A New Chapter for Charles Rainford
Charles Rainford, the 26-year-old from Sussex, has secured a coveted seat at the West Surrey Racing (WSR) BMW team for the 2025 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) campaign. This exciting opportunity comes as the team reshuffles its roster, following the departure of quadruple champion Colin Turkington due to commercial reasons. Rainford will join the prestigious four-car squad of BMW 330i M Sport machinery, filling the final seat and joining an experienced lineup that includes reigning BTCC champion Jake Hill, series sophomore Daryl DeLeon, and the seasoned Aiden Moffat. This strategic move not only bolsters the WSR team but also adds a fresh element to the Jack Sears Trophy sub-division, which is designed for drivers with a maximum of one podium finish in the BTCC.
Rainford’s Unique Journey to the BTCC
Rainford’s path to the BTCC is a tale of perseverance and passion. The son of historic racer Shaun Rainford, Charles cut his teeth in small-capacity historic sportscar machinery before transitioning to modern motorsport in 2021. He joined the Carrera Cup GB with the family-run CCK Motorsport team, where he quickly made a name for himself. In 2022, Rainford claimed the pro-am title and secured an overall race victory, a feat that set the stage for his subsequent success. Over the next two seasons, he managed to win an additional four races, narrowly missing out on the title in the 2024 season to BTCC race winner George Gamble. Rainford’s journey is a testament to his talent and the support of his family, who have been instrumental in his development as a driver.
Embracing the BTCC Dream
For Rainford, the opportunity to race in the BTCC is more than just a career step; it is a childhood dream come true. "I’m so excited, not just to race in the BTCC, but with the most successful team on the grid," he said. "Some of my earliest memories of racing are of watching the BTCC with my dad, so to be there myself feels amazing." Rainford’s enthusiasm is palpable, and his respect for the WSR team is evident. "Walking into WSR HQ for the first time and seeing the trophies and the names on the wall like [Ayrton] Senna, [Nigel] Mansell, [Andy] Priaulx, and Turkington was incredible. I’d love to see my name up there one day and if we can win the Jack Sears Trophy this year, that would be a great start."
WSR’s Confidence in Rainford
WSR team boss Dick Bennetts is equally confident in Rainford’s potential. "He’s had an unusual route to the BTCC, but from what we’ve seen of him in Carrera Cup GB and, in particular, the calibre of driver he’s beaten there, we’re confident he has the speed and skill necessary to turn his potential into on-track success." Bennetts’ faith in Rainford is based on more than just his recent performances; it also stems from Rainford’s adaptability and his proven track record in various racing environments. This confidence is a crucial factor in Rainford’s integration into the WSR team and his potential to excel in the BTCC.
The Team Dynamics
The 2025 WSR team lineup is a mix of experience and fresh talent. Rainford will be part of the two-car LKQ Euro Car Parts subset alongside the experienced Aiden Moffat. This pairing offers a balance of seasoned expertise and rising star potential. Reigning BTCC champion Jake Hill and series sophomore Daryl DeLeon will occupy the remaining seats, ensuring a competitive and dynamic team environment. Hill, in particular, provides a valuable mentor figure for Rainford, having also made the transition from Group 1 Ford Capri machinery to the BTCC. This shared background could prove beneficial for Rainford as he navigates the complexities of his new role.
A Promising Future
As Rainford prepares for his BTCC debut, the motorsport community is eager to see how he will perform. His unique journey and the support of a top-tier team like WSR position him for a promising career. The Jack Sears Trophy provides an ideal platform for Rainford to showcase his skills and gain recognition in the competitive world of touring car racing. With the backing of a strong team and the drive to succeed, Charles Rainford is poised to make his mark on the BTCC and potentially etch his name among the legends of British motorsport.
