2026 BTCC Season Preview
- Teagan Crump
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
By Teagan Crump
After six months of no racing, BTCC is back with the season opener at Donington Park. A significant amount changed over the break, including the reigning champion departing the series, a new team forming and a new race weekend format being created.
The important storylines:
Jason Plato's return: After retiring from BTCC in 2022, Jason Plato annoinced his return to the championship- but not as a driver, instead with his own team Plato Racing. The team have signed two very exciting drivers and many people will be watching the return with eager eyes.
A champion leaves: One of the most shocking stories from the off-season was that Jake Hill, the 2024 champion, will be departing the BTCC and transitioning to GT racing.
One extra race: This Saturday, the brand new Qualifying Race will debut at Donington Park. The race will decide the first race's grid and drivers will be able to earn half points from it.
The 2026 Calendar
Rounds 1-3: Donington Park (National) - (18- 19 April)
Rounds 4-6: Brands Hatch (Indy) - (9- 10 May)
Rounds 7-9: Snetterton - (23- 24 May)
Rounds 10-12: Oulton Park - (6- 7 June)
Rounds 13-15: Thruxton - (25- 26 July)
Rounds 16-18: Knockhill - (8- 9 August)
Rounds 19-21: Donington Park (GP) - (22- 23 August)
Rounds 22-24: Croft - (5- 6 September)
Rounds 25-27: Silverstone - (26- 27 September)
Rounds 28-30: Brands Hatch (GP) - (10- 11 October)
Drivers and teams
No. | Name | Team | Car |
Daryl De Leon | West Surrey Racing (WSR) | BMW 330e M Sport | |
Tom Chilton | Team VERTU | Hyundai i30N | |
Ricky Collard | Team VERTU | Hyundai i30N | |
Lewis Selby | NAPA Racing UK | Ford Focus Titanium | |
Aiden Moffat | Power Maxed Racing | Audi A3 Saloon | |
Dexter Patterson | Power Maxed Racing | Audi A3 Saloon | |
Max Buxton | Speedworks | Toyota Corolla GR Sport | |
Chris Smiley | Restart Racing | Hyundai i30N | |
Dan Cammish | NAPA Racing UK | Ford Focus Titanium | |
Nic Hamilton | Team VERTU | Hyundai i30N | |
Daniel Rowbottom | Plato Racing | Mercedes A35 Saloon | |
Adam Morgan | Plato Racing | Mercedes A35 Saloon | |
Árón Taylor-Smith | Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport | Toyota Corolla GR Sport | |
Gordon Shedden | Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport | Toyota Corolla GR Sport | |
Josh Cook | Speedworks | Toyota Corolla GR Sport | |
Sam Osborne | NAPA Racing UK | Ford Focus Titanium | |
Tom Ingram | Team VERTU | Hyundai i30N | |
Mikey Doble | Power Maxed Racing | Audi A3 Saloon | |
Charles Rainford | West Surrey Racing (WSR) | BMW 330e M Sport | |
Ashley Sutton | NAPA Racing UK | Ford Focus Titanium | |
James Dorlin | Restart Racing | Hyundai i30N |
How to watch
Due to a long-standing partnership, race day action will be available on ITV4. This includes British F4, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, MINI Challenge and the Legends National Championship.
Saturday's events can be watched via the ITV YouTube channel and international viewers can find the necessary information on the BTCC website.
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