Photo credits to; Lee Fisher Motorsport Photography
Yesterday, Ricky Collard announced via Instagram that he will be “stepping away” from the BTCC and will not complete the rest of the season.
This comes after Collard talked publicly about funding issues and the cost of running in the BTCC being sky high. With the former British GT champion sat 4th in the championship at the time of his departure, with only 2 rounds to go in the championship – at Sliverstone’s National layout and Brands Hatch’s Grand Prix layout.
Ricky Collard’s statement on Instagram in full:
It’s hard to put into words what this journey has meant to me.
I’ve loved every second of it every high, every low, every battle, every overtake, every setback and every moment in between. This championship has given me some of the best memories of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to be part of it.
To the team, our partners, the marshals, BTCC, my family, my friends and every single fan who has supported me, shouted for me, messaged me and believed in me, thank you. You’ve made this journey what it has been.
Stepping away while sitting P4 in the championship hurts more than I can really explain, especially knowing there was still so much more to come. But I leave proud of what we’ve achieved, proud of the fight we showed, and hoping I’ve proved my value and what I’m capable of.
We’ve had some unbelievable highs, some brutal lows, but through all of it, we had one hell of a time.
For now, this chapter closes.
Thank you for every lap. Every cheer. Every memory.
Collard talks about the highs and lows in his 8 round stint in his BTCC return and the memories he’s made behind the wheel. He also thanks everybody involved in the running of BTCC weekends along with his friends, family and all his supporters. Ricky rounds off his time in the BTCC the powerful line; “Thank you for every lap. Every cheer. Every memory.
Thank you for everything Ricky. We’ll miss the flashing lights!