Richard Göransson rules out STCC return in 2018 after buying Karlskoga circuit

Five-time Scandinavian Touring Car Championship drivers’ champion Richard Göransson has ruled out being on the grid for the 2018 season, with the 39-year-old admitted his focus this year is his new business venture, as he’s just bought the Karlskoga circuit in Sweden.

Göransson won the 2016 STCC title with Polestar Cyan Racing in the final year of the Solution-F era, after winning four titles in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010 behind the wheel of a Super 2000 BMW 320si E90.

He sat out last season without a drive, with Volvo not able to take part as the championship switched to TCR regulations with limited drives available, and has now ruled out returning in 2018, despite being linked with his old team WestCoast Racing, who are rumoured to be returning to Sweden this season.

“I would love to drive in the STCC again under the right conditions,” said Göransson to TouringCarTimes. “For this year I choose to get the track going, but I’m not ruling out to drive for a sixth STCC title in the future. I do not think that missing racing for a second year in succession would be a problem, I can train on my circuit every day now.”

Now running the Karlskoga Motorstadion, also known as Gelleråsen, which hosts the fourth round of this year’s STCC on August 19th, Göransson said: “I am proud to take over the operations of Sweden’s oldest circuit, which has an outstanding motorsport history.

“I am passionate about taking the circuit to the next level, and ambition is undoubtedly set to make it Sweden’s best venue, not just for racing – also for events, launches, experiences, driving schools, conferences and more.”