The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) heads to Brands Hatch this weekend (May 11–12) for Round 2 of the 2025 season. And while the tight twists of the Indy layout are always a challenge, one driver arrives with momentum, motivation – and a home-field advantage.
That man is Tom Chilton, who’s not only a race-winner in this year’s championship already, but also a trusted name on the Birch Gatwick team.
Tom Chilton: On Track and In the Workshop
As well as being one of the BTCC’s most recognisable veterans, Tom Chilton is proudly part of the Birch Gatwick family, offering insight, experience and hands-on involvement with our vehicle storage and car care services. From concours classics to GT-grade supercars, Tom’s mechanical knowledge and feel for performance make him a natural fit for our standards of precision and care.
And while his presence at Birch ensures our clients’ cars are kept in peak condition, it's on the track where he’s doing some of his finest work yet.
Flying Start to 2025 with Team VERTU
This season, Chilton is racing a Hyundai i30 Fastback N for Team VERTU – the rebranded EXCELR8 Motorsport outfit – and he’s already reminded everyone that experience counts.
At Donington Park’s season-opener, Tom clinched a brilliant Race 3 victory, heading a one-two finish for the team and placing himself third in the drivers’ standings heading into Brands Hatch. It marked his 17th career BTCC win and sent a message that, even in his 20th season, he’s not slowing down.
“Brands Hatch has always been special to me,” said Chilton. “It’s home turf, it’s got atmosphere, and it rewards drivers who can thread the car right to the edge of grip – which is what BTCC is all about.”
Why Brands Hatch Indy is a Great Equaliser
Short, sharp, and packed with action, the 1.2-mile Indy circuit leaves no margin for error. Qualifying can come down to thousandths, overtakes require commitment, and the reverse-grid draw for Race 3 often throws up wildcards.
For Chilton, who combines racecraft with decades of experience, it’s the kind of environment that brings out his best. Expect elbows-out starts, bold moves at Druids, and the kind of gritty BTCC drama that’s made the series a fan favourite for decades.
The Birch Gatwick Connection
At Birch Gatwick, we’re proud to have Tom not only as an ambassador for our values, but as a genuine member of our operation. His understanding of what it takes to prepare and protect high-performance cars is second to none – and that insight shapes the level of care we deliver to every vehicle we store.
Whether he’s helping our clients get the best from their machinery or fighting for wins on the national stage, Tom represents everything we stand for: professionalism, precision, and passion.
All Eyes on Race Day
With the confidence of a recent win, the advantage of local knowledge, and the backing of a team in top form, Tom Chilton is one to watch at Brands Hatch this weekend. And at Birch Gatwick, we’ll be watching every lap with pride.
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