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Stephen Jelley confirms BTCC departure

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Stephen Jelley has confirmed the expected news that he will not be part of the BTCC line-up for the 2024 season.

Jelley was widely rumoured to be leaving West Surrey Racing after a three-year stint running under the Team BMW banner, which included a win at Oulton Park back in 2022 and a best championship finish of eleventh.

The 41-year-old had returned to the BTCC grid four years earlier with Team Parker Racing after spending time competing in GT competition and a return to the Porsche Carrera Cup has been mooted as one possible option.

Should that happen, it would see Jelley go up against 2023 rivals Daniel Lloyd and Jack Butel, both of whom have inked deals in the Carrera Cup with Toro Verde GT following the demise of Team HARD.

“After a great run with Team Parker Racing and WSR, this season will be the first in seven years that I won’t be featuring on the BTCC grid,” Jelley said. “It has been a fantastic run, but I am excited to be exploring different options and will have something to announce soon.”

Confirmation of Jelley’s departure frees up a seat in the four-strong WSR line-up for the upcoming campaign after team boss Dick Bennetts revealed that three drivers are already signed – albeit with only Jake Hill having been officially announced.

It means one of the most high-profile seats on the grid is now available as the BMW squad looks to wrestle back the championship title during the year ahead.