since Andy Rouse more than 30 years ago to triumph three times in swift succession, whilst Neal proved last year that even as he prepares to enter a record-extending 27^th BTCC season, he remains every inch a force to be reckoned with.

Gordon Shedden said: “I always feel like we’re a little in the lap of the gods at this stage of the year, waiting to see what weird and wonderful things the engineers have come up with over the winter. The Civic Type R was already an excellent all-round package last year, so we’ve adopted an approach of evolution rather than revolution because there’s no point in trying to reinvent the wheel – although there are definitely some developments in the pipeline.

“There have been a few subtle rule changes over the off-season and it will be interesting to see how the new Dunlop tyre performs – Matt did the majority of the running on it from our side last summer – because everybody will need to get their head around it as quickly as possible.

“As far as I’m concerned, going into a new season as the defending champion is the best position to be in and I’m hopeful that we will be there or thereabouts from the outset – even if we fully expect the competition to be tougher than ever this year. It never ceases to amaze me how people constantly raise their game in this championship, which is reflected in the quality entry list that the BTCC invariably attracts – and that’s what makes it so unpredictable and exciting. With the variables of success ballast and reversed grids, you’re not going to win every race so it’s all about playing the long game.

“It would be fantastic to mirror Andy Rouse’s achievements – he is a true legend of touring car racing – but there’s a long way to go yet and ultimately, we need to just focus on ourselves. I can’t wait to get started!”

Matt Neal said: “I think our new livery looks really striking and aggressive – we’re going for a ‘stealth-like’ approach this year! I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling fit and I’m excited about the season ahead. We always try to re-evaluate every area over the winter. Development is very restrictive in the BTCC on both the chassis and engine side, but we have been pushing hard in all departments and making good progress. As we proved in 2016, the Civic Type R is a superb all-rounder, and we are optimistic of being on the pace at every circuit again – plus, consistency has always been one of my strong suits.

“One of the biggest question marks heading into the new season will be over who adapts best to the new Dunlop tyre and in that respect, I think the inter-team rivalry with ‘Flash’ will be fascinating. Notwithstanding the final outcome, I felt I had the edge over him last year after several seasons where he had generally been quicker than me, but you can be more aggressive on the 2017-spec tyre which might swing the balance back in his favour as that will likely suit his driving style slightly better than mine – so I’ve got a bit of homework to do in that respect!

“I’m not underestimating any of our opposition, and I’m under no illusions about the challenge we are facing. It’s going to be another extremely tough fight and I’m not discounting anybody from the equation. I’m always wary of being over-confident because confidence breeds complacency, but I’m happy with our preparations so far and I think we’re in a good place.”

Dave Hodgetts, Honda UK Managing Director said: “The Honda works team, Halfords Yuasa Racing, has had a successful couple of years and we are back in the 2017 season once more with our championship-winning Civic Type R. With this new livery unveiled at the Autosport International Show, the team is prepared well in advance for the start of the season in April and we will be gunning for glory!”

AmDTuning.com can today confirm that reigning Renault UK Clio Cup champion Ant Whorton-Eales will complete its driver line-up for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

The West Thurrock-based team has agreed terms with the youngster on a deal that will see him become the latest winner of the popular one-make series to graduate to the BTCC grid.

In fact, the 22-year-old from Litchfield become the fifth Clio Cup champion to race in AmDTuning.com colours, following in the footsteps of Tom Onslow-Cole, Martin Byford, Dave Newsham and Mike Bushell; the latter being the man who he beat to the Clio title after a dramatic championship fight that went to the final rounds of the year at Brands Hatch.

A member of the BRDC’s Rising Star programme, Whorton-Eales has already shown his talents behind the wheel of a BTCC car in two previous tests and will sample AmDTuning.com’s Audi S3 for the first time when pre-season testing gets underway.

As a rookie to the series, Whorton-Eales will be eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy, and will hope to follow in the footsteps of the 2015 Clio Cup champion Ash Sutton, who secured the crown last year.

He will team up with Ollie Jackson for the season ahead, with Ollie having re-signed with the team for a second successive year prior to Christmas.

