Tom Ingram is in bullish mood ahead of the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Cat Championship (BTCC) season, having re-signed with Speedworks Motorpsort for a fourth consecutive year..

Having broken through with their maiden podium finishes in 2015, Ingram and Speedworks took another step forward last year by coming out-of-the-blocks in dazzling form to win the first race of the season as the talented Wycombe ace converted pole position into both his and the Cheshire-based squad’s maiden BTCC victory.

Ingram explained: “It was a very easy decision to stay with Speedworks, In a championship as ultra-competitive and unpredictable as the BTCC, the importance of continuity can never be overstated.

“We made tremendous progress last season, and to win our first race together in the very first round was an incredible achievement. Our qualifying pace was superb and our race pace was equally strong. Quite frankly, I don’t see anybody else in our position and with our level of resources doing a better job out there.

“The benefit of all the experience we have gained will galvanise us and we now have a much stronger package all-round and a completely different mindset and approach. 

“Having broken our duck, that box has been ticked and we can focus on the bigger picture. We have proved we deserve to be here and will go into the new season with a lot more confidence – whereas last year we were simply hoping to be in the mix, this year we will be aiming to win.

“The key will be to finish races, stay out of trouble and keep scoring points – and ultimately, I want to be going to Brands Hatch in October in with a shot at the overall title.”

Following the mantra that if it ain’t broke, there is no reason to fix it, Speedworks Team Principal Christian Dick is in optimistic mood as he outlines his objectives for the forthcoming campaign.

“Last year was beyond doubt our best yet in the BTCC by a country mile,” he reflected. 

“Winning our first race was a massively significant milestone, and to then back that promise up by fighting towards the sharp end season-long represented a huge step forward. 

“That said, it was far from perfect and there are many aspects that we have focussed on refining over the winter to enhance our performance for 2017 because the championship never stands still.

“Keeping Tom on-board is a major coup. He was unquestionably one of the BTCC’s standout stars last year and with a competitive car underneath him, he consummately proved his potential with both his pace and racecraft, all underpinned by a mature and intelligent approach that belies his age.

“He is at the forefront of the series’ next generation and a champion of the future, I am sure.”