Sam Tordoff has confirmed he will not participate in the 2017 British Touring Car Championship in any capacity, bringing to a close speculation about the Team JCT600 with GardX driver’s future as he seeks fresh opportunities elsewhere in motorsport.
Despite the move away from the series, Tordoff confirmed he remains open to a return in the future.
The Leeds-based racer first ventured into the high-profile TOCA package aged 19 after a graduation from karting, winning races in both the Renault Clio Cup UK and the Porsche Carerra Cup GB before his big break with MG alongside Jason Plato in 2013. Now 27 years old, Tordoff leaves the highest rung on it’s ladder with two constructor’s titles, a team’s title and the runner-up spot in this year’s Drivers championship. Factor in the six race victories, twenty-six podium finishes, four pole positions and ten fastest laps he has accrued over his four year stint in the series and it becomes increasingly difficult to deny Tordoff as one of the series’ best in recent seasons.
West Surrey Racing, the championship-winning outfit behind Tordoff’s superlative title challenge last campaign, confirmed 2013 series winner Andrew Jordan as one of their pilots for 2017 last week, and are expected to complete their three-car line up by the end of November.
For next season, Tordoff is set to focus on a move to GT racing, though his plans remain unconfirmed. He is set to take headline sponsors JCT600, GardX Protection and Premia Solutions with him to his next deal.
Reflecting on a near-decade in the TOCA paddock, Tordoff put on record his thanks to all the teams who have helped him rise through the ranks of tin-top racing.
“Firstly I would like to put on record what a fabulous time I have had racing on the TOCA package for the last 8 years. I’ve won races in all the Championship’s I’ve raced in and have driven for some great teams such as Total Control Racing, Team Parker Racing and latterly with West Surrey Racing and BMW who are, without doubt, the best team in the BTCC Paddock and I leave with great memories and a heavy heart.” he commented.
“However, my success on the track this year has presented me with new opportunities that are too good to miss. I am now really looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead with some exciting plans in place and I should be able to reveal the first of these in the coming weeks.
“In the meantime, I will continue to love and watch the BTCC and let me be the first to say, I will always leave the door ajar for a return in the future.”
Tordoff’s exit leaves two vacant BMW 125i M-Sport machines at WSR, with Jack Goff known to be interested in renewing his IHG-backed deal to pilot one, and Rob Collard a front-running contender to return to the other.