DUNFERMLINE racing driver Ronan Pearson's season is over after he left the EXCELR8 Motorsport team.
A statement issued this afternoon (Tuesday) confirmed he's withdrawn from the remaining three weekends of the 2024 British Touring Car Championship.
It said Pearson and the EXCELR8 Motorsport backed Team Bristol Street Motors team had come to a "mutual" decision to split "amicably".
He said: "I will always be thankful to the EXCELR8 team for giving me the chance to achieve a life-long dream of competing in the BTCC, and picking up a Jack Sears Trophy win in front of my home fans at Knockhill and scoring an overall win at Brands Hatch are memories that will live with me forever.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision to take, but at this stage, I feel it is the best one for both myself, the team, and my commercial partners and sponsors. I wish the team all the best for the remaining three rounds.”
The statement released by EXCELR8 Motorsport, it was announced that the team and Ronan had come to the decision after they "reached a crossroads in their relationship, with the amicable decision being viewed as the best move for both sides at this time".
Having joined the team in 2023, Pearson secured his first BTCC career win at Brands Hatch in May before going on to bag himself a Jack Sears Trophy win the following month.
Team owner, Justina Williams, added: "We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ronan over the last two and a half years, and have seen him develop hugely as a driver over that time.
“His win at Brands Hatch earlier this season was the obvious highlight and showed what he is capable of at the highest level, and we would welcome him back with open arms in the future if the opportunity to work together again comes around further down the line.
“On behalf of the whole team, we wish him all the best for the future.”
Pearson was due to return to racing action this weekend as the BTCC moves onto Donington Park.
He will now not be behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N and his last outing for EXCELR8 was, fittingly enough, in front of his home crowd at Knockhill.
It didn't go the way he wanted, he was 17th in race one, didn't finish race two due to a power steering problem, but showed what might have been with a fine drive from the back of the pack to cross the line in 10th in the last race.
After it the 22-year-old had said: "It wasn't the results I was hoping for at my home event but there is nothing that matches the experience of racing in front of the Scottish fans, and it was great to have so much home support."
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