Mat Jackson in British Touring Car action for the Motorbase team at Brands Hatch in October last year

Redstone Racing will be hoping to make an impression on their home track when the British Touring Car Championship begins this weekend.

Wrotham-based Redstone Racing, who have previously been known as Motorbase and Airwaves Racing, are genuine contenders for honours this season ahead of the opener at Brands Hatch. It will be their sixth season competing in the BTCC.

Redstone will run three cars in the Championship with Mat Jackson, Liam Griffin and new signing Aron Smith all vying for a podium spot.

Jackson said: "The plan for us is to hit the ground running but we will only know if that works at Brands Hatch. The plan every year is to take the championship away from [Jason] Plato or [Matt] Neal."

Redstone team principal David Bartrum is confident of making a good start.

He said: "The team and drivers have been busy over the winter developing our little red devils and we were the fastest car at the last round last year, so we hope to be competitive."

There will also be a challenge on the grid this year from Dartford’s Tony Gilham. He has set up a team of his own to run the Civic which was driven by last year’s runner-up Gordon Shedden.

"It’s a big start with a decent car," said Gilham. "I can’t wait to race in front of my supporters at Brands Hatch and I’ll be aiming for three points finishes within the top 10."