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Is Colin Turkington Retired from the BTCC? Exit Explained
02/05/2025Nyo Logan
Motoring
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)
Not a Retirement – Yet
In a heartfelt statement, Turkington explained his decision was based on “a combination of factors and feelings,” rather than any single issue. Importantly, he left the door open for a future return.
“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.
“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.”
Turkington added, “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.”
A Legacy That Stands Tall
Turkington’s record is among the finest in the championship’s storied history. He won BTCC titles in 2009, 2014, 2018, and 2019, and has amassed 72 race victories and 192 podium finishes. In addition to his overall championships, he also claimed five Independent Drivers’ titles.
(Image: BTCC)
After his 2009 triumph, Turkington briefly left the BTCC to compete in the World Touring Car Championship before returning in 2013. He captured his second title just one year later and remained a top contender through to 2024, when he won five races and finished fourth overall.
“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,” said Bennetts. “He is, quite simply, the most successful BTCC driver of his generation.
“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.”
Looking Ahead – or Looking Back?
While Turkington’s absence from the 2025 grid is certain, his future beyond that remains undecided. He has previously competed in a number of historic motorsport events and has been involved in the early racing career of his son, Lewis.
“I reflect on so many amazing memories and life experiences that only the BTCC could have given me,” Turkington said.
“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.
"I often say to my boys, ‘Don’t be sad it’s over, just be thankful it happened.’ 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.”
What Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said On Turkington:
(Image: BTCC)
“Naturally, it’s a shame to see that Colin will not be competing in the BTCC in 2025, but I completely understand his reasonings for stepping away this year.
“Colin is and has always been a consummate professional and is a fantastic ambassador for our sport. He has played a significant part in the history of the BTCC – his record-equalling four titles alone tells you that.
“Colin is a world class driver but more importantly an outstanding person, family man and a hugely respected personality within the BTCC paddock.
“He has been forced to step away from the BTCC before of course, following his maiden title back in 2009, so this is not a new experience, and I have a sneaking suspicion this won’t be the last that we see of Colin on the BTCC grid.”
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