Team Dynamics and Gordon Shedden have mutually confirmed they will not compete together in the 2018 British Touring Car Championship.
Shedden is heavily rumoured by Belgian media to be heading to join Jean-Karl Vernay at WRT Team Audi in the new-for-2018 FIA World Touring Car Cup, having deputised in the TCR International Series alongside the 2010 Indy Lights champion at the Dubai Autodrome as the former took the championship title.
It brings to an end a partnership spanning over a decade, with the Scot claiming all three of his BTCC titles at the wheel of Honda’s Dynamics-run machinery, most recently in 2016.
In their final season of competition together Shedden took thee race victories – at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Snetterton – along with a further five podium finishes en route to fourth overall in the standings.
“Today is a really difficult and emotional day for me,” commented Shedden.
“I can confirm I will not be competing in the British Touring Car Championship in 2018, which obviously means I will not be racing with Honda and Team Dynamics. They have been part of my life for the last 11 years and I have been made to feel a part of the family.
“Steve and Matt Neal gave me a chance in 2006, and we haven’t looked back since. From a Fiesta racer to a triple British Touring Car Champion, I could not have dreamed of the success we have achieved together. That success, along with Matt’s three championships, is a testament to the hard work, determination and passion that is intrinsic in the team. To Steve, Matt, [Technical Director] Barry Plowman and everyone at Team Dynamics I will be forever grateful, in particular my race engineer Eddie Hinckley, who has engineered my car since 2006!
“I am very lucky to have had such a successful partnership with the team, Honda and all our sponsors. We have been on a huge journey together, achieving multiple Teams’, Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships. Along the way, we have had a lot of fun and created memories I will take and cherish forever. It may be the end of a chapter, but it won’t be the end of the friendships I have made.”
Long standing team-mate Matt Neal also paid tribute to ‘Flash’, thanking him for his contribution to the five Manufacturer titles and four Teams’ crowns achieved in the past decade.
“Gordon is a part of our family and success story,” asserted Neal.
“He’s got a new and exciting opportunity and we would never hold him back from that. We wish him the very best of success in his new challenge – he’s a phenomenal competitor and he’s certainly talented enough! One thing is for sure – despite ‘Flash’ racing elsewhere this season, he’ll always remain part of our Dynamics family and part of our team.”
Team Dynamics are expected to confirm whether Shedden will be replaced, and if so the identity of his successor, in due course.