Charles Rainford sticks with West Surrey Racing for second season

West Surrey Racing have announced Charles Rainford as its first confirmed driver for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season.

The 27-year-old remains with the team for a second successive season after enjoying a stellar debut campaign that included a maiden win, three podium finishes and three outright fastest laps.

Looking to build on the lessons that were learnt last season, Rainford has been at forefront of the team’s pre-season testing programme, completing a number of days behind the wheel of the BMW 330i M Sport.

“Racing in the British Touring Car Championship was always a long-term plan, so it’s brilliant to be able to announce a second season with WSR for 2026,” said Rainford.

“I learnt so much in my rookie season and am a much stronger driver as a result. Obviously the win at Brands Hatch and the pole at Knockhill were the highlights and the support from WSR was fantastic, but some of the tougher moments may well have helped us even more.

“We’ve done some very good work in testing so far and we’re heading into the new season aiming high.”

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, added: “We’re very pleased to announce Charles as the first piece of our puzzle for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season.

“The BTCC can be a real minefield for a rookie with the tyre and boost regulations as well as the general rough and tumble that comes with racing a touring car, but he navigated the pitfalls extremely well, scored a win, a pole position and podiums and established a terrific relationship with the team.

“With a year of experience under his belt, I’m sure he’ll be a far more consistent threat for wins and podiums and we look forward to being a part of that development.”