Four-time
British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington has confirmed that he will not be on the
BTCC grid in 2025 – but has stopped short of announcing a full retirement from the series.
“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,” said Turkington.
The 42-year-old Northern Irishman,
one of the most successful drivers in BTCC history, revealed his decision amid what team principal Dick Bennetts described as “commercial realities” that have made it impossible for West Surrey Racing (WSR) to retain him for the upcoming season.
End of an Era at WSR
Turkington has spent 17 of his 20 BTCC seasons with WSR, driving
BMWs backed heavily by BMW UK and team sponsors. The four-time champion was employed on a professional basis, supported by the team’s commercial partners.
However, shifting financial circumstances have forced WSR to fill its 2025 line-up with drivers who bring budget or sponsorship.
“It was always our intention to continue our partnership into a ninth consecutive season and a 19th campaign in total,” said WSR boss Dick Bennetts.
“However, despite our best efforts, commercial realities have meant that this has simply not been possible.” With no other team able to offer a comparable seat, Turkington made the difficult decision to step away – for now.
(Image: BTCC)