CANINE PARTNERS NAMED TEAM VERTU’S CHOSEN CHARITY FOR 2026 BTCC PROGRAMME

Team VERTU will use its programme in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in 2026 to promote the work of Canine Partners, a charity that provides assistance dogs to disabled people across the UK.

Having celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, Canine Partners has created more than 1,000 life-changing partnerships over the last three decades – starting with a Golden Retriever named Angus back in 1990.

Now operating from a purpose-built training facility in the Leicestershire countryside, Canine Partners trains assistance dogs to help people living with all manner of physical disabilities.

Canine Partners are trained to assist with all manner of practical daily tasks, allowing an individual to manage independently and reducing the need for external help whilst also boosting mental wellbeing and helping to improve social interaction.

The relