Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport heads north of the border this week as the team prepares to contest round six of the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill Racing Circuit.
The annual trip to the fan-favourite Scottish venue sees the team return to the 1.27-mile circuit in Fife, just north of Edinburgh. One of the shortest tracks on the BTCC calendar, Knockhill is also among the most demanding, with its narrow, undulating layout and unique character making it a favourite for both drivers and fans alike.
Following a hard-fought weekend at Thruxton, both Gordon Shedden and Árón Taylor-Smith will be aiming to bounce back and return to the sharp end of the grid after showing encouraging pace that ultimately went unrewarded at the high-speed Hampshire circuit.
Home favourite and three-time BTCC champion Gordon Shedden boasts an impressive record at Knockhill, having claimed four race victories and 11 podium finishes at his home circuit during his illustrious career so far. The Scotsman will be hoping to add to that tally in front of his home crowd this weekend.
Alongside Gordon, Irishman Árón Taylor-Smith also has fond memories of Knockhill. An Independents class winner at the venue in 2023, he has consistently scored strong points at the action-packed circuit and will be looking to build on that record this weekend.
Heading into round six, Gordon sits ninth in the Drivers' Championship, with Árón occupying 12th. Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport remains fifth in the Teams' Championship and third in the Independent Teams' Championship, with the team focused on closing the gap in both standings as the season enters its second half.
Following Saturday morning's opening 40-minute Free Practice session (10:30), the all-important Qualifying Groups (14:00) and 17-lap Qualifying Race (15:05) will determine the grid for Sunday's three races.
Sunday's races are scheduled for 11:15, 14:15 and 17:20, with all three contests broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX.
Árón Taylor-Smith (#50) said:
“Knockhill is a unique circuit that always throws up plenty of challenges, but it’s one I really enjoy. I can’t wait to get back out there and see what we are capable of this weekend.”
“We’ve shown throughout the season that we have strong race pace, and if we can back that up with a solid qualifying performance on Saturday, we’ll give ourselves every chance of fighting at the front.”
“I’ve had some good results here in the past, so the aim is to keep building our momentum, come away with some strong points, and continue moving in the right direction.”
Gordon Shedden (#52) said:
“I can’t wait to get out on track this weekend in front of the home crowd. Knockhill is always one of the highlights of the season for me. I’ve had plenty of success there over the years, and there’s nothing quite like bringing the BTCC to Scotland.”
“Our race pace has been strong this season, with a win, Independent victories and podium finishes proving what we’re capable of. The key now is qualifying further up the grid because we know we have the pace to fight at the front.”
“If we execute the weekend well and maximise every opportunity, I’m confident we can be in the mix for podiums and give the Scottish fans something to cheer about.”
Mark Blundell, Sporting Director, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said:
“Knockhill is one of the most exciting events on the calendar — a truly unique circuit with an incredible atmosphere that makes it a highlight for both drivers and teams alike.”
“2026 so far has provided us with plenty of encouraging signs, particularly with our race day performances, highlighted by multiple overall victories alongside several Independent wins and podium finishes.”
“The focus for the upcoming weekend is to deliver across both Saturday and Sunday, building on the encouraging speed we showed at Thruxton. We need to collect as many points as possible as we look to make progress in all championships. We know we have the speed in the Corolla to challenge for silverware, so it’s important that we continue to work effectively as a team and put ourselves in the best possible position to deliver strong results on track.”
