Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport return to Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship action this weekend for Round Eight of their 2026 campaign at Croft.
Now, all eyes are firmly set on the trip north, with the team looking to carry that momentum into the final three rounds of the season. Croft Circuit brings the BTCC to the northeast and has been a fixture on the calendar since the late ’90s. The 2.1-mile circuit, developed over more than 50 years, is renowned as one of the most technical challenges on the calendar and is often regarded as one of the truest all-round tests in the BTCC.
The circuit also holds plenty of fond memories for both Gordon and Árón. Across his illustrious career, Gordon has claimed three race victories and nine podium finishes at the Dalton-on-Tees venue. Croft was also the scene of Árón’s double Independents victory in 2024, with the Dubliner having recorded a number of strong results at the circuit throughout his career.
Last time out at Donington Park GP, the Mark Blundell-led outfit recorded their highest points tally of the 2026 season so far. Scotsman Gordon Shedden secured a well-deserved podium and Independents victory in the opening race of the weekend, alongside a strong haul of championship points. This, combined with Árón Taylor-Smith’s best points tally of the campaign to date, saw the team collect an impressive 60 points across the weekend, lifting both the team and drivers up the championship standings.
Heading into round eight, Gordon sits eighth in the Drivers' Championship, with Árón occupying 13th. Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport sit fourth in the Teams' Championship and second in the Independent Teams' Championship, with all focus set on continuing the strong form into the final stages of the season.
Following Saturday morning's opening 50-minute Free Practice session (10:15), the all-important Qualifying Groups (14:05) and 11-lap Qualifying Race (15:05) will determine the grid spots for Sunday's three races.
Sunday's races are scheduled for 12:10, 14:30 and 17:15, with all three broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX.
Árón Taylor-Smith (#50) said:“
I’m looking forward to Croft after a strong weekend at Donington, where we scored our best points haul of the season. We’ve made good progress with the car as the season has gone on, and the pace and consistency we showed there gives us confidence heading into this weekend. I’ve had some good results at Croft before, so the aim is to put everything together and come away with another strong points finish.”
Gordon Shedden (#52) said:
“I’m looking forward to Croft and building on our recent form. Qualifying at the last two rounds has been really positive and has put us in a strong position going into Sunday, so we need to continue that this weekend. I’ve had good results at Croft in the past, including wins and podiums, and the aim is to carry that pace into the weekend, execute well and come away with another strong points haul to keep moving up the championship standings.”
Mark Blundell, Sporting Director, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said:
“As a team, we’re looking forward to Croft and continuing the progress we’ve made in recent rounds. We’ve shown strong pace, and the Corolla has continued to improve, with a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make sure we have a package capable of fighting towards the front.
“The aim this weekend is to put ourselves in a position to fight for strong results and maximise every opportunity on track. If we execute well and continue the form we’ve shown recently, we can keep building momentum and continue working our way up the championship standings.”
