Chilton Extends EXCELR8 Stay for 2026 as Birch Partnership Strengthens

Birch Commercial Director Tom Chilton will remain on the British Touring Car Championship grid for a landmark fifth successive season with EXCELR8 and Team VERTU — continuing one of the strongest and most enduring partnerships in modern BTCC competition.

As both a front-running driver and a key commercial partner through Birch, Tom’s ongoing role reflects a shared commitment to performance, precision and long-term progress — qualities that define both his on-track career and Birch’s operations off it.

“It’s fantastic to be continuing with EXCELR8 and Team VERTU for another year,” said Tom. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be in the paddock. The whole team operates at such a high level, and that aligns perfectly with how we approach things at Birch — detail, consistency and teamwork. After such a strong season, I’m more motivated than ever to fight for the overall title in 2026.”

A Fifth Season and a Fresh Challenge

The 2026 season will mark Tom’s 20th year of BTCC competition, extending a career that began in 2002 when he made his debut aged just 17. Since then, he’s accumulated over 500 race starts, making him the fourth most experienced driver in BTCC history — and one of its most respected figures both on and off the track.

His partnership with EXCELR8 began in 2022, and since then he has made 118 starts in the team’s Hyundai i30 Fastback N — scoring four victories and ten podium finishes, including six podiums in 2025 alone.

That 2025 season was one of his strongest yet. With race wins at both Donington Park rounds and a string of consistent top finishes, Tom ended the year seventh in the overall championship and helped Team VERTU secure both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’/Constructors’ titles.

Now, with confidence at an all-time high, Tom’s focus is fixed firmly on taking the next step: fighting for the overall BTCC championship crown in 2026.

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Building Momentum – On and Off Track

As Commercial Director at Birch, Tom brings the same drive and precision that characterise his racing career. The synergy between his two worlds — the racetrack and Birch’s state-of-the-art vehicle storage facility — has become a defining part of the brand’s story.

“Motorsport teaches you to control what you can, prepare for every scenario, and rely on your team,” Tom explained. “That’s exactly how we operate at Birch. Whether it’s preparing a car for the BTCC grid or for long-term storage, the same principles apply — everything is checked, refined and managed to perfection.”

Under Tom’s leadership, Birch has continued to expand its profile within British motorsport, combining expert care for cherished vehicles with genuine enthusiasm for automotive culture. The company’s partnership with Tom’s racing programme embodies the same values of precision, performance and partnership that underpin every aspect of Birch’s operation.

A Proven Partnership

EXCELR8 Team Owner Justina Williams praised Tom’s contribution both as a driver and as a leader within the team:

“It’s fantastic that Tom will once again be part of our line-up for the 2026 season. He’s become a hugely important part of the team — his experience, technical feedback and professionalism are invaluable. His results were a key part of our championship success this year, and we know he’ll be right at the front again next season.”

With Team VERTU — backed by award-winning automotive retailer Vertu, the UK’s fourth-largest dealer network — already confirmed to continue as title sponsor, the EXCELR8 outfit heads into 2026 as one of the most stable and competitive operations on the BTCC grid.

For Tom, that continuity offers the perfect foundation to push for greater success.

“It’s rare in racing to find an environment where everything just fits — the people, the car, the atmosphere. That’s what we’ve built here. 2025 was a brilliant season, and I’m determined to make 2026 even better. The car is improving, the team is evolving, and the hunger is there across the board. It’s going to be a long winter waiting to get going again!”

Birch and the Road Ahead

As the 2025 BTCC season closes and preparations for 2026 begin, Birch continues to strengthen its own forward momentum. The company’s involvement in motorsport reflects more than just sponsorship — it’s a shared passion for excellence and continuous improvement.

From the grid to the garage, Birch operates with the same mindset that defines top-level racing: care, precision and performance under pressure.

With Tom Chilton once again at the wheel — both for EXCELR8 and as Birch’s Commercial Director — the journey continues towards another season defined by speed, success and partnership.

“We’ve achieved so much together,” Tom concluded, “but there’s more to come — both on track and at Birch. 2026 is going to be an incredible year.”