MATTHEW HIRST SECURES HISTORIC 5th PIRELLI WELSH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP!
TOM OVENDEN - CROWNED MINI CHALLENGE JCW CHAMPION!
TOYOTA GAZOO RACING UK BTCC VICTORY
ROGER ALBERT CLARK RALLY HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT A SEASON IT'S BEEN FOR WITHAM MOTORSPORT!
We've been at the heart of the action, supporting teams and championships across the entire spectrum of UK racing. From the blisteringly close battles of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) to the high-stakes precision required in the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, our lubricants are trusted on the track and in the dust. As the official lubricant provider for the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship and the Protyre Circuit Rally Championship, and with partnerships across 14 other UK motorsport competitions, we're proud to be driving success. Here is a round up of the amazing year we have had with our Motorsport Partners and we hope for more exciting wins and adventures in 2026!
TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
UK BATTLES BACK TO BTCC VICTORY IN 2025
The Speedworks Motorsport-run Toyota Gazoo Racing UK team endured a challenging start to the 2025 BTCC season with multiple retirements but showed significant progress and resilience in the latter half of the year.
The season was defined by a completely new, fourcar line-up, featuring the high-profile returns of three-time champion Gordon Shedden and reigning Independents' Champion Árón Taylor-Smith. While consistency was initially elusive, the team delivered when it counted, earning a season-ending race victory with Josh Cook in the finale at Brands Hatch GP, his first win of the campaign.
Shedden also secured a podium finish during a dramatic, wet Race 2 at Donington Park GP, helping Toyota clinch two Manufacturers' trophies that weekend. We are proud of our enduring partnership with the Speedworks Team in the BTCC and extend our warmest congratulations to everyone involved in this season's success.
HIRST AND DEAR SECURE HISTORIC 5th PIRELLI WELSH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP!
What a season for Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear!
We are thrilled to celebrate their official crowning as Pirelli Welsh Rally Champions for a record fifth time!
This momentous achievement comes off the back of an already spectacular year, which saw the formidable duo also take the title of BTRDA Gold Star Champions.
Matthew's precision driving combined with Declan’s expert navigation creates a synergy that is unmatched on the stages. Their ability to deliver results under pressure, highlighted by their strong performance at the Trackrod Rally, solidifies their legendary status.
Witham Motorsport is immensely proud to support these champions, providing them with our range of high-quality racing and automotive engine oils, brake fluids, gear oils, and coolants. We ensure their Škoda Fabia R5 run by JD Rallysport, performs as hard as they do.
Congratulations to the whole team on this incredible, historic victory!
TOM OVENDEN 2025 VERTU MINI CHALLENGE JCW CHAMPION!
Huge congratulations to our driver, Tom Ovenden and the Ovenden Motorsport team, on securing the JCW Championship! To have won both the Cooper and the JCW titles with the incredible team at Excelr8 Motorsport is simply a legendary accomplishment and truly shows your pace and dedication. We are incredibly proud to be one of the partners supporting your journey.
RALLYCROSS UPDATE: OVENDEN EXCELS AT LOHEAC
Tristan Ovenden from Ovenden Motorsport delivered an impressive performance at the legendary Loheac Rallycross circuit in France in August. Competing against a world-class field of British and French drivers, Ovenden initially faced a tough challenge.
However, he quickly gained speed, making smart tyre choices in the changeable weather to climb the ranks. Ovenden finished tied for 16th overall, which secured him a third-place podium among the British drivers, and a Teams Championship win for the round with his teammate Julian Godfrey.
The British Rallycross Championship season ended on a bittersweet note for Tristan at the Lydden Hill finale. After securing a second-row start for the final, damage sustained in a last-lap incident unfortunately forced him to retire, preventing him from competing on the final Sunday. Despite this, he demonstrated competitive speed throughout the season in his Citroën DS3.
WILL OVENDEN HAS SUCCESS IN FIRST CROSSCAR SEASON!
Will Ovenden had a strong inaugural season in the new-for-2025 MSUK Cross Car Championship.
