Photo: Jakob Ebrey

Tom Ovenden to make BTCC debut with EXCELR8 in 2027

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Two-time MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Tom Ovenden will make the step up to the British Touring Car Championship next season after putting pen-to-paper on a deal to drive for EXCELR8 Motorsport.

Marking the latest chapter of what has already been a hugely successful career, Ovenden will team up with double BTCC title winner Tom Ingram and fellow series debutant Noah Young to drive one of four Hyundai i30 Fastback N cars entered by the team.

Ovenden has become one of the leading lights of the TOCA support package in recent years, having firstly clinched the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy crown in 2023.

Stepping up to the JCW Class the following year, the former Rallycross racer savoured further championship success in 2025 before retaining the title just a few weeks ago at Brands Hatch.

Alongside his exploits in the MINI CHALLENGE, Ovenden has also spent the last few seasons as part of EXCELR8’s Young Driver Programme and was the official reserve and development driver for Team Vertu during 2026.

“I feel very lucky and very privileged to be making the move into the BTCC for 2027, and this really is one of those dream come true moments,” said Ovenden.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for me, and is all the more special because of the fact that I’m joining the grid with the same team that I’ve been part of since I was 16 and took my first steps into circuit racing.

“When I joined EXCELR8 in the MINI Cooper, my goal was always to get to touring cars but I never imagined that things would go the way they have done. Winning three titles during my time in the MINI CHALLENGE has been amazing and it’s mental to think that I’m going to be a BTCC driver!

“I have to say a huge thank you to EXCELR8 and Vertu for putting their faith in me because there is no other team I’d want to do this with. I know and trust EXCELR8 and the people in the team, and in Tom Ingram, I have the perfect team-mate to learn from during my rookie season.

“I have no idea what to expect when it comes to results, but I know I’m going to have a good car underneath me and one of the best teams behind me. The Jack Sears Trophy will be an obvious aim, and if I could push for a podium finish then it would be amazing.”

The team’s fourth driver is due to announced in due course.