“It’s no secret that I wanted to move into the BTCC this season and we’ve spent a lot of time looking at the various options that were available,” he said. “Once we spoke to Shaun about his plans with the second Audi, the deal was a very easy one to do and it was all wrapped up within a day.

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm my place on the touring car grid, and I think that I’ve made a good choice in AmDTuning.com for my first season. The team has plenty of experience and there is a lot of potential in the Audi that I aim to benefit from.

“As a rookie driver, the main target has to be the Jack Sears Trophy and it would be nice if we could be pushing towards the top ten in the championship by the end of the year. 

“Of course that won’t be easy and I’m aware that I have a lot to learn, but I also want to aim high and make the most of the opportunity I now have.”

Team boss Shaun Hollamby revealed his delight at bringing the reigning Clio champion onboard, and said he felt confident that his driver line-up would impress during the year ahead.

"From the moment we confirmed that we would have a second car on the grid, we’ve spoken to a number of drivers who were keen to join us for 2017, and we’re delighted to have been able to do a deal with Ant to fill the seat,” he said. “Even before winning the Clio title last year, he had shown his potential on track and we’re confident that he will be a strong addition to the grid this year.

“Having already won the Jack Sears Trophy once a few years ago, it would be great if we could secure it again this year and there is no doubt we have a fantastic chance with Ant. 

“Alongside Ollie Jackson, he gives us a strong partnership for our first full season as a two-car BTCC team and we go into 2017 with our focus firmly on fighting for regular points and on pushing towards the top ten.

“With everything now in place for the new season, we also want to thank Cobra Sport Performance Exhausts for their continued support, as without that help, we wouldn’t have been able to expand to a two car BTCC team.”

Handy Motorsport will retain the services of Rob Austin for the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season, as the podium-finishing partnership targets race wins and a sustained front-running challenge.

Austin’s confirmation behind the wheel of the squad’s Toyota Avensis for a second consecutive campaign in the UK’s biggest and best motor racing championship brings continuity for the team, off the back of its best-ever season in the BTCC last year.

The Evesham driver took Handy Motorsport to its maiden podium finish last year, adding two more rostrum results and a brace of Independents' Trophy wins during the second half of the season.

Furthermore, the Wiltshire squad has moved its entire operation under one roof, to its main headquarters in Swindon. For the past three years, Handy has worked in partnership with Speedworks Motorsport but for 2017 it will be a true standalone entity.

“Firstly, I’m obviously very happy to be part of Handy Motorsport again for the new season”, said Austin, “We always knew there would be a learning curve relating to all aspects in 2016, driving, engineering, management and personnel. The BTCC is so competitive, all of these aspects have to be perfect to get to the front and I will admit it took longer than I expected.

“Our continuous improvement each time out through the second half of last season, though, capped off with a front row qualifying and a great podium at one of my weakest tracks to round the year off, shows that we just about got there in the end. There is no reason that form won’t continue, so it’s exciting to be going into the 2017 season with a car that can win and is so well supported.”

He added: “We have some exciting new partnerships in place and have retained the fantastic support from our existing partners, I can’t wait to show them off together with our exciting new livery at Autosport International.”

Hot on the heels of the fantastic news of Austin’s continuation in Handy colours, the fan-favourite will be appearing with team principal Simon Belcher at this week’s annual Autosport International Show at Birmingham's NEC.

Regarded as the true start of the motor racing year, on the opening morning of the show on Thursday, 12th January, a stunning new livery for the squad’s Toyota will be revealed on the Dunlop BTCC stand (6440, Hall 6). Additionally, a brand new high-profile commercial partner will be announced on the first day, with confirmation of the team’s full portfolio of key backers.

Austin will appear across all four days of Autosport International and will take part in autograph sessions for fans fans as well as ‘Meet and Greet’ opportunities on the Legends Cars stand, which will be adjacent to the Dunlop BTCC stage.

