Tom Ingram will return to the British Touring Car Championship albeit under a different banner and car for the new season with his new 2021 Hyundai challenger for Ginsters EXCELR8 with TradePriceCars.com revealed.
Ingram will aim for another title charge in his new i30 Fastback N Performance after bringing the curtain down on his association with Speedworks Motorsport and the Toyota with Rory Butcher and Sam Smelt now in place in a two-car outfit.
After establishing himself as one of the must watch stars of the championship in recent years with 16 wins, 41 podium finishes, he will aim for the same as he joins forces with the Justina Williams/Dan Kirby partnership alongside Rick Parfitt Jr, Chris Smiley and Jack Butel.
As usual with Ingram, his striking livery will carry the colours of his loyal partners in Ginsters and Hansford Sensors with both featuring once more.
“It’s brilliant to see my i30N up close ‘in the flesh’ finally,” said Ingram. “I have to say, I think the livery looks absolutely awesome on the Hyundai – really cool. It’s obviously quite a recognisable design now, but it’s on a completely different car and I love the fact that it looks like it’s moving even when it’s standing still.
“I’m hugely fortunate to benefit from the continued support of both Ginsters and Hansford Sensors – particularly in the current climate. They are the most amazing partners who have always fully immersed themselves in this incredible journey we are on, and knowing I have them cheering me on every time I take to the track is tremendous motivation.
“This is a really exciting time for me, and I’ve settled into the team very well. Naturally, I knew quite a few of them already simply through being in the paddock over the years and via the coaching and instructing I have done with some of EXCELR8’s junior drivers. My engineer ‘Spenny’ and I have been welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home straightaway – it honestly feels like we’ve been here for years.
“I’m really enjoying the new environment and relishing the fresh challenge ahead – I’ve got a spring back in my step, and I’m fired-up to repay the faith shown in me by the team and my loyal partners. Our pre-season aim is very simply to make the Hyundai as quick as possible to be able to achieve the results everybody deserves right from the first qualifying session.
“I can see the potential in both the team and the car, and I’m really looking forward to unlocking it. I had a small taste of the i30N at Snetterton last month, where I was able to establish a good baseline and understanding, and now I’m eager to gauge where we are against our competitors. I can’t wait to climb behind the wheel of my car for the first time, evaluate the 2021 upgrades, work closely with my three team-mates – and get properly down to business!”
