Ollie Jackson calls time on BTCC programme

Ollie Jackson has revealed that he will not be part of the BTCC grid for the 2023 season in a move that frees up a seat with front-running outside Motorbase Performance.

The 38-year-old had been part of the Motorbase line-up since 2019 and enjoyed his best ever BTCC season with the team in 2020 – scoring race wins at both Silverstone and Snetterton en-route to twelfth in the championship standings.

Jackson – who also raced for Triple Eight, Speedworks, Welch Motorsport and AmD – endured a tricky 2022 campaign following the introduction of the BTCC’s new hybrid technology, with differences in the weight distribution within the car altering the characteristics of his Focus ST.

With NAPA Racing duo Ash Sutton and Dan Cammish already confirmed in their seats for 2023 – and Sam Osborne likely to return given the team is owned by father Pete – it will leave a vacant slot within the Motorbase line-up, with Jackson’s replacement set to be revealed in the next week.

Jackson will instead compete in Porsche Carrera Cup this year.

“I have had a great time in BTCC with Motorbase over the last four seasons, both with Mr Bartrum and latterly the Osborne family, achieving my lifelong dreams of standing on the BTCC podium and winning races,” he said.

“Motorbase are a fantastic team, I’ve made many lifelong friends and they have provided me with great cars and great opportunities, but it was time for a change. I am supportive of the introduction of electrification into the sport, but the changes brought about by the Hybrid system just haven’t suited me.

“Additionally, alongside my racing I do have a full-time job as Chief Engineer for Controlled Braking Technology at Alcon, as well as growing responsibilities within Mountune and other Motorsport related businesses I am involved in. Racing in BTCC and the unique commitments that surround it, requires time as well as a level of intensity and focus that I was going to struggle to reconcile with what is going to be a busy year ahead at work for me.”

Jackson added that the move back to the Carrera Cup was the right one to take as a result.

“Midway through last season I openly discussed my need for a new challenge with Pete, we worked through some potential plans together that included a switch to a rear wheel drive car within the team or a change to endurance racing,” he added.

“However, after considering several options, I feel the Porsche and the overall package it provides is the one that really excites me to go racing again. For me the enjoyment in racing comes from the feeling I get from the car on track and the challenge in myself, yes results are a bonus, but first and foremost it’s simply about enjoying each and every race.

“Pete Osborne and Motorbase have been extremely supportive of my decision, and we will continue to not only be great friends but work together closely through my role in Mountune who supply NAPA Racing with the Ford EcoBoost engine. I wish NAPA Racing and Mountune the very best of luck for the forthcoming season, I will certainly be cheering them on from the paddock.”