Ingram, Speedworks Motorsport gains Toyota factory backing

Tom Ingram and Speedworks Motorsport will receive Toyota GB factory backing running the new Corolla for the 2019 British Touring Car Championship.

The Speedworks Motorsport squad has secured the Independent Teams’ and Drivers’ titles for consecutive years with Ingram, while the 25-year-old missed out on the outright title by just 12 points this season.

Aiming to up its efforts in BTCC, Speedworks will receive backing from Toyota GB and switch to running the new Corolla next season.

Ingram is naturally thrilled about the progress the team has made in BTCC as an Independent outfit and is relishing the chance to step up with Toyota backing to target the 2019 BTCC title.

“Having dreamt about racing in the BTCC since I was a little boy, the past five years have been something of a whirlwind for me, if I’m totally honest,” Ingram said. “What we have accomplished as a small Independent outfit – particularly over the last two seasons – has been nothing short of mind-blowing, and demonstrates just what this little team is made of.

“To attract the support of a major manufacturer is a phenomenal achievement and huge credit must go to Christian and Amy [Dick – Team Manager], who have worked their absolute socks off to pull this deal together. For Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport, 2019 starts now – and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds.”

Team boss Christian Dick sees the deal to lockdown Toyota backing will be part of a long-term effort with the goal of expanding to two cars in 2020 in BTCC.

“We have been speaking to Toyota GB on-and-off for the past couple of years, establishing an ever-closer relationship and nurturing that bond through our common passion for motorsport, engineering excellence and, ultimately, success,” Dick said. “To now have them officially on-board is fantastic news, and will enable us to take that final step to really push for the overall BTCC title.

“The intention is to develop the new Corolla in 2019 before building up to a two-car assault in 2020. We feel we have proved what we are capable of on the Independent scene and we are well aware that the BTCC Manufacturers’ battle is another level higher again, but as a team, we are ready to pitch ourselves against the very best in Britain and – with Toyota GB’s backing – we are confident of doing just that.”