He was consistently competitive, immediately demonstrating his pace by recording a 4th place on the Saturday of the Lydden Hill opener, which was the third round of the series. He then quickly secured his maiden podium finish in the championship by placing 3rd on the Monday, in a race with less than a second separating the top three.
Ovenden held a strong 3rd place in the championship standings through the middle of the season. At the Pembrey round, a good semi-final drive saw him finish in 2nd place and secure a frontrow start for the final, ultimately resulting in a 2nd place finish after a hard-fought race. He ended the season 3rd overall in the championship standings with a total of 121 points.
Congratulations to the whole team – we look forward to seeing what next season brings!
DALGARNO SHINES IN TYPE R TROPHY
Joe Dalgarno completed his third Tegiwa Type R Trophy season with a career-best performance, securing a strong P7 finish in the overall standings.
The season was a real mix of highs and lows. Highlights included a thrilling podium finish at a hectic Snetterton event. However, it also brought challenges, such as a race weekend cancellation due to poor weather at Donington, and the sole retirement of the season at Mallory Park following some overly close wheel-to-wheel action.
Crucially, after reliability issues in the previous year, Joe’s car ran faultlessly for every race he finished, allowing him to consistently place in the Top 10.
Looking ahead, Joe has some exciting news about his 2026 plans that he will be announcing soon!
We are proud to support Joe with his lubricants and workshop products and are looking forward to supporting him again next year.
on Saturday's five stages, ultimately winning five out of the six stages contested over the weekend.
The pair clinched the win by a clear 35.7 seconds over three-time British Champion Matt Edwards, marking a spectacular end to their season.
“Delighted to have taken the win this weekend,” said George. “We’ve had a season of bad luck, so I’m delighted for the team to finish on a high! Rallying in arguably the most competitive championship in the UK, it doesn’t get better than this.”
Meanwhile, younger brother James Lepley is busy preparing for the 2026 BHRC season, switching from an Escort to a Mitsubishi EVO 4. He has been selected as one of the final three candidates for the prestigious John Easson Award, which would provide a healthy budget boost for the year ahead.
The Team also had a successful showing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the summer where they were invited to bring some of their other Classic rally cars.
With the Lepley Motorsport workshop busy prepping cars for the 2026 season opener in February, the team is already looking forward to pre-season testing in January.
WITHAM-BACKED LEPLEY TAKES DOMINANT TRACKROD RALLY VICTORY!
Witham Motorsport supported driver, George Lepley, ended the British Historic Rally Championship (BHRC) season on a high, taking a decisive victory in his Mitsubishi Galant VR4 at the final round, the Trackrod Rally in the Yorkshire Forests.
The rally kicked off with a challenging 13-mile night stage in Dalby Forest. George and co-driver Dafydd Evans immediately set the pace, emerging with an 11.7-second lead. George continued his dominant run
Lepley Motorsport at The Goodwood Festival of Speed
PROTYRE ASPHALT RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Huge congratulations to Sam Touzel, who not only clinched the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship title but finished his perfect run by scoring his very first outright victory at one of the calendar’s most demanding venues: the Ynyscynon MOT Centre Tour of Epynt in September.
Sam dominated the challenging stages, securing the win by a huge margin of over a minute. It’s the perfect ending to a flawless championship campaign.
Congratulations also to our team, Roskell Motorsport, who came third in the championship after an eventful season, a testament to their true grit and determination!
Witham Motorsport has been proud to serve as the lubricants partner for this fantastic series all season long. Well done to all competitors and everyone involved in making the 2025 Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship a stunning success!
WITHAM MOTORSPORT PARTNERS WITH CIRCUIT RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
We are excited to announce that Witham Motorsport will be partnering with the Protyre Circuit Rally Championship for the fourth consecutive year for the 2025/26 season.
The season features nine exciting, one-day stage rallies at seven spectator-friendly venues.
We are proud to support the JD Rallysport team and drivers John Griffiths and Emma Morrison in their Škoda Fabia R5, who are hoping to wrestle the championship from Micheal Igoe / Will Atkins, who have won the past two years.
Huge congratulations to them for securing an outstanding 1st Place Overall at Donington Park in the third round! Running on our high-performance lubricants, their brilliant performance sets a strong tone for the rest of the 2025/26 season.
