Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton to spearhead EXCELR8 challenge

EXCELR8 has confirmed that Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton will once again join forces in a pair of Bristol Street Motors-backed Hyundais for the 2024 BTCC season.

The pair will head into their fourth and third seasons respectively with the team, and join up with previously announced Ronan Pearson, who was confirmed for a second season back in September.

Ingram took second in the standings behind Ash Sutton last season and goes into the new campaign with his focus firmly on trying to reclaim the championship title.

“Last year, we were the only team to really take the fight to Ash for the title, and it was only one race at Knockhill that ultimately prevented us from taking that fight right to the very end.

“The fact that we were still in contention going into the final round, when Ash had so many wins, showed that we were very consistent, but we just didn’t have the outright pace on a few occasions.

“Over the winter, we have been working hard to make what is already a strong package, even stronger, so that when racing gets underway this season, we will have a car that is both consistent and quick every weekend.

“This is a championship where you can never stand still, and our focus has to be on making sure we leave no stone unturned to do the best job possible. We know that it’s going to be a hugely competitive season, as it always is, and we go into 2024 with one aim – reclaiming that championship title.”

Chilton meanwhile will bid to add to the win he secured at Donington Park last season, with the recent tie-up with Team Dynamics seeing lead engineer Barry Plowman looking after his car.

“Getting back onto the top step of the podium was fantastic last season, although obviously there was some disappointment on my side that it was the only win we managed to take,” he said. “With everything that has been going on behind the scenes over the winter, I feel we head into 2024 in a good position, and I feel extremely positive about what we can achieve.

“The opportunity to work with Barry this season is something I’m really excited about too, as we had a great relationship when I drove for Team Dynamics in the past.

“This new partnership is bringing together two of the best engineering teams that have competed in the series, and is a further indication of how serious Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 is about fighting for this championship. It’s mega to be a part of it again.”