A Change of Tires: Colin Turkington Steps Away from the 2025 BTCC
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) will see a significant change in its 2025 lineup, as four-time champion Colin Turkington will be absent from the grid. The 42-year-old Northern Irishman, a mainstay of the West Surrey Racing (WSR) BMW squad for the past eight seasons, is stepping back due to the current commercial climate. Turkington’s career, which has spanned 20 BTCC campaigns since 2002, has been a testament to his skill and dedication, with 72 race wins and a total of four championships. His departure is a significant loss to the championship, but it reflects the broader economic challenges faced by racing teams and drivers.
The-commercial Realities Behind the Decision
Turkington’s position at WSR has been secured through commercial income, including support from BMW UK. However, the financial landscape has shifted, and it is no longer feasible for WSR to continue employing Turkington in the same capacity. The team appears set to fill its four-strong BMW 330i M Sport squad with drivers who bring their own financial support. This includes reigning champion Jake Hill, five-time BTCC race winner Aiden Moffat, and exciting series sophomore Daryl DeLeon, along with another promising racer from the BTCC support package. WSR boss Dick Bennetts expressed his disappointment, stating, "It was always our intention to continue our partnership into a ninth consecutive season and a 19th campaign in total. However, despite our best efforts, commercial realities have meant that this has simply not been possible."
Turkington’s Reflection on a Legendary Career
For Turkington, this decision is a culmination of various factors and personal feelings. In his statement, he acknowledged, "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." Turkington’s career, which began as a fresh-faced teenager from Northern Ireland, is one of the most illustrious in the BTCC. He has sustained the highest level of performance and consistency, and his pride in his achievements is evident. "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," he reflected.
The Legacy of ‘Team Turkington’
Turkington’s absence will be felt not just on the track but also in the team’s garage. Beyond his racing prowess, Turkington, along with his family—wife Louise, eldest son Lewis, and younger son Adam—has been a familiar and beloved presence in the BTCC community. Lewis, in particular, has been making waves in autograss racing and is looking to transition into circuit racing, continuing the family’s passion for motorsports. Bennetts expressed his gratitude and best wishes, saying, "On behalf of all at WSR, we wish Colin, Louise, Lewis, and Adam the very best for the future. The garage just won’t be the same without ‘Team Turkington’ and his father, Trevor, around, and we would be delighted to see Colin back behind the wheel of a WSR race car in the future."
Looking Forward: Beyond the BTCC
While the door is not entirely closed on a return to the BTCC, Turkington’s current focus is on the many other facets of his life and career. He has had numerous outings in other categories, including historic events at Goodwood, Classic Sports Car Club races, and Classic Touring Car Racing Club events. His versatility and passion for racing extend beyond the BTCC, and he remains an influential figure in the motorsports community. For now, Turkington is taking a step back, reflecting on an incredible journey and the memories that only the BTCC could have given him.
A Final Salute to a Champion
Colin Turkington’s legacy in the BTCC is secure, and his influence will continue to be felt in the motorsports world. While the 2025 season will not see him on the grid, the championship and its fans will undoubtedly look back on his career with admiration and respect. As Bennetts and the WSR team look to the future, they do so with the hope that ‘Team Turkington’ might one day return to the track, bringing with them the same spirit and determination that has made them a part of BTCC history. For now, the racing world bids farewell to a champion, grateful for the memories and proud of his contributions to the sport.