National Mini Day
A FANTASTIC DAY AT THE MINI COOPER REGISTER SHOW
Our team had a fantastic time at the National Mini Day, held at the Beaulieu Motor Museum. Our popup shop was as popular as ever, with strong sales of our MCR branded Mini oil, especially with the new addition of a convenient 1-litre top-up pack.
We enjoyed a sunny day and were treated to an incredible display of Works Minis. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the Mini's famous Monte Carlo Rally victory, when the car, piloted by Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter, won for the second year in a row.
A special highlight of the day was seeing the actual winning car, AJB44B, on display, with Paul Easter himself present and reunited with his iconic vehicle. It was a memorable day celebrating a true piece of automotive history.
MINI FESTIVAL PRESS CAR SPONSORSHIP
We were proud to support the Mini Festival at Brands Hatch in August. A capacity crowd enjoyed a day of close-quarters Mini racing, with hundreds of minis taking place and several of our Witham Motorsport cars out on the track.
We further supported the event by providing branding for the new Mighty Mini Press Car. This eye-catching, bright green wrapped car was a central attraction on the main show stand, and we were happy to supply it with our top-quality lubricants.
WITHAM AT THE BOSTON CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Witham was happy to return to the Boston Car Club's annual Classic Car Show again this year. A massive range of classic cars from across different eras were on display, and we were on hand to supply quality lubricants and advise customers on the best products for their cherished vehicles.
Our stand drew many admiring visitors thanks to a rare 1959 D-Type Jaguar, which was generously loaned to us by local car restorer Andy Usher. Our 5ltr Qualube Classic 20W-50 Engine Oil was the top selling product on the day.
STARS CLUB SHOW: CLASSIC
20W-50 SELLS OUT!
Tom Reader and Darren Smart represented us at the Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register (STARs) Club weekend event in Hampshire. The team was kept busy supplying club members who travelled from across the country, and we were thrilled to announce that we sold out of all our club-branded Classic 20W-50 stock!
Beyond the busy day, the highlight was an incredible demonstration of the Sunbeam 350HP land-speed record car, restored and driven by a team from the Beaulieu Motor Museum.
We provide own-label lubricant products for the museum, which they are now selling through their website shop. We hope this will strengthen our excellent relationship with them.
WELSH MOTORSPORT & SUPERCAR FESTIVAL
We spent a great weekend in September at the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival in Pembrey, Wales. We had a Witham Motorsport stand, where we showcased our range of motorsport lubricants. It was a fantastic opportunity to see fellow enthusiasts and meet some great people involved in the Welsh Motorsport and Supercar Festival.
WINTERISING CLASSICS HOW TO ENSURE A CLEAN START IN THE SPRING...
After a long season and summer of racing and general use, many cars, especially classic cars, are ”winterised” or hibernated, which is one of the best means of protecting it from the perils of road salt, dirt and water. By the end of the season, classic and racing engine oils contain products of combustion such as acids, soot, wear, metals and other contaminates. Leaving this dirty, used oil in
CLEANING & COVERING
Washing, cleaning and polishing the bodywork may seem like a waste of time, but if you are putting a cover over the vehicle, this helps to reduce the risk of dirt becoming trapped and marking the paintwork. Even if a cover isn’t fitted, and the inevitable dust gathers on the paintwork, it’s much easier to wipe off if the exterior has been polished or waxed.
ENGINE OILS
Consider changing the used engine oil to a fresh charge of a high-quality engine lubricant and run the engine briefly to ensure that all the components are coated with fresh oil. Qualube 20W-50 ensures the engine's metal surfaces are coated with a protective layer that prevents condensation from adhering to the metal surfaces and so, eliminates winter lay-up corrosion.
the engine over the winter exposes the vehicle to potentially harmful corrosion which is worsened by condensation as the engine and fuel system ‘breathe’ in moisture during lay-up. So, before you say goodbye, whether it’s been on the racetrack or out for weekend drives, here is a useful checklist for storing your treasured classic.
BRAKES & CLUTCHES
While some fluids benefit from being changed before storage, other fluids, such as brake and clutch fluids, will deteriorate over the winter months, mainly by absorbing moisture from the air, as will any opened bottles of brake fluid. It is better to change these fluids in Spring, just before returning the vehicle to the road.
