BTC Norlin Racing will run a pair of Honda Civics in the 2018 British Touring Car Championship as the team look to make the step forward to become a regular podium-challenging outfit.
With backing from Northern Irish-based Norlin, BTC Racing returned to the BTCC grid in 2017 with a pair of Chevrolet Cruzes for Chris Smiley and Dave Newsham.
But after just one season with the cars, the team are already looking to move up the grid, having secured their first-ever podium result in the penultimate round of the season at Silverstone.
“We wish to extend special thanks to Honda and Barry Ploughman, Steve Neal and Matt Neal from Team Dynamics,” said Team Director Taylor. “They gave us this unique opportunity to acquire world-class manufacturer’s machinery.”
Taylor also confirmed that the team plan to continue to run the Swindon Engines power plant in the car for 2018.
“We’re going to continue with the Swindon engine for one more season. All of the stuff that comes with the cars is based around what Team Dynamics have already done, so it’s just a case of taking their engine out and putting our own engine in it, so it all fits straight in.”
BTC Norlin Racing co-owner, Richard Irwin, hopes that the change in car to a proven multiple race winner will pay dividends in the coming season.
“The Honda Civic Type R has consistently been at the front of the BTCC grid with drivers such as Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal,” added Irwin.
“Norlin will strive to challenge for the independent title in the coming seasons and the switch of body shells was important to achieve this.”
Fellow co-owner Stephen Symington praised the professionalism of Taylor’s outfit in running the cars to such early success in the 2017 season, the first year of the BTC Norlin partnership.
“The professionalism and ambition of the BTC Norlin Racing team surprised many in our debut season, attracting the attention of a number of new sponsors and brands,” said Symington. “We look forward to welcoming them to the BTCC experience very soon.”