British Touring Car Championship race winner Árón Taylor-Smith is to step away from touring car racing for 2018 as the Irishman looks to pursue ‘a new chapter’ in his racing career.
Taylor-Smith made his début in the BTCC in 2011 with a one-off drive at Knockhill, before going on to contest the next six seasons full-time.
During that spell the 28-year-old picked up four race victories, with his first coming in only his first full season of touring car racing.
But after a difficult 2017 season, in which Taylor-Smith scored just one top ten finish with the works-backed MG squad, he has decided to leave the BTCC for the following season.
It means that Taylor-Smith will also part ways with Team BMR and Triple Eight owner Warren Scott, for whom he has been involved with for the past four seasons.
“Firstly, I just want to thank Warren and Vicki Scott and of course Nico Ferrari for everything that they have done for me since joining the team in 2014,” said Taylor-Smith. “I have lived, raced and worked full time at BMR for the last four years and have loved being a part of the wider BMR family but now the time has come for me to move on.
“The BTCC is a brilliant championship. Alan Gow and TOCA do an exceptional job in putting together the series, but now after six seasons, I want to pursue a new chapter in my motorsport career.
“I will certainly miss a lot about the championship, I’ve made friends for life in the BTCC paddock and loved so much of my experience.
“It will be sad to leave but I feel this is the right decision for me. I would never rule out a return to the BTCC but for now, my focus is on exploring different avenues of motorsport.
“Again, thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years. From Motorbase who I celebrated my first BTCC win with in 2012 right through to my time with MG. It’s been a great few years and I’ve a lot to be thankful for.”
Taylor-Smith has yet to confirm his plans for next year, admitting that his targets have now shifted after originally aiming only for the BTCC earlier in his racing career.
“The thought of embarking on a new chapter of my motorsport career in the form of GT’s really excites me. I want to travel more and embark on new challenges. I’ve spent my whole life aiming for a career in the BTCC and for the first time ever my priorities have shifted. It’s a really exciting time.
“While my plans are not concrete yet I am currently exploring a few extremely exciting GT opportunities and I can’t wait to see what 2018 brings!”