FUEL SYSTEM
One aspect of vehicle storage that’s open to debate considers the petrol in the fuel tank. Should it be drained or left full? Petrol generally depletes and goes off after three or four months, although we’ve not come across any problems with using it and mixing it with some fresh fuel is often the best approach. Deposits, which look like sand particles, are another problem from old petrol, which can block up the carburettor. Petrol can also extract moisture from the air (the ethanol in petrol is to blame for this), which can result in a layer of water in the bottom of the fuel tank. Draining the tank after winter storage to help remove any water may help, or even draining the tank before winter storage will help to avoid such problems.
Additionally, to protect the fuel system, store the vehicle with a full tank of quality fuel, treated with Fuel Stabilizer for winterisation. Filling the tank reduces the headspace above the fuel and minimises the amount of water that can be absorbed from the air.
Trickle-charging the battery over winter, whether it remains with the vehicle, or is removed, is worthwhile instead of risking it going flat and having to fully charge it up again. If the levels inside the battery can be checked and topped up, do this as well. And if the battery is remaining with the vehicle, clean the terminals and apply petroleum jelly to protect them from corrosion, A reputable anti-seize grease like the award winning Prolan Range from Witham Group, can also be used for battery terminals as it protects them from water penetration.
BATTERIES COOLANT
The engine coolant must contain an appropriate quantity of antifreeze to avoid the risk of it freezing over winter. If you are unsure, test it with an antifreeze hydrometer, which will help to measure its freezing point. Avoid mixing blue and pink coloured coolant, which can congeal and block waterways and even the water pump. Windscreen washer fluid should also contain a suitable screen wash to avoid reservoir deterioration.
TYRES
The one component that can deteriorate over winter is the tyres. Flat spots can appear if the vehicle doesn’t move, which may result in a knocking noise when driving the car. This will often disappear as the tyre’s shape returns when the car is driven, but there’s no guarantee, so it helps to move the vehicle periodically throughout storage. Tyre savers can also be used to help reduce the risk of flat spots. Under-inflated tyres put a greater strain on the sidewalls, so it’s wise to overinflate the tyres by 10-15% at the start of winter storage.
GENERAL RUST PREVENTION
Winter storage can result in a number of components becoming seized through corrosion, such as the bonnet release, handbrake and even the clutch. Some are more difficult to avoid than others. Leaving the handbrake off with the wheels chocked and a low gear selected (manual gearbox) can help to preserve the handbrake. Applying a light grease, such as Qualube multi-ease lubricant to the bonnet release mechanism and any other similar mechanisms (e.g. the boot release) and even the door latches can help to reduce the risk of them becoming rusty over winter and difficult to operate. Even spraying such a grease inside key holes helps to keep them lubricated as they can also freeze when the temperature drops below zero.
Spraying a light grease over the handbrake mechanism, particularly if it’s located underneath the vehicle, will help to keep it free moving. Some braking systems have a semi-mechanical compensator fitted for the rear brakes, which is operated according to the load being carried. This is also worth lubricating to avoid seizure. Whilst a light grease may be suitable, a more long-lasting grease, such as Prolan anti-seize grease may be better. This is designed to keep mechanical components moving and has been proven to last for up to 30 years, which obviously saves time and money on multiple re-application!
This bio-degradable product can lift rust scale, clean metal and free-up moving parts. Based on Lanolin, it is non-toxic and can be used in and around electrical connections to prevent moisture penetration and corrosion, it also protects metal & rubber.
For further information about all our products and services, please call your nearest depot or visit our website: withamgroup.co.uk
THE ROGER ALBERT CLARK RALLY 2025: 313 MILES OF CLASSIC CAR ENDURANCE RALLYING
The 2025 Roger Albert Clark Rally, spanning five days and covering over 300 competitive miles across Wales, England, and Scotland, delivered on its reputation as the most demanding historic rally in the UK calendar. The event kicked off with a gruelling first two legs in the iconic Welsh forests, including classics like Crychan, Myherin, and the punishing Sweet Lamb / Hafren complex, where snowy and icy conditions immediately tested both man and machine.
