BTCC: Nic Hamilton moves to Hyundai for 2026

Nic Hamilton joins ExcelR8 and Hyundai supported by Draper tools.

Hamilton is the only driver to race in the BTCC with a disability and continues to drive with us after making the switch to a new team. Hamilton, after initially joining the championship in 2015 before returning in 2019, joins Hyundai with a ton of experience and a partnership that goes back to 2019 between Draper Tools and ExcelR8 Motorsport in the Mini Challenge.

This season will be Hamilton's most competitive package to date with Hyundai taking a significant portion of the wins and podiums last season. He joins two time BTCC champion Tom Ingram and long-time BTCC ace Tom Chilton heading into 2026. He will be one of the drivers eligible to win the Jack Sears Trophy.

After signing, Nic Hamilton said: "I am incredibly proud to be joining such a strong outfit in Team VERTU and EXCELR8 for this season as throughout my career, I have struggled for funding and budget, which meant I found myself in less competitive equipment.

"Thanks to my 2026 partners and the team's long standing partner Draper Tools, I can now step into a more competitive package, and that is a really special and exciting moment for me. I have worked harder than ever over the winter to build my strength and fitness to improve my disability and I will be giving absolutely everything I can to be as competitive as possible. 

"A big thank you to Antony, Justina, and everyone at EXCELR8 for this incredible opportunity.”

Justina Williams, Team VERTU Team Owner, said: “We are delighted to to welcome Nicolas into our team for the 2026 season, and to have him at the wheel of our Draper Tools car. 

“The way Nicolas has battled against the odds to achieve his dream of competing on track despite his disability is well documented, and he is an inspiration to many for the way he has never given up on that dream.

“We feel we can give Nicolas the tools to really show what he can do this season and are looking forward to working with him to reach his goals during the year ahead, one of which is to stand on the BTCC podium with the team. We’ll be working hard with him to make that happen!”