BTCC: Pearson joins EXLER8 Motorsport

Ronan Pearson will race for EXCELR8 Motorsport in the 2023 BTCC season, confirming the team’s line-up. 

Pearson had an impressive 2022 season, racing in the MINI CHALLENGE series, which supports the BTCC. He would take three race wins throughout the season, racing for the EXCELR8 team.

The 21-year-old is a member of EXCLER8’s Young Driver Development Programme. He would spend the year working alongside and racing for the team. Pearson will also be the first member of the EXCLER8 Young Driver Development Programme to make the step to BTCC.

He will race alongside the defending champion, Tom Ingram with Tom Chilton and Nick Halstead also racing for the team. The four drivers will race the Hyundai i30 Fastback Ns, which is able to win championships.

The Scotsman will have to wait until April to race in the EXCLER8 Hyundai at Donington Park. He will also compete in the Jack Sears Trophy, where he will aim to follow in the footsteps in previous Scots who have won the trophy

Pearson said: “Ever since I started racing, my goal has been to make it onto the BTCC grid and it’s hard to find the words to express how excited I am to know it’s going to happen this year.

“The original plan had been to return to the MINI CHALLENGE before moving up into touring cars in 2024, but then we started to look at whether it might be feasible to bring the plans forward. Having approached the team to say I wanted to be in the fourth Hyundai seat, we’ve been able to make it happen, and I couldn’t be happier.

“I’m hugely proud to be the first member of EXCELR8’s Young Driver Development Programme to make this move, and the fact that I’ll be joining the BTCC grid with support from a major Scottish brand in Macklin Motors is fantastic – and I’ll be doing my all to repay the faith they have shown in me.

“Tom and Tom have a huge amount of experience and I don’t think I could have a better pair of drivers to learn from when you consider that Tom Ingram is the defending BTCC champion, and Tom Chilton has won a title in the World Touring Car Championship and tasted victory at the highest level.

“I’ll be looking to learn as much as I possibly can from them both to help me progress and get to where I want to be.

“I’m well aware that moving up to the BTCC is a huge step to take, and it’s important for me to be realistic in my goals. The first aim has to be to challenge for wins in the Jack Sears Trophy, then take it from there and see how things go.”

Team Owner, Justina Williams said: “When we first launched our Young Driver Development Programme, it was always with the goal of bringing a driver through from our MINI CHALLENGE team into touring cars – and we’re delighted that Ronan is the first of those drivers,

“From the moment he joined our JCW line-up last year, Ronan showed what he can do on-track, but he also displayed the drive and desire off-track that is vital for any driver who wants to compete at the highest level. 

“That desire was clear to see when he came to us and said that he wanted to bring forward his touring car plans and race the Hyundai this season rather than return to JCWs for another year.

“Although it is a big step up, we have no doubt that Ronan is ready, and are confident that – with the support of Macklin Motors – he will show his talent in the Hyundai during the year ahead.”

Image: BTCC.net