Two race-winning outfits will combine their efforts for the 2026 TCR UK season, as Capture Motorsport and MPHR confirm they will join forces this year.
The lineup for the newly united outfit will be race winner Brad Hutchison, who has already announced his entry, alongside 2025 Goodyear Diamond Champion Mark Smith.
Both drivers have upgraded from their respective CUPRA Leon Competición TCRs to the newer CUPRA Leon VZ TCRs, which proved so competitive when the car made its championship debut.
The joint venture also means that the team will be eligible to score points in this year’s Teams Championship, which Capture Motorsport narrowly missed out on during last year’s season finale at Brands Hatch.
Whilst Mark has purchased a Leon VZ TCR outright for 2026, Brad’s car has been upgraded from its original spec as a CUPRA Leon Competición TCR to the latest version of the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR, with his long-term sponsor, Elland Roofing Supplies, stepping up as the title sponsor.
Mark achieved his best end-of-year finish to date in the TCR UK Drivers’ Standings, finishing the 2025 season in ninth place. The Indy circuit at Brands Hatch in Kent provides the setting for the season opener over the Easter weekend, with Mark already working hard to get to grips with his new car and the team.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to TCR UK after a brilliant year of racing in 2025. I had some great battles on track and felt I improved as a driver throughout the season. Seaking the Goodyear Diamond title at the end of the season was a great way to sign off the year,” said Mark.
“Teaming up with Capture again, along with continued help from my friend Mitch, will only make the move to the latest spec of the Cupra Leon VZ TCR even better. The team extracted the best from both me and the car at last year’s finale, so I cannot wait to get back on track for the new season and defend my title.”
Capture Motorsport Team Manager Leon Pegg is delighted to be working alongside MPHR Team Manager Martin Hutchison for the new season.
“I’m delighted to announce that Capture Motorsport has joined forces with MPHR for 2026. Brad has developed into a fast driver and has race wins to his credit, as well as fighting for the title. Combining the efforts from both teams seemed the natural course to take as Mark returns, with both drivers now in newer TCR cars. I look forward to a brand new season with confidence and excitement.”
MPHR Team Manager Martin Hutchison spoke highly of the new unified team ahead of the 2026 season opener at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.
“We’ve worked hard every year to be competitive, and we have the opportunity to work with a race-winning outfit in Capture Motorsport, as well as campaigning the Leon VZ in 2026. I’m excited about the fruits of our hard work together as we look to challenge for race wins and titles this season.”
Championship Manager Jack Finlan is pleased to see both teams uniting for the 2026 season, offering the chance to aim high across the various titles on offer and for both drivers to fight for honours during each weekend.
“It’s great to see both teams decide to unite this year. Brad is a fast and talented race winner, who will get the best out of the car and fight it out at the front, whilst Mark enjoyed his best season yet in TCR UK. The move to the latest CUPRA Leon VZ for both drivers shows their commitment to achieving the best results possible during the 2026 season,” said Jack.
“2026 is already building up to be an exciting season for TCR UK, as we get closer to going racing again in April. With under 2 weeks to go, we are seeing new interest in the championship and established stars moving to newer TCR cars in order to be more competitive. It’s a great time to be a part of TCR UK as we prepare for our best season yet.”
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/.
