Ronan Pearson extends EXCELR8 stay
Ronan Pearson will return to the BTCC in 2024 after signing a new multi-year deal with the BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8 team.
The 21-year-old made his debut in the series this season after stepping up from the MINI CHALLENGE, joining forces with Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and Nick Halstead in a four-strong line-up.
Scoring an on-the-road podium first time out at Donington Park before an unfortunate exclusion, Pearson has since gone on to score a best result of fourth at Knockhill, where he also led a BTCC race for the first time.
The rookie is one of those drivers still in the mix for the Jack Sears Trophy title going into the final two meetings of the season.
The deal comes just 24 hours after it was confirmed that Bristol Street Motors will continue to hold the role of title sponsor with the Hyundai team next year.
“It’s hard to know what to say really, as the news I’ll be staying with the team for another two seasons is absolutely massive for me and everyone who has helped me to get to this stage in my career,” he said.
“This season has been full of emotion for me at just how far I’ve come, but with the support of the team and my various partners, we’ve been able to achieve a huge amount and it has given me a real platform to now build on going forwards.
“To have the continuity of support from Macklin Motors and the BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8 team is fantastic, and it’s incredible to be able to get this deal done so early when we still have two meetings of 2023 left to run. I know I’m in a sought-after seat, but it was a no-brainer for us all to get this deal done so we can continue with the work that we’ve done so far.
“It only feels like a few minutes since we were heading out testing at the start of the season, but I now really consider myself to be part of the BTCC and to know I’ll be here for at least two more years is another boyhood dream come true.
“There are no words to describe how thankful I am to every single person and partner that has got me to this stage. We are all on this journey together and I can’t wait for it to continue.”
Team boss Justina Williams said she was delighted to retain the youngster for 2024 and beyond.
“When we agreed the deal with Ronan to move up from the MINI CHALLENGE this season, we were confident that he was ready to make the step into the BTCC – and he has certainly shown that to be the case,” he said.
“Like any driver coming into the championship for the first time, there have been highs and lows, which is what you expect when you join such a competitive championship given the strength of the grid. However, Ronan has shown that he has the pace to race towards the front with the very best, and he certainly hasn’t looked out of place.
“The fact he has been able to build such a strong relationship with the team around him has been key, and that has been reflected in how hard he has worked throughout the year to take everything onboard and to constantly improve.
“To know he will remain as part of the line-up is fantastic for all parties because of the consistency it provides, and I’m confident there are some good results to come over the next two seasons.”
