Ingram And Chilton Spearhead Bristol Street Motors With EXCELR8 Challenge
Tom Chilton (left) and Tom Ingram
Bristol Street Motors with EXCELR8 can today confirm that Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton will reunite to spearhead the team’s assault on the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
The pair will head into their fourth and third seasons respectively with their Hyundai cars, which will once again compete in Britain’s premier race series with title-backing from leading automotive retailer Bristol Street Motors.
Tom Ingram – who will make his 300th start in the series this season - goes into 2024 looking to try and reclaim the championship title he secured for the first time in 2022, having finished as runner-up in the standings last year to Ash Sutton.
His three years with the team so far have seen the 30-year-old enjoy huge success on track beyond his championship win, with Ingram securing eleven wins and 38 podium finishes since his first race in EXCELR8 colours.
Ingram will continue to work alongside ace engineer Spencer Aldridge, who has led the winter development programme on the Hyundai, as the team bids to fight for championship honours.
Chilton meanwhile is one of the most experienced drivers in BTCC history and is scheduled to make his 500th series start later this year.
The 38-year-old ended a four-year win drought in the series last season with a dramatic victory at Donington Park, and has his sights firmly fixed on more silverware during the upcoming campaign.
As a result of the team’s recent collaboration with Team Dynamics, Chilton will now be engineered by experienced figure Barry Plowman, who played a key role in championship wins with both Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden in the past.
The revised look of the Hyundai i30 N Fastback, celebrating 100 years of Bristol Street Motors, will be revealed next month, along with official confirmation of the team’s name for the 2024 campaign.
Ingram and Chilton join second-year racer Ronan Pearson in the EXCELR8 line-up, with the fourth driver in the team to be confirmed in due course ahead of the new season starting at Donington Park in late April.
Tom Ingram said: “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.”
Tom Chilton said: “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. 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.”
Justina Williams, Team Owner, said: “Retaining Tom and Tom was a no-brainer for us as a team given the part they have both played in the success we have enjoyed in recent years.
"They both have the knowledge and experience of what it takes to be successful in this championship, and you can’t underestimate how important that is – particularly when you consider the strength in depth that we are set to face on the 2024 grid.
“Our relationship with Tom, Tom and Bristol Street Motors is one that has been a massive success over the last few seasons and we are excited to see how it develops over the year ahead.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “Bristol Street Motors is looking forward to another successful year alongside EXCELR8 both on and off track in the British Touring Car Championship, and both Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton have a big part to play in that.
“Not only are they two experienced drivers who will deliver the results on track,but they are also two fantastic ambassadors for the Bristol Street Motors brand, which is key in enabling us to engage with BTCC fans throughout the season.”