Following the news of their switch to Hyundai machinery, Chris Smiley will remain with Restart Racing in the 2025 British Touring Car Championship, reuniting him with the marque he raced with in 2020 and 2021.
The team has entered into a collaboration with EXCELR8 Motorsport to operate as a customer team in 2025, acquiring two new Hyundai i30 N Fastback cars.
Smiley was actually the first driver to claim a podium in the Hyundai when it was in its maiden season in 2020, playing an instrumental role in the car’s development.
He drove an EXCELR8-run Hyundai again in 2021, before spending the following two seasons in TCR UK, immediately impressing by claiming the title at his first attempt in 2022.
Last year, Smiley rejoined the BTCC with Restart Racing, which had acquired a pair of ex-Team HARD CUPRA Leon cars.
It proved to be a challenging return to the series, with the Northern Irishman claiming just three top ten finishes, culminating in a best of sixth in the wet at Silverstone.
Having won in the BTCC back in 2018, and claimed six outright podiums, the 32-year-old is keen to return to the front of the field next year.
“I’ve raced the i30s before, securing EXCELR8’s first podium at Donington Park in 2020, so I’m fully aware of what this package can deliver,” said Smiley.
“It’s a proven race-winning car, and with the right team and preparation, we’re aiming to climb as far up the grid as we can.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Restart Racing and can’t wait to get started.”
Restart Racing is still actively seeking a second driver for next year, and Managing Director Peter Jones says there has been plenty of interest.
“Since announcing our plans for 2025, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing with interest from potential drivers,” said Jones.
“Our focus is to find someone who can match the incredible package we’ve put together with the Hyundai i30s and our partnership with Swindon Powertrain.
“We’re here to compete and push for podiums, and we believe the right driver can take us even further up the grid.”
Team Principal Ben Taylor previously worked with Smiley at EXCELR8 before moving to spearhead Restart Racing.
“Having worked with the i30s during my time at EXCELR8, I know firsthand just how fast and competitive these cars are,” added Taylor.
“They were among the quickest on the grid last year, and with the talented team we have here at Restart Racing, we’re eager to hit the ground running in 2025.”