“Autosport International is always the true start of the motor racing year and it’s a hugely important date on the calendar for Handy Motorsport”, commented Belcher, “We’re obviously delighted to be a key part of the Dunlop BTCC stand once again, and we’re looking forward to giving everyone the first glimpse of our stunning new livery – we think it’ll be pretty popular!

“It goes without saying, we’re absolutely elated Rob is staying with the team for a second season and we’re all aiming to build on the foundations we laid last year. The team got stronger and more competitive as the season progressed, Rob proved the car was quick and helped make history with our first podiums and Independents wins. We’re aiming higher still for 2017.”

Speedworks Motorsport has re-signed Tom Ingram for a fourth consecutive Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign in 2017, with the plucky Independent outfit and its highly-rated young charge both bullish about their prospects in the world’s premier and most fiercely-disputed tin-top series.
 
Having broken through with their maiden podium finishes in 2015, Ingram and Speedworks took another step forward last year by coming out-of-the-blocks in dazzling form to win the first race of the season as the talented Bucks ace converted pole position into both his and the Northwich, Cheshire-based squad’s maiden BTCC victory.
 
That was bolstered by a second success at Silverstone later on in the campaign, in addition to ten further top six finishes – four of them on the rostrum. Those results secured KX Akademy graduate and MSA Academy member Ingram tenth spot amongst the 35 high-calibre protagonists in the final Drivers’ standings and fourth in the Independents’ Trophy, with Speedworks snaring seventh in the Teams’ table and third-best Independent entry, marking an improvement in every area at the end of a season that was widely regarded as one of the toughest in living memory.
 
Indeed, only head gasket failure in the penultimate outing at Silverstone ruled Ingram out of overall title contention entering the Brands Hatch GP finale, and in evidence of his outstanding raw speed, the 23-year-old British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Rising Star wound up as the fastest average qualifier in the field in 2016, annexing a brace of pole positions and two further front row starts behind the wheel of the #80 Toyota Avensis as he missed the top ten just once.
 
Following the mantra that if it ain’t broke, there is no reason to fix it, Speedworks Team Principal Christian Dick is in optimistic mood as he outlines his objectives for the forthcoming campaign.
 
“Last year was beyond doubt our best yet in the BTCC by a country mile,” he reflected. “Winning our first race was a massively significant milestone, and to then back that promise up by fighting towards the sharp end season-long represented a huge step forward. That said, it was far from perfect and there are many aspects that we have focussed on refining over the winter to enhance our performance for 2017 because the championship never stands still.
 
“Keeping Tom on-board is a major coup. He was unquestionably one of the BTCC’s standout stars last year and with a competitive car underneath him, he consummately proved his potential with both his pace and racecraft, all underpinned by a mature and intelligent approach that belies his age. He is at the forefront of the series’ next generation and a champion of the future, I am sure.
 
“There are clearly areas in which both we as a team and he as a driver still need to improve, but we have been working tirelessly on all fronts since last season ended and I think the benefits of that effort and remaining together for a fourth year will shine through when we hit the track. There has been a raft of updates to the Avensis that we are all very excited about, and we believe we can be genuine contenders for the Independents’ crown in 2017. Brands Hatch cannot come round soon enough!”
 
“It was a very easy decision to stay with Speedworks,” concurred three-time Ginetta Champion and former British Karting Champion Ingram. “In a championship as ultra-competitive and unpredictable as the BTCC, the importance of continuity can never be overstated.
 
“We made tremendous progress last season, and to win our first race together in the very first round was an incredible achievement. Our qualifying pace was superb and our race pace was equally strong. Quite frankly, I don’t see anybody else in our position and with our level of resources doing a better job out there.
 
“Last year was both mine and Speedworks’ first experience of competing regularly up at the front in the BTCC; yes, I’ve won races and championships in lower categories and Christian has done likewise in other series as a team owner, but the BTCC is a whole different ballgame and that meant there was a lot of learning to be done in the full glare of 20 million people!
 
“It’s vital in the BTCC to make hay on the good days and make the most of the bad days – but last year, our bad days were very, very bad. In races two and three at Brands Hatch Indy, Donington Park and Thruxton early in the season, we scored a grand total of two points and then Rockingham was quite literally a pointless weekend.
 
