BTC Racing celebrates a triumphant finish at Silverstone

On the weekend of 11th–12th October, BTC Racing Team proudly took part in the BRSCC Nankang Tyre CityCar Cup Championship Finals at Silverstone International Circuit, marking the end of their extraordinary debut back to racing.

Just six months earlier, students had built their very first race car from a stock Peugeot 107 and reignited the college’s motorsport legacy by entering competitive racing for the first time in a decade. Across several departments, students were responsible for designing components, welding, testing and fine tuning the car to its final form, all under strict race regulations and guidelines from the BRSCC and Student Motorsport organisations. 

The season began with its challenges. At their first qualifying race at Oulton Park, the team faced mechanical issues that would have led to a disqualification if their race car was not fixed in time. Luckily, the team’s experience, teamwork and determination proved invaluable as they raced across the country to any breakers yard within reach to gather the correct parts to fix their car before the races began. Over the next several events, Junior Gravina-Read, lead driver and motor vehicle lecturer, gained confidence and skill, regularly finishing inside the top ten in class as they headed into the finals.

Silverstone Success: teamwork in action

The championship final weekend at Silverstone was not only a test of speed but of teamwork, resilience, and learning. Under the leadership of Team lead Marios Katzis, BTC Racing celebrated their best result of the season, 14th place overall, a testament to the team’s progress throughout the year.

Reflecting on their journey together, Marios shared:

“What a fantastic time for BTC Racing. We’ve made it through an entire season and it has been an amazing journey. Our first race consisted of two learners, and here we are, six races later, celebrating our best finish of the season, having taken sixteen learners and five staff members to the Silverstone International Circuit.

I’m truly humbled by how far we have come as a team, how much we have learnt together, how much the team has grown, and by the hard work, grit and determination of everyone involved.

This is more than just a race team – this is a family. BTC Racing lives in our hearts and we cannot wait for next season to get back out there and show what we are capable of.”

More than just a racing team

The impact of BTC Racing extends far beyond the track. Learners have gained hands-on experience in motorsport engineering, logistics, and teamwork, skills that are directly transferable to their current qualifications and future careers. The team project has also reignited a sense of pride and excitement across the entire college community, reconnecting Brooklands to its deep-rooted motorsport history.

As BTC Racing closes their first competitive season, the team looks ahead with renewed ambition and valuable experience under their belts as plans are already in motion for next year’s championship.