Árón Taylor-Smith has been confirmed as the first driver signing for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship, ensuring his stay at the Speedworks Motorsport-run team in a Toyota Corolla.
Taylor-Smith joined Speedworks Motorsport for 2025, running under the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK banner, having spent the previous two seasons at Power Maxed Racing.
A slow start to the season saw the Irishman struggle to break into the top ten, before an uptick in form in the second half of the year.
Fortunes improved further with a change to the TOCA BTCC engine from the second Donington Park meeting onwards, resulting in the 36-year-old scoring two fourth-place finishes at Donington and Silverstone to end the season 17th overall in the drivers’ standings.
Taylor-Smith is a four-time BTCC race winner, his most recent coming in 2016, and 2026 will be his 12th full season in the championship. His best overall finish was seventh in 2024, after a consistent season with two podium finishes and points in every single race.
“Today’s announcement is a major step in my BTCC career and I cannot thank my loyal partners enough for their support in making this happen,” said Taylor-Smith.
“I have appreciated all that Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport have achieved within the paddock from afar and it is exceptional.
“Their attention to detail both on and off track has made this the perfect recipe for me and what I hope to provide me my long-term home in the championship.
“Mark [Blundell] and the team are the best of the best when it comes to extracting performance but also when it comes to their understanding of the commercial landscape.
“I am so proud to be flying the Laser Tools Racing flag this coming season and I cannot wait to push myself to the next level. This is the start of a new journey and one that excites me beyond belief.”
Mark Blundell, Sporting Director of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, believes Taylor-Smith’s experience in the Corolla will be crucial in his team’s two-car assault on the 2026 BTCC.
“Árón is a driver we have held a long-held admiration and respect for,” added Blundell. “We are very excited to work together to take our programme to a new level in 2026.
“Árón has always stood out to us because of his tenacity both on and off the track. This is a great fit for our organisation.
“Having his experience and ability will be a key asset to the team as we kickstart this new chapter for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport.
“I firmly believe that Árón is only scratching the surface in what he can achieve in the BTCC and we are looking forward to getting back together in victory lane.”