Northern Ireland’s four-time British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington won’t be behind the wheel of his usual BMW for the season ahead nor on the grid at all after a shock announcement.
As a regular face within the immensely competitive series since 2002, the Portadown driver has spent most of his career within the championship at the helm of a BMW. It was with this brand, under West Surrey Racing, that Colin claimed a total of four championship wins (2009, 2014, 2018, 2019).
Competing in a total of twenty seasons, Turkington’s career started in an MG, with some time spent in a Vauxhall, a Volkswagen, and a Subaru.
Backed for the last few seasons by BMW UK, it appears that the brands financial support for 2025 has dwindled, and with it the 42-year-old’s chances of a record-setting fifth championship.
A great shame, as Colin is one of the series’ most mannerly drivers, an absolute gentleman on and off the track, and to fly the flag for our wee country at the top level of any sport, for two decades, is almost unheard of.
From 572 BTCC race starts, Turkington claimed 192 podiums, 72 of which were race wins. Securing 31 pole positions in total, the Ulsterman also earned 76 fastest laps. A run-down of Colin’s career would make you wonder how there isn’t a drive available, as he isn’t getting any slower, but he’s not angered by the news he broke to fans recently.
“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.” Stated Turkington.
“There is not one single reason for this, simply a combination of factors and feelings that has helped me make this decision.
“For now, I don’t know if that is it for good – but I look back with huge pride at the amazing career I’ve had since debuting as a fresh-faced teenager from Northern Ireland in 2002.
“I cannot imagine having sacrificed any more or working any harder, leaving me with absolutely no regrets. Sustaining the highest level of performance and consistency and winning for the teams I’ve raced for is what’s driven me and the successes I’m most proud of.
“I don’t have too much more to say at this point except that this decision just feels right for me. I reflect on so many amazing memories and life experiences that only the BTCC could have given me.
“Thank you to the BTCC, thank you BMW and thank you to WSR.” He continued.
“Thank you to all my mechanics and engineers for always given me 100% and believing in me. Thank you to all my loyal supporters, incredible sponsors and partners who’ve shared the journey with me and finally, thank you to my family who have been on this emotional rollercoaster with me.
“Driving into parc ferme and seeing the happy faces on Mum and Dad, Louise, Lewis and Adam are the memories I cherish most and will take with me forever.
“The BTCC will forever leave an imprint on me, and I now join many of you as an enthusiastic fan of the series once again.
“That’s all for now. I would like to wish Dick and the entire WSR family the very best of luck in this new season.
“I often say to my boys, ‘Don’t be sad it’s over, just be thankful it happened.’ Best wishes, Colin”
Long-time friend of the family, and team boss at WSR, Dick Bennetts said of the news, “Today we are disappointed to be losing the services of Colin Turkington ahead of the 2025 British Touring Car Championship season.
“Colin has come a long way since I first met him in late 2001 just after he’d won the Fiesta Championship as a 19-year-old and is, quite simply, the most successful BTCC driver of his generation.
“Together, he and WSR have created the greatest partnership in the BTCC history with four overall championship titles, four Independents’ crowns and 61 victories (of a career total of 72) achieved together in a variety of car makes and models.
“Taking five race victories in 2024 and winning the Goodyear Wingfoot Award as the year’s best qualifier showed that he remains one of the BTCC’s elite drivers in all aspects.
“It was always our intention to continue our partnership into a ninth consecutive season and a 19th campaign in total. However, despite our best efforts, commercial realities have meant that this has simply not been possible.
“As Colin has said himself today, we should not be sad it’s over, but instead be happy it happened at all.
“On behalf of all at WSR, we wish Colin, Louise, Lewis and Adam the very best for the future. The garage just won’t be the same without ‘Team Turkington and his father, Trevor, around and we would be delighted to see Colin back behind the wheel of a WSR race car in the future.”
As a fan of Colin from his first season with Team Atomic Kitten, it has been an absolute joy and a pleasure to follow such an illustrious career. I’m thankful to have lost many a Sunday to the television during race weekends, and on more than one occasion losing my voice while sharing the jubilation of one of our provinces finest drivers.
I, along with most, would love to see Colin Turkington back for another season to secure an all-new record of five championships.
Should this not come to fruition, thanks for the memories, Colin.