“In nine of the 30 races, we didn’t score at all and in two more we picked up just a single point. If we’d been more consistent and averaged just eighth place in each of those races, we’d have won the championship – I think that’s a measure of how much potential there is inside this team, which is hugely exciting heading into 2017.
 
“The benefit of all the experience we have gained will galvanise us and we now have a much stronger package all-round and a completely different mindset and approach. Having broken our duck, that box has been ticked and we can focus on the bigger picture. We have proved we deserve to be here and will go into the new season with a lot more confidence – whereas last year we were simply hoping to be in the mix, this year we will be aiming to win.
 
“The key will be to finish races, stay out of trouble and keep scoring points – and ultimately, I want to be going to Brands Hatch in October in with a shot at the overall title.”

The 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign is all set to kick into action in earnest this week as driver and car unveilings take centre-stage at the NEC's Autosport International (12-15 January).

In recent years, the Dunlop BTCC stand has proved to be one of the most popular attractions at the show, drawing industry professionals as well as media and fans alike over the four days. The new-for-2017 stand will play host to West Surrey Racing, Motorbase Performance, Handy Motorsport and AmDTuning.com as they unveil their new machines.

Andrew Jordan will pull the covers off the new Pirtek-liveried WSR BMW 125i M Sport; AmD are too set to make their arrangements for the coming campaign clear with a livery unveiling and driver announcement. Motorbase will be revealing its completed line-up in front of the new striking Shredded Wheat-backed Ford Focus. Handy Motorsport will also show off its new look Toyota Avensis, as the stars and cars of the BTCC set the scene for what is sure to be another fantastic season ahead.

Furthermore, interviews with a host of BTCC personalities – drivers, key team personnel, partners and leading figures from the championship including Series Director Alan Gow, Dunlop's James Bailey as well as ITV Motorsport's team.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be autograph and selfie sessions where fans will get a chance to meet their heroes. On the subject of selfies, we'll be running a competition throughout the show where fans, using #BTCCSelfie, can send in their best BTCC-related shots from all over the show floor to be in with a chance of winning a money-can't-buy experience.

The best #BTCCSelfie will receive two tickets, a grid walk, a garage tour plus a photo with your favourite driver at the Donington Park race weekend in April.

Donington Park will also be offering fans an exclusive ticket offer over the course of the event via the Dunlop BTCC stand (Stand 6440 in Hall 6).

 

Autosport International - Dunlop BTCC timetable (All times are subject to change)

Thursday

09:30               AmD: Car Unveiling/Driver Announcement

10:00               Halfords Yuasa Racing: Car Unveiling (on Rimstock Stand)

10:20               Handy Motorsport: Car Unveiling

10:40               Simpson Racing: Car Unveiling (on Simpson Racing Stand)

11:00               Motorbase Performance: Car Unveiling/Driver Announcements

12:00               Pirtek Racing: Car Unveiling

13:00               Tom Ingram, Jeff Smith & James Cole interview

14:00               Alan Gow (TOCA)/James Bailey (Dunlop) interview

15:00               Paul Tunnicliffe (Subaru)/Warren Scott (BMR Racing) interview

16:00              ITV Team - David Addison & Co. interview

TBC                 Jason Plato

 

Friday

10:00               Aron Taylor-Smith, Dan Welch & Mark Howard interview

11:00               Adam Morgan, Jake Hill & Will Burns interview

12:00               PMR Vauxhall: Adam Weaver & Senna Proctor interview

13:00               Colin Turkington & Rob Austin interview

14:00               Tom Ingram, Martin Depper & David Addison interview

15:00               Halfords Yuasa Racing: Gordon Shedden & Matt Neal interview

16:00               Dave Newsham, Jeff Smith & Chris Smiley interview

 

Saturday

10:00              Halfords Yuasa Racing: Gordon Shedden & Matt Neal interview

11:00               Tom Ingram, Senna Proctor & Matt Simpson interview

12:00               Adam Morgan, Ashley Sutton & Ollie Jackson interview

13:00               Dunlop Discussion: New Year, New Tyres!

