Double TCR UK champion Carl Boardley has revealed that he will be making a comeback to the championship for 2026, having signed a deal with the DTR Honda team as he aims to make history with a third TCR UK Drivers’ Title.
Having stepped away for 2025, Carl cited a lack of motivation amongst work commitments as the reason, but will be back on the grid driving one of the brand new Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCRs that will be in action this season under the banner of DTR with CBM.
During his previous stint in TCR UK, Carl piloted a CUPRA Leon Competición TCR under the Hart GT with CBM umbrella, taking a total of eight wins and 10 further podiums over his two seasons in the Championship along the way to back-to-back drivers’ titles in 2023 and 2024.
2026 presents a new challenge for the Suffolk-based driver, as he joins DTR and will drive the Honda Civic for a full season in TCR UK alongside a pair of European entries; however, history shows that Carl is no slouch at getting up to speed with a new team and car.
The new season gets underway at Brands Hatch on 4-5 April, and Carl is already clear about his goals for 2026, before the lights go out for the first race of the year.
“I’m delighted to announce my return to the TCR UK Touring Car Championship for 2026. I am looking forward to getting my teeth into the DTR with CBM-run Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR. Whilst a new business acquisition has kept me away from racing last year, I’m back, hungry and ready to put in the required work to fight at the front of the field with one clear aim: to win the 2026 title,” explained Carl.
“I’ve never been afraid to take on a new challenge in Motorsport, and this year is no different. I’m with a new team, a car that hasn’t been near the front in UK competition previously, that is new to me, and I’m coming back after a year’s break. The hunger hasn’t gone away, and more than ever, I want to make my mark on the Championship by becoming the first driver to win the title three times.”
Championship Manager Jack Finlan welcomes Carl Boardley back to TCR UK, with the two-time champion preparing to get to grips with the Honda.
“I’m very pleased to see Carl make his return to TCR UK, especially as part of the DTR Honda lineup. This news is testament to where the championship is at this time as we build up towards the new season. Carl’s record in the championship speaks for itself, and I have no doubt he will be a title contender this year,” said Jack.
“Carl’s previous time in TCR UK has shown that he is capable of working hard to develop his car into not only a race winner but a Championship one, and stay consistent throughout his championship challenge across a full season. Having a two-time champion joining DTR alongside Harry is a real statement of intent of what is to come this year from the drivers and team. The bar has been raised for 2026.”
To learn more about the TCR UK Touring Car Championship, visit https://www.tcr-uk.co.uk/ for more information on how to get involved.
For more information about the 2026 TCR UK Touring Car Championship, visit https://www.tcr-uk.co.uk/2026-calendar/.
