Maidstone’s Simon Rudd plans to return to the British Touring Car Championship support package next year after comfortably wrapping up the Focus Cup title.

The 32-year-old was forced to sit out the 2020 season when the pandemic hit, but enjoyed a strong campaign in the one-make series this year, beating former rallycrosser Gary Mitchell to the crown by 87 points.

The Rochester-born driver, who was a multiple karting champion before stepping up to car racing in 2013, now wants to rejoin the BTCC support bill having last competed on the undercard two years ago.

“That is my priority for 2022 but, as we know with most racing, it comes down to budget,” Rudd said.

“If it isn’t possible then we will assess alternatives and the Focus Cup will be high on that list.

“It is a really good, fun, inclusive championship and I massively enjoyed being part of it.”

Rudd, who competed in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup in 2019, says winning twice at Brands Hatch in September was a highlight of the Focus Cup season.

“I had loads of friends, family and sponsors there which gave me an extra push,” he said.

“It was a full weekend of racing at the Ford Power Live meeting and thousands of fans were there so it made the weekend a really special occasion.

“Having not been in a race car since October 2019, I had tried the Focus Cup car at a pre-season test day and it really gave me the bug back to do well in 2021.”

Rudd, who claimed the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship GT4 title in 2018, says he plans to race in the BTCC in the future.

“I would love to give it a shot and even testing a proper BTCC car would mean I could retire happy,” he said.

“It was such a buzz being on the support package, so I can only imagine what it is like being right in the mix.”

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