Matt Simpson will not take part in the 2020 British Touring Car Championship after stepping back from racing in the series, with TOCA taking the opportunity to reclaim his outfit’s TBL at the same time.
Simpson has competed in the BTCC since 2016, always at the wheel of a Honda Civic Type-R. Initially his car was run by Speedworks Motorsport, before he moved to Team Dynamics in 2017 and Eurotech Racing in 2018, before running as a family operated outfit in 2019.
The 38-year-old put the decision to step back from racing in the BTCC to his son’s interest in karting, with Simpson’s focus thus switching away from his own racing career.
“Over the winter months, my son has started karting and has shown great interest in it,” said Simpson on social media. “I therefore have decided to put my own racing career on hold and support him 100%.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my loyal fans and sponsors for your support. It would not have been the same without you.
“I have had a blast but now feel it is time to spend with my family.”
Further to various social media posts and messages being received, I think it is only right that I update you all. Over the winter months, my son has started karting and has shown great interest in it. I therefore have decided to put my own racing career on hold and support him
— Simpson Racing (@Mattsimpson303) March 9, 2020
100%. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my loyal fans and sponsors for your support. It would not have been the same without you. I have had a blast but now feel it is time to spend with my family. Thanks again.
— Simpson Racing (@Mattsimpson303) March 9, 2020
With TOCA having made no secret of its desire to claim back some BTCC Licences, it has opted to keep hold of Simpson’s TBL.
Whilst Simpson had paid his deposit for 2020 in November, he has informed TOCA that he will not be competing in the coming season.
TOCA will not be reissuing the licence, leaving this year’s grid at 29 entries, with TOCA holding a further three TBLs.