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Four-time champion Colin Turkington announces BTCC departure

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Four-time British Touring Car Championship title winner Colin Turkington has confirmed that he won’t be competing in the series in 2025.

Turkington has been a mainstay of the UK’s premier motorsport series since debuting in 2002 and has gone on to achieve unprecedented success – namely with West Surrey Racing.

In the two decades that the Northern Irishman has competed in the UK’s premier motorsport series, Turkington has racked up more than 500 race starts, 72 race wins, 192 podiums and 31 pole positions.

In a statement on his website, Turkington said: “I know this won’t be the news that so many are waiting for, but today I can confirm I will not be competing in the BTCC in 2025.

“There is not one single reason for this, simply a combination of factors and feelings that has helped me make this decision. 

“For now, I don’t know if that is it for good – but I look back with huge pride at the amazing career I’ve had since debuting as a fresh-faced teenager from Northern Ireland in 2002. 

“I cannot imagine having sacrificed any more or working any harder, leaving me with absolutely no regrets. Sustaining the highest level of performance and consistency and winning for the teams I’ve raced for is what’s driven me and the successes I’m most proud of.

“I don’t have too much more to say at this point except that this decision just feels right for me. I reflect on so many amazing memories and life experiences that only the BTCC could have given me. 

“Thank you to the BTCC, thank you BMW and thank you to WSR.  Thank you to all my mechanics and engineers for always given me 100% and believing in me. Thank you to all my loyal supporters, incredible sponsors and partners who’ve shared the journey with me and finally, thank you to my family who have been on this emotional rollercoaster with me.

“Driving into parc ferme and seeing the happy faces on Mum and Dad, Louise, Lewis and Adam are the memories I cherish most and will take with me forever.

“The BTCC will forever leave an imprint on me, and I now join many of you as an enthusiastic fan of the series once again.

“That’s all for now.  I would like to wish Dick and the entire WSR family the very best of luck in this new season. I often say to my boys, Don’t be sad it’s over, just be thankful it happened.”