Tom Ovenden Secures 2027 British Touring Car Championship Seat
Two-time Mini Challenge champion joins Excelr8 Motorsport for his rookie BTCC season.
1Promotion to Touring Cars
Tom Ovenden, a 22-year-old two-time Mini Challenge champion, will graduate to the British Touring Car Championship in 2027. He has secured a seat with Excelr8 Motorsport, the same organization where he previously claimed his Mini titles in 2025 and 2026. This move marks a significant career milestone for the young driver.
2Replacing a Veteran Driver
Ovenden fills the vacancy left by veteran racer Tom Chilton, who decided to retire from professional competition. By taking this seat, Ovenden will partner with two-time BTCC champion Tom Ingram. The entry is supported by Vertu, the team's title sponsor, which provides the necessary financial backing for the rookie's debut season.
3Internal Team Development
The transition follows Ovenden's tenure as a reserve and development driver for Excelr8's Hyundai i30 N Fastback program during the current season. Having been with the team since he was 16, Ovenden benefits from existing relationships with the technical staff. This familiarity is expected to ease his adjustment to the higher-performance touring car machinery.
4Impact on Other Drivers
The confirmation of Ovenden's seat creates a setback for Ricky Collard, who performed strongly for Excelr8 in 2026. Collard had been seeking a Vertu-subsidized drive to continue with the team but struggled with budget constraints. This development highlights the intense competition for limited, well-funded seats within the professional British touring car grid.
5Diverse Racing Background
Ovenden’s path to the BTCC began in motocross before he transitioned to rallycross, following his father Tristan's career path. He won the British Junior Rallycross title in 2020 before shifting to circuit racing in 2021. His rapid progression through the Mini Challenge Trophy series culminated in his current promotion to the premier category.
6Rookie Season Expectations
For his debut year, Ovenden identifies the Jack Sears Trophy as a primary objective. While he remains cautious about specific race results, he aims to challenge for podium finishes. He plans to utilize his teammate, Tom Ingram, as a benchmark for learning the nuances of the Hyundai i30 N Fastback during testing.
7Expanding Team Roster
Excelr8 Motorsport is currently building a four-strong Hyundai team for the 2027 season. With Ovenden and Ginetta Junior graduate Noah Young now confirmed, the team has filled three of its four available spots. The organization continues to focus on integrating young talent alongside experienced championship-winning drivers to maintain their competitive edge.
8Preparation and Future Outlook
Having already tested the Hyundai during his development role, Ovenden is scheduled to begin his formal pre-season test program early in the New Year. This preparation is critical for his adaptation to the BTCC environment. His performance will be closely watched as he attempts to replicate his success from the Mini categories.
Original article: Autosport — Tom Ovenden Secures 2027 British Touring Car Championship Seat