The second half of the KwikFit British Touring Car Championship season kicks off at Croft this weekend – and Birch ambassador and Commercial Director Tom Chilton returns from the summer break feeling sharp, refreshed, and ready to climb the championship order.
Croft is a circuit Tom knows well – and he’s well fast there too.
“I’ve still got the lap record from last year,” he says. “So the goal is simple: go even quicker.”
But it’s not just about outright speed – it's about precision.
“You need the perfect car underneath you, and you need to nail the driving. Last year we had a great run in free practice, but the car changed completely for qualifying and we couldn’t hook it up. We peaked too soon. Frustrating – but we put it right in the races and came away on top.”
This time round, the preparation feels more complete for Tom and the #3 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N.
“I’ve had a run in the car this week during shakedown, and we’ve already made some changes to start strong from FP1. I feel like we’ve learned so much about the car this year, and that’s going to count in the second half.”
Despite a season that’s thrown up the usual BTCC curveballs, Tom is quietly confident.
“Three trophies so far, a win, fastest laps… but I’m convinced we can do more. I’m seventh in the standings, but the car’s got pace and we’ve got some great circuits coming. The target is to move forward – and have some fun doing it.”
Cornwall, kids and catching waves
Off-track, the summer break brought a rare and well-earned change of pace for Tom – including a special moment on the Cornish coast.
“We were down in Polzeath and I managed to get out surfing with the boys. Freddie, Rupert and George – 12, 10 and 9 – we all stood up on the same wave together and rode it all the way in. One of those memories you won’t forget. It was brilliant.”
Tom’s youngest stayed dry on the beach, but there’s no question the break helped reset the batteries. “It was just good to slow down for a few days. I love Cornwall – but now we’re back and it’s full throttle again.”
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Back at Birch – and behind the wheel of the P39
Tom’s been spending more time back at Birch Gatwick recently too, in between racing commitments and his role as RML’s chief development and test driver. Top of the agenda: the P39 – a 920hp four-wheel-drive road and track car that’s already turning heads.
“It’s the fastest thing they’ve ever built – but it’s not just about straight-line speed. They’ve managed to engineer something that’s genuinely usable on the road, but also razor-sharp on track. The balance is spot on.”
And Birch customers won’t have to wait long to see it up close. “We’ll be bringing a P39 down to Birch very soon – we’ll do some filming and share a proper look. It’s something special.”
A busy few months ahead
Tom’s calendar for the rest of 2025 is typically packed. “I’ve had to skip Le Mans Historic and Silverstone Classic this year – apparently I’ve been away too many weekends!” he laughs.
“But I’ll be at the Goodwood Revival, and we’ve got the full BTCC campaign still to run, plus some Peter Auto events at Paul Ricard. September is looking mad – I’m pretty much away every weekend.”
Back at Birch, momentum is building. “We’re bringing in more cars, growing our partner network, and there are some exciting announcements coming soon – all about offering even more to our clients. Things are accelerating.”
Tom’s been a part of the Birch journey since the very start, and his blend of real-world racing experience and technical development insight continues to feed into everything we do.
As for Croft? “I’m going there with confidence. We’ve put the work in, I know what I’ve got underneath me, and I’m ready to go again.”
With a client list that includes racing drivers, collectors, and discerning owners, Birch is where serious cars go when they’re not on the road or track.
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*P39 pic thanks to @autographicphotography
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