Nicholas Hamilton has confirmed that he will be taking part in the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season as he joins reigning teams champions Team Vertu.
Hamilton, who will be running the number 28 on his Hyundai, will join forces with BTCC powerhouses Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton as teammates for the 2026 campaign.
The EXCELR8 and Draper Tools connection is not new to the BTCC world. The partnership began back in 2019 and is now set to run until 2027 with Hamilton recieving the backing in 2026.
Hamilton’s livery has also been unveiled with the familiar Draper Tools Blue on the Hyundai i30n Fastback.
Hamilton has spent his last four seasons driving a Cupra but he now gets one of the premier seats in the series in the EXCELR8 Hyundai. This switch could give him a brilliant opoortunity to better his career best 6th place finish and fight for the Jack Sears Trophy.
Hear from Hamilton and Sarah Hartland of Draper Tools:
Nicolas Hamilton, #28 Team VERTU: “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.”
Sarah Hartland, Head of Marketing at Draper Tools:
“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 should expect to see Hamilton out for the first time in his new colours tommorow at BTCC Media Day.
