Hansford Sensors hoping for more good vibrations with Ingram and Speedworks in 2020
Hansford Sensors will continue to chase glory in the country’s premier motor racing series in 2020, after confirming its ongoing commitment as joint title sponsor to British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) front-runner Tom Ingram for a ninth consecutive campaign.
Hansford Sensors has partnered Ingram on his high-speed journey every year since 2012. Over that period, the 26-year-old – who similarly hails from the county – has firmly established himself as one of Britain’s very best young drivers in a series commonly regarded as the world’s toughest tin-top championship.
Since debuting with Speedworks Motorsport in 2014, Ingram has gone on to claim 13 race wins – already making him the 30th most successful driver in the BTCC’s illustrious 62-year history – 30 podium finishes, three pole positions and nine fastest laps. An excellent third in the overall standings in 2017, he improved to a close second in 2018 out of more than 40 high-calibre contenders.
At the same time, back-to-back Independent crowns cemented Ingram and Speedworks’ giant-killing reputation in the paddock, before the arrival of official Manufacturer support last year upped the ante again as driver and team alike were entrusted with carrying the famous Team Toyota GB name.
After a learning and development season with the new, ‘Built in Britain’ Toyota Corolla – albeit one that impressively yielded four victories and 20 top ten finishes from 30 starts – Ingram, Speedworks and Hansford Sensors are now primed to do battle for the biggest prize in national motor racing.
The 2020 BTCC campaign will rev into life at Donington Park on 28/29 March, with all of the high-octane, doorhandle-to-doorhandle action to be broadcast live and in high-definition on ITV4.
Chris Hansford, Managing Director, Hansford Sensors, said:
“We have thoroughly enjoyed partnering Tom over the past eight years and closely following his rapid progression from BTCC rookie to one of the most exciting and highly-rated young drivers in the country – not to mention an outstanding brand ambassador for our business. To see a local driver performing so well is hugely energising and motivational for the entire Hansford Sensors team, and it has been an absolute privilege to be able to share in that sustained success.
“2019 was a seminal season for Tom and Speedworks as they joined the BTCC’s official Manufacturer ranks for the first time – a tremendously well-deserved recognition for all of their hard work and standout results – and despite the colossal task of having to build and develop a brand new car, those results kept on coming. Four race wins – including a double-top at Tom’s and our local track, Silverstone – was a superb achievement, and with the benefit of the experience gained with the Corolla in year one, we are all very much looking forward to finding out what 2020 has in store.”
Tom Ingram, Driver, Speedworks Motorsport, said:
“It’s no exaggeration to say that Hansford Sensors has been vital to everything we have achieved in this sport. Successfully attracting sponsorship is probably the toughest part of being a racing driver – far more difficult than actually driving the car – and without Chris coming on-board when he did, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are now. Eight years – through thick and thin, good times and bad – is the kind of loyal support most drivers can only dream about.
“It is hugely rewarding for me to see the sheer pleasure Chris and his wife Lesley derive from being at the track with us, and I am immensely proud to now count them both as friends first and foremost and sponsors second. Race weekends simply wouldn’t be the same without them – they are every bit as integral to the team and our success as anybody else. I am looking forward to repaying their ongoing commitment with plenty more ‘champagne moments’ over the forthcoming season.”
