Ian Lawson, last seen in Britcar campaigning the Ing Sport BMW Z4 in 2022, plans a return to the championship in 2026, initially for a one-off appearance at the Donington opener, though his machine of choice goes back a little further in time, as the Tyneside businessman alludes: “I am getting the ‘old girl’ out, my trusty old BMW E46 320 ETC. I sold a lot of the team equipment, including the Z4 in 2023/4 to a Norwegian collector, but couldn’t bring myself to sell the 320 at that time. Two Britcar titles, 2008 and 2013, and too many great memories. Race cars are not meant to be stuck in a garage with rubbish on the roof. I thought it would be nice to bring it up to date and get it back on track. Ben Sharpe and his team at BSR Motorsport have done a fantastic job, in that regard and in testing last November it felt as good as ever. Although I’m under no illusion about its competitiveness, David Hornsey has been a great help too in talking me through the performance of the other cars, but maybe it’ll be wet, who knows? I’m hoping the race will be a bit of a showcase for the car and remind its many fans that watched it 20+ years ago and loved the sound of it that it is still going. I’m trying to keep the livery as much as possible the same as when it finished the 2013 season. When we tested at Donington last November, we were mobbed in the garage with people wanting to take pics of it“.
And 72 year-old Ian has no plans to hang up his helmet just yet: “I’m not intending to give up race driving anytime soon – I have certainly enjoyed the test days with Ben of just ‘turn up and drive’ – no team to manage, no hotels to organise, just me and my kit pack to worry about – I’m always open to a pay drive deal if anyone has a spare seat“, though he does plan to eventually part with his beloved E46: “At some point I would love the car to go to a good home, where it will be used regularly. And be appreciated for what it is – there are few race cars that have the breadth of genuine history that this one has. It’s even been driven by a F1 driver” (that would be Ian’s old friend from way back, the incredible Mike Wilds – wouldn’t it be great if Mike and Ian could share the drive once again?)
Britcar warmly welcomes Ian and his iconic BMW back onto the grid and will watch his progress with interest and affection.
Photos: Conan Wearn