14:00               Autograph signing with selected drivers

15:00               Selfie session with selected drivers

16:00               Team Hard: Tony Gilham, Michael Epps & Will Burns interview

 

Sunday

10:00               Ashley Sutton, Matt Simpson & Mark Howard interview

11:00               Dunlop Discussion: New Year, New Tyres!

12:00               Rob Austin, Senna Proctor & Michael Epps interview

13:45               Andrew Jordan interview

14:30               Autograph signing with selected drivers

15:00               Selfie session with selected drivers

16:00               Aron Taylor-Smith, Adam Morgan & Martin Depper interview

Please follow BTCC's social media feeds for latest information or check Dunlop BTCC stand on arrival for latest schedules

Eurotech Racing has confirmed that Jeff Smith will return to drive a Honda Civic Type R in the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Team Principal Smith will contest his sixth full season in BTCC, having reached the podium twice in his career so far. His best result last year was a fourth place finish at Thruxton.

“We had great race pace last year and the true qualifying pace of the car was clearly proven by Daniel Lloyd when he put it on the front row in two out of three rounds he competed in,” said Smith.

“You can’t stand still in this championship, back at base in our new 8,000 square foot state of the art workshop the team have been flat out since we finished the last round at Brands Hatch. We have a full testing programme in place which includes a week long test in Spain at the end of February, so I believe we will be in a strong position to move forwards in 2017.”

The team is currently in negotiations with a number of drivers for the second seat to complete their two-car 2017 line-up.

Halfords Yuasa Racing is pleased to announce a newly-formed sponsorship agreement with Steel Seal for the coming 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

This agreement will see the Steel Seal brand getting even more fantastic coverage in the BTCC on the newly-liveried Honda Civic Type R – launching at the Autosport International show next week.

Steve Harrison – Global Brand Director of Steel Seal said: “I am really pleased to have a presence on one of the most televised and photographed teams in the BTCC paddock, you know if either Matt or Gordon are at the back, in the middle or leading the race, you can guarantee they will be getting maximum exposure for our brand.”

Steve Thomas – Marketing Manager for Team Dynamics added: “It’s great to have another recognised name in Steel Seal join us for 2017.  I think many people are familiar with the brand and we are looking to exploit that even further for them this year. We go into the season looking to replicate what we have achieved over the past two years and hopefully crown one of our drivers a four-time BTCC Champion.”

A flurry of announcements, unveilings and driver appearances will ensure the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is the talk of the town next week, as the NEC’s Autosport International (12-15 January) kick-starts the 2017 motor sport campaign.

The Dunlop BTCC stand has firmly established itself in recent years as one of the most popular at the show, drawing industry professionals, media and fans alike over the four-day duration. A new, stand for 2017 underscores the championship’s burgeoning success, with cars from West Surrey Racing, Motorbase Performance, Handy Motorsport and AmDTuning.com set to take pride of place.

Thursday morning will witness livery unveilings by Andrew Jordan – who will remove the wraps from his new Pirtek-branded BMW 125i M Sport – and AmD, while Motorbase is set to reveal the identity of the driver who will pilot the second of its three striking Shredded Wheat-backed Ford Focuses.

These will be complemented by interviews with a whole host of BTCC drivers, key team personnel and leading figures from the championship and its partners – including series boss Alan Gow, Dunlop’s James Bailey and ITV stars – as well as regular autograph and selfie sessions, all hosted by our own incomparable compere Alan Hyde.

Defending title-holder Gordon Shedden will be performing various duties around the show across all four days, including interviews on the main stage and Dunlop BTCC stand in company with fellow champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan.

A full timetable of activities on the Dunlop BTCC stand will be published in due course, while there will be further car unveilings by Halfords Yuasa Racing on the Rimstock stand and Simpson Racing on the Simpson Exhausts stand on Thursday morning.

The Dunlop BTCC stand can be found in Hall 6, so be sure to drop by to say hello if you’re attending the show!