Julian McBride, from Woodcote, near Wallingford, South Oxfordshire, finished fourth in the GT class and tenth overall in the 2026 Britcar Endurance Championship, just eight points short of a class podium.

The season ended with a dramatic finale at Brands Hatch, where two collisions forced him out of the race after just 12 laps.

Mr McBride said: "Well, that was a truly disappointing end to my 2026 Britcar Endurance Championship campaign.

"Race two, the night race, was destined to be epic.

"Starting tenth on the grid was going to give me a fighting chance.

"Unfortunately, contact at the first corner, Paddock Hill Bend, spun me around and immediately put me on the back foot."

Despite the disappointing finish, Mr McBride’s debut season in Britcar included four class podiums and a standout overall podium at Snetterton alongside professional driver Phil Keen.

He also secured third-place GT finishes at Donington Park and Oulton Park, with another second in class later in the season.

Racing a BMW M3 E46 prepared by Geoff Steel Racing, Mr McBride arrived at the season finale second in the GT standings.

His career in endurance racing began after a serious spinal injury in 2011, and he has since managed the ongoing effects of his disability while competing.

He previously won consecutive class championships in 2023 and 2024 before stepping up to the Britcar Endurance Championship for the first time in 2026.

Mr McBride said: "I've certainly learned a huge amount this season about driving on slicks and the level of improvement I needed to make.

"I've worked hard with the team to develop the car within a minimal budget, while developing myself as a driver.

"I'm proud of the progress we've made and how much closer we've got to cars that were well ahead of us at the start of the season."

Now, with his racing budget exhausted and no confirmed sponsorship for 2027, the future of his motorsport career hangs in the balance.

He had previously admitted that without additional financial support, Brands Hatch could have been his final race.

Mr McBride said: "Today is a day to reflect.

"I'm hugely disappointed, and it will take a little time to get past how the season ended.

"There has also been a lot this year that I'm proud of. I'm not done.

"I've got a lot more to give, and this season has shown me where further time and development could take us."

He remains hopeful that his 2026 performances will attract the sponsorship needed to return to the grid next year.

Businesses interested in supporting Mr McBride can find more information at www.julianmcbride.uk.