Tom Chilton will join BTC Racing’s expanded three-car line-up in the 2020 British Touring Car Championship season, after signing to race one of the Brackley-based squad’s Honda Civic Type-R cars.
The deal sees Chilton join the team after two seasons racing a Ford Focus for Motorbase Performance, where the 34-year-old secured two victories to add to his BTCC tally of 14 overall.
The 2010 Independents’ champion will be embarking on his fourth successive season since returning to the BTCC, and his 14th overall in the UK’s top series.
Chilton is targeting a return to title contending form in 2020, after he came close to the overall honours in 2018 when he took third overall in the drivers’ standings in a season which saw him score six podiums and maintain crucial consistency.
The former WTCC ace will line up alongside Josh Cook and another as-yet unannounced team-mate at BTC, as he returns to racing Honda machinery for the first time since 2008.
“I’m incredibly excited about joining BTC Racing,” said Chilton. “The team did a sterling job last year. To have ended the season fourth overall and as Independent runners-up in their first season running the FK8 chassis was an outstanding achievement.
“I can’t wait to get testing underway. I have a great history with Honda, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into one again, and behind the wheel of the FK8.
“Josh is a great driver, and I like having good team-mates to push me. I’d like to think that with my years of experience I can bring something new to the team and help to push them on at the sharp end of the grid.
“BTC Racing is a relatively young team, but their attitude and performance caught my eye last year. I like their approach and professionalism.
“I’m optimistic about the future that we can build together, not just for this season, but hopefully for many years moving forward.”
Bert Taylor, who is joint Team Principal along with Steve Dudman, says that Chilton’s signing marks another sign of intent from the ‘young’ team, which is entering into its fourth season since returning to the BTCC.
“Personally, I couldn’t be happier to have captured Tom,” said Taylor. “You only have to look back over his racing career to see what a true talent he is.
“Tom’s signing is another part of our plan to push forward and challenge for the BTCC title in 2020. He brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team, and I have no doubt that his knowledge will help to develop the Civic further this season.
“We have two great drivers confirmed in Tom and Josh with a third to be announced soon. We have come a very long way in a short time.
“I feel that we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid this year for what will be only our fourth season in the BTCC.”