Sam Tordoff confirms BTCC departure

Sam Tordoff will not return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2017, confirming he will step away from the series in search of new opportunities within motorsport.

Following on from a virtuoso performance with West Surrey Racing where he missed out on the 2016 drivers’ crown by a mere two points, Tordoff brings to a close a four-year run in Britain’s premier race series.

Having enjoyed great success on the TOCA package, the 27-year-old stepped up into the BTCC in 2013 to partner Jason Plato at MG. Two seasons with the Triple Eight Racing outfit led Tordoff to join Sunbury-based WSR in 2015 where he would ultimately challenge for outright honours. In total, Tordoff has completed 123 races in the BTCC with six wins, 26 podiums, four pole positions and 10 fastest laps.

With the lure of other projects, Tordoff and his long-term sponsors JCT600, GardX Protection and Premia Solutions are set to embark on a new venture however the BTCC challenger was keen to look back with fond memories.

“Firstly I would like to put on record what a fabulous time I have had racing on the TOCA package for the last eight years.,” said Tordoff as he reflected on his time on the support package and in the BTCC itself.

“I’ve won races in all the Championship’s I’ve raced in and have driven for some great teams such as Total Control Racing, Team Parker Racing and latterly with West Surrey Racing and BMW who are, without doubt, the best team in the BTCC Paddock and I leave with great memories and a heavy heart.

“However, my success on the track this year has presented me with new opportunities that are too good to miss. I am now really looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead with some exciting plans in place and I should be able to reveal the first of these in the coming weeks.”

Despite stepping away from the BTCC, the Yorkshireman has not ruled out one day returning for a second stint in the championship.

He added: “I will continue to love and watch the BTCC and let me be the first to say, I will always leave the door ajar for a return in the future.”

It is yet to be confirmed what Tordoff’s departure means for West Surrey Racing both from a driver and sponsorship standpoint.