Charles Rainford will continue with WSR in the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season, as the team’s first confirmed driver of the forthcoming campaign.
Rainford, 27, made his BTCC début in 2025, immediately impressive in the rear-wheel drive BMW machinery.
In only his second-ever BTCC weekend, Rainford qualified on the front-row of the grid at Brands Hatch, before going on to score his first podium and later the same day his first win in only his sixth start.
The Horsham driver scored a further podium at Knockhill later in the year, where he also scored his maiden pole position, and ultimately finished eighth overall in the drivers’ championship standings after a consistent season. Rainford also posted the fastest lap of the race on three occasions.
“Racing in the British Touring Car Championship was always a long-term plan, so it’s brilliant to be able to announce a second season with WSR for 2026,” said Rainford.
“I learnt so much in my rookie season and am a much stronger driver as a result. Obviously, the win at Brands Hatch and the pole at Knockhill were the highlights and the support from WSR was fantastic, but some of the tougher moments may well have helped us even more.
“We’ve done some very good work in testing so far and we’re heading into the new season aiming high.”
Dick Bennetts, Team Principal, is looking forward to continuing to work with Rainford as part of a multi-car line-up, which is also expected to include Daryl DeLeon, who was recently testing with the team.
“We’re very pleased to announce Charles as the first piece of our puzzle for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season,” added Bennetts.
“The BTCC can be a real minefield for a rookie with the tyre and boost regulations as well as the general rough and tumble that comes with racing a touring car, but he navigated the pitfalls extremely well, scored a win, a pole position and podiums and established a terrific relationship with the team.
“With a year of experience under his belt, I’m sure he’ll be a far more consistent threat for wins and podiums and we look forward to being a part of that development.”