EXCELR8, Trade Price Cars team up for expanded Hyundai programme

EXCERL8 Motorsport and Trade Price Cars Racing have announced a new partnership for the 2021 BTCC season that will see an expanded Hyundai presence on the grid.

EXCELR8 introduced the new i30 N Fastback at the start of the season, having elected to take on the challenge of building a new car after a year running the ex-Triple Eight and AmD MG6 GTs in its debut campaign.

The new car took a podium finish first time out at Donington Park thanks to Chris Smiley, with Senna Proctor also securing a top three finish at Knockhill as the i30 N quickly established itself as a regular contender for points finishes.

Trade Price Cars meanwhile has spent the last two seasons in partnership with AmD Tuning running the two Audi S3s that were previously entered under the AmD banner – taking a victory at Knockhill last year with Jake Hill and battling for the Jack Sears Trophy this time around before Bobby Thompson’s concussion ruled him out of the final two rounds.

The end of Trade Price Cars’ existing two-year deal with AmD and the new partnership with EXCELR8 will see the two Audis replaced by a pair of Hyundais, with an expanded four-car line-up being entered under the EXCELR8 Trade Price Cars banner for 2021 and beyond.

No drivers for next season have yet been confirmed, with discussions “underway” as the team looks to put together a line-up capable of pushing for regular silverware.

“Over the past two seasons, we have enjoyed working together with Shaun Hollamby and the AmD team, and have been able to secure some memorable results – with the win at Knockhill last year being a dream come true for us,” Trade Price Cars boss Dan Kirby said. “The Audi has served us well so far, but we could see that the latest generation of NGTC cars are a step forwards in terms of performance, and we also needed to think about the new hybrid regulations that will be coming into play in the series from 2022.

“We looked at the options that were available for 2021 and beyond, and the Hyundai was a really appealing option. The team at EXCELR8 has done a great job to build a car that is capable of running at the front in a highly-competitive field, and it is a car that has been designed with the new hybrid era in mind.

“Having spoken to Justina and the team about doing something next season, it was clear that we share very similar goals for the future. I’m delighted to be able to confirm this new partnership, and feel confident that we can enjoy a strong year together on track in 2021.”

EXCELR8 team principal Justina Williams meanwhile revealed that the new deal was the “next step” towards the long term goal of being a championship contender.

“We’re delighted to announce this new partnership with Dan and Trade Price Cars for 2021, and the expansion of our programme in the BTCC.” she said. “To be joining forces is a great way for both parties to increase our involvement in the series, and provides us with the chance to build on what we have achieved over the past two seasons.

“As we said when we first embarked on our BTCC programme, our aim is to fight for championship titles as we have done elsewhere, and we know that that isn’t something that happens overnight. We are in it for the long term, and this partnership is the next step as we progress towards our ultimate goal.

“Based on what we have been able to learn about the Hyundai this season, we have a development programme in place for the winter to improve the package we have, and are looking to bring together a driver line-up that will allow us to regularly challenge for the podium places in 2021.

“With a further major step forward in performance to come through the development work planned for the start of the new hybrid era in 2022, these are hugely exciting times as we look to establish ourselves as a major force in the series in the coming seasons.”