Nicolas Hamilton will take on his most exciting programme in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship to date in 2026 after agreeing a deal to join forces with defending champions Team VERTU.

Hamilton, who is the only person with a disability to have raced in the series since it was formed back in 1958, is the third driver to be confirmed by the EXCELR8-run team for the season ahead, and will compete in a Hyundai i30 Fastback N supported by Draper Tools.

The relationship between Draper Tools and EXCELR8 is one of the most established on the British motorsport scene, having started back in 2019 when the team moved into the BTCC for the first time after years of success in the MINI CHALLENGE.

The partnership is set to run until at least the end of the 2027 season, with Hamilton becoming the latest driver to carry the famous Draper Tools logo on his car, which will also showcase the familiar light blue colours for which the company is so well known.

Having made his BTCC debut all the way in 2015, Hamilton has over 160 starts in the series to his name and will be embarking on his second full season of competition since returning to action after a short break.

Joining forces with Team VERTU is set provide Hamilton with the most competitive package of his racing career to date, with the Hyundai having proven to be the class of the field last season - scoring nine wins and 32 podiums.

That allowed Tom Ingram to secure the championship title for the second time, with Team VERTU also picking up the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title.

Joining forces with Ingram and Tom Chilton will also provide Hamilton with the opportunity to work side-by-side with two of the most experienced drivers on the BTCC grid as the 33-year-old seeks to make his mark in Britain’s most competitive series.

Going into 2026, Hamilton - who has a career best finish of sixth - will be amongst those drivers eligible for the Jack Sears Trophy, which is open to any driver who has yet to score more than one podium finish in the series.

Having sampled the Hyundai in a recent test at Snetterton, Hamilton will appear on track in carrying his new Draper Tools livery for the first time during the BTCC season launch test at Brands Hatch, with the opening rounds of the season taking place at Donington Park in late April.

Nicolas Hamilton, #28 Team VERTU Hyundai i30 Fastback N, 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.”

Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing at Draper Tools, said: 
"We are thrilled to be back in the BTCC for the 2026 season and embarking on our eighth year backing the EXCELR8 team. 

“Supporting Nicolas Hamiliton to achieve his racing goals this season is an exciting step for us. The dedication of the entire EXCELR8 team, from the mechanics in the garage to Nic at the wheel, represents exactly the kind of commitment and passion we stand for. 

“We can’t wait to be back amongst it all, meeting fans, watching all the action on track and seeing our tools put to good use in the garages. Here's to a competitive season and pushing boundaries as a team."

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!”