Opinion: Árón Taylor-Smith will win a BTCC race this season, maybe even more!
Yesterday at 06:02 AM
It's normal before a season starts to make predictions. Some are obvious, and often predictable, while others are outlandish, frivolous or even considered an outside bet. However, I can say with absolute certainty, that Aron Taylor-Smith will win a race in the forthcoming British Touring Car Championship season.
While there are 30 races in a season, it doesn't seem too bold a claim to say he'll win at least one, but it's worth remembering the ability the BTCC class of '25 possesses. Reigning champion Jake Hill, as well as the likes of Tom Ingram, Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish and the return of three-time champion Gordon Shedden among others, mean the possibility of taking the chequered flag will be harder than ever.
So why am I so certain ATS will add to his four-win tally this season?
The popular Irishman has joined the works Toyota team for 2025, having left Power Maxed Racing. It's the first manufacturer drive of his BTCC career, having made his debut in 2011. He's always raced for independently backed teams, and last season saw Taylor-Smith secure the Independents title at a canter. ATS has made a habit of showing his capability to fight with the big boys, but now he joins the very teams he's been fighting for years.
In recent years he's become something of an expert in defensive driving. In an ageing Vauxhall Astra, ATS has been performing above expectations, regularly in the top ten among newer, arguably faster machinery. While earning high qualifying positions, Taylor-Smith had to scrap and fight for points. In spite of this, he was clearly successful, he earned two podiums at Oulton Park and Donington, and finished in the points in all 30 rounds in 2024.
His new steed, the proven Toyota Corolla, has race-winning pedigree, and with a speedy Irishman behind the wheel, it's a formula bound for success.
'Absolute Confidence'
ATS himself has 'absolute confidence' in the team and sees 'no reason at all' why he can't be fighting for wins, and even the title.
"Having spent the past two years trying to beat the manufacturer-backed cars, it'll be a surreal feeling to be amongst them," the 35 year old commented. "That just spurs me on even more to put on a show. I've only ever wanted a chance to fight for the overall BTCC title, and I firmly believe that joining forces with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK gives me the perfect platform and environment to create that opportunity."
His new team, Speedworks Motorsport, were responsible for Toyota's return to the BTCC in 2019 after a 24 year absence. They introduced the Corolla, with Tom Ingram at the wheel. In its debut season, Ingram picked up four wins on his way to sixth in the standings. Since then, the Corolla's secured 13 wins for Ingram, Rory Butcher, Aiden Moffat, Rob Huff and Josh Cook.
Toyota will field four Corollas this season, with Taylor-Smith being joined by one-time race winner Ronan Pearson, rookie James Dorlin, and the aforementioned Gordon Shedden no less. The latter making his much anticipated return to the grid after three years away.
The signing of Shedden outlines Toyota's intentions for the new year, and the Japanese manufacturer will be gunning for success. Their stable is full of drivers with front wheel drive experience, and with an intriguing grid taking shape, I'm certain Toyota's next visit to the top of the rostrum, will be with ATS.
