Excelr8 Motorsport has confirmed that Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton will remain with the team in the 2024 British Touring Car Championship.
Both drivers had been expected to remain with the Hyundai team for 2024, with the announcement confirming their stays for a fourth and third successive season respectively.
2022 champion Ingram, who finished as runner-up in the drivers’ standings last year, is seeking to add another championship title to his name, along with adding to his overall win tally of 27 victories – 11 of which have come with Excelr8.
“Last year, we were the only team to really take the fight to Ash [Sutton] for the title, and it was only one race at Knockhill that ultimately prevented us from taking that fight right to the very end,” said Ingram, 30, who will continue to work with his race engineer Spencer Aldridge.
“The fact that we were still in contention going into the final round, when Ash had so many wins, showed that we were very consistent, but we just didn’t have the outright pace on a few occasions.
“Over the winter, we have been working hard to make what is already a strong package, even stronger, so that when racing gets underway this season, we will have a car that is both consistent and quick every weekend.
“This is a championship where you can never stand still, and our focus has to be on making sure we leave no stone unturned to do the best job possible.
“We know that it’s going to be a hugely competitive season, as it always is, and we go into 2024 with one aim – reclaiming that championship title.”
Chilton stays with the team for a third season – marking his longest stay with a single team since the 2009 – 2012 period when he ran with the now-defunct Arena Motorsport outfit.
The 38-year-old is the fifth most experienced BTCC driver, having started 473 races, and is likely to pass the milestone of 500 race starts in 2024.
Chilton will be engineered by Barry Plowman in 2024, following the news of Excelr8 Motorsport collaborating with Team Dynamics and moving into their Droitwich facility.
With Ronan Pearson having already been confirmed to stay with the team, it leaves just one seat to be announced ahead of the season opener in April.
“Getting back onto the top step of the podium was fantastic last season, although obviously there was some disappointment on my side that it was the only win we managed to take,” said Chilton.
“With everything that has been going on behind the scenes over the winter, I feel we head into 2024 in a good position, and I feel extremely positive about what we can achieve.
“The opportunity to work with Barry this season is something I’m really excited about too, as we had a great relationship when I drove for Team Dynamics in the past.
“This new partnership is bringing together two of the best engineering teams that have competed in the series, and is a further indication of how serious Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 is about fighting for this championship. It’s mega to be a part of it again.”
Justina Williams, Team Owner, explained that it was only sensible that the team retained Ingram and Chilton for the forthcoming season.
“Retaining Tom and Tom was a no-brainer for us as a team given the part they have both played in the success we have enjoyed in recent years,” added Williams.
“They both have the knowledge and experience of what it takes to be successful in this championship, and you can’t underestimate how important that is – particularly when you consider the strength in depth that we are set to face on 2024 grid.
“Our relationship with Tom, Tom and Bristol Street Motors is one that has been a massive success over the last few seasons, and we are excited to see how it develops over the year ahead.”