The British Touring Car Championship’s Media Day is upon us meaning the start of the season inches ever closer. But what actually is Media Day and why is it important for both teams and fans? Let’s unpack what Media Day is, why its useful and the schedule of events that will take place at Brands Hatch tommorow.
What is BTCC Media Day?
The British Touring Car Championship’s media day serves a multitude of purposes. Ultimately, Media Day is a full day of testing for the teams to get drivers comfortable in their new cars and iron out any potential issues before the season opener. It’s also a great opportunity for teams to show off their new liveries and sponsors to fans for the first time.
As for the drivers, it allows them to get a full day of seat time and can really help them get to grips with their new machinery. For the newer drivers in the field this time is incredibly useful to help them get on the pace. It’s equally as useful to drivers changing teams too! For the more experienced drivers this is where they work to find those small margins and refine their setups and driving whilst ensuring they don’t go over the limits. It is testing after all!
And for the fans Media Day serves as a brilliant opoortunity to get up close to the drivers and cars for the first time in 2026. With almost six hours of track time, fans will have plenty of time to catch their favourite drivers out on track. Starting at 1:15, fans will also be able to partake in the BTCC’s signature pit walkabout which serves as the best opoortunity to meet and chat with the 2026 grid.
The Schedule for the day
10:00 – 12:55: BTCC Testing
12:55 – 13:00: Practice starts from the grid
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch Break
13:15 – 13:40: Pit walkabout and Autograph session
14:00 – 16:50: BTCC Testing
The Headlines heading into Media Day
West Surrey Racing have stolen the headines over the last few days as they re-signed Charles Rainford and Jack Sears Trophy winner Daryl DeLeon for their 2026 lineup. Both drivers had brilliant rookie years in 2025 which included overall victories for the pair. There is still rumoured to be one more driver joining their lineup but the team has not confirmed anything yet.
One Motorsport absent in 2026
After pulling out midway through the 2025 season, it looks like One Motorsport won’t be taking part in the 2026 either. The team suddenly withdrew from the 2025 season due to health complications with their team owner. The team hasn’t been active on any social media since then and have lost their drivers to other teams.
Restart Racing unveil 2026 livery
Reigning independant teams and drivers champions Restart Racing have unveiled their new livery earlier this week. The launch happened at Silverstone where the team broke the covers on a striking but familiar livery. Fans will be able to see Chris Smiley and James Dorlin behind the wheel of their Hyundai’s tommorow.
If you can’t make it to Media Day, don’t stress! We will be covering the results and news from the day so you can stay up to date with all things BTCC.
Image Credit: Alfie Gendall Media