The competitive field featured a wealth of talent, including multiple British Rally champions and event specialists, promising one of the closest contests in the rally's history. The initial skirmishes in Wales proved pivotal, with several frontrunners suffering early setbacks that shook up the leaderboard before the transit north to Carlisle.
Congratulations to the winners - Osian Pryce and Dale Furniss in their Ford Escort Mk2. Pryce delivered a stunningly fast and faultless performance, building a gap of over two-and-ahalf minutes by the finish.
Also well done to our Witham Motorsport teams: MATT EDWARDS - Ford Escort Mk2
Former British Rally Champion, Matt Edwards, codriven by Sion Williams achieved a strong result, finishing 3rd in the historic category. The pair set a series of fastest stage times in their Ford Escort Mk2, prepped by Car Prepp.
On the final day, the team pushed hard, setting the fastest time on the last four tests of the "Killer Kielders Finest" stage, ultimately securing a hard-fought 3rd Overall finish. The result was a testament to the team's relentless effort and consistent driving – well done to all involved!
MARK HIGGINS - Ford Escort Mk2
Mark Higgins - also a former British Rally Champion, and co-driver Carl Williamson delivered a gutsy, crowd-pleasing performance, securing 7th overall, 6th in the Historic category, and finishing as the first non–Mk2 Escort crew across the line. Their result was hard-earned, dramatic, and powered by one of the most talked-about cars of the event.
Their machine, built and expertly run by David Appleby Engineering, was a fan favourite all week, thanks largely to its thunderous V8 soundtrack that echoed through the forests and drew crowds to every stage start. Spectators knew when Higgins and Williamson were coming long before they appeared.
ALEX WATERMAN - Datsun 1600 SSS
Driven by Alex Waterman and Chris Davies, they started strong, aiming for a top-30 finish and a class win. After the first day, they were 44th overall and only four seconds off the class lead despite driving against more powerful cars. On Friday, they took a comfortable class lead in the challenging Mid Wales stages. However, their rally hit trouble on an icy downhill section of Cwmysgawen, where the car slid wide and tipped against a tree, ending their Friday. After a crane recovery and repairs, they rejoined on Sunday ("super rally" rules), focusing on consistent times. They successfully completed the gruelling event, finishing 5th in class and 65th overall, pleased with the result despite the penalties. We were honoured and proud to be involved in the Roger Albert Clark Rally and be able to witness some fantastic rallying over the 5-day event.
A BIG THANK YOU FROM WITHAM MOTORSPORT
Witham Motorsport has been part of the Witham Group for 10 years now and is used to capture our involvement in many different motorsport industries throughout the UK and abroad. Being manufacturers of lubricants and paints since 1921, Witham Group has developed an impressive track record of quality products and support services for our drivers, teams, garages and car club members.
As we cross the finish line of another incredible year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single one of our supporters, partners, drivers, teams, and followers of Witham Motorsport. Your passion, loyalty, and enthusiasm continue to fuel everything we do, both on and off the track.
2025 has been a year of exciting challenges, achievements, and new opportunities. From supporting grassroots racing to partnering with iconic motorsport events and championing the engineering excellence behind every machine, we’re immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
Your engagement, whether cheering from the sidelines, following our updates, sharing your stories, or trusting our lubricants and products, drives us to keep improving, innovating, and pushing boundaries. Motorsport isn’t just about speed; it's about community, passion, and the shared pursuit of performance.
People and service as well as quality products are at the heart of what we do. We are on hand to help and advise on lubricants and many other products for garages and workshops and have a personal visit, online shop or over the phone service, with first-class delivery times and aftercare support. We hope you enjoyed this read with all our latest Motorsport news and stories.
As we look ahead, we’re gearing up for even more exciting developments, new partnerships, and continued support for the sport we all love. We look forward to a safe and fantastic season for everyone next year and watch this space... Witham Motorsport has some exciting news coming in 2026.
Thank you for all your support.
Happy Christmas
The Witham Motorsport Team
PS. Don’t forget to keep in touch with all our news and like and follow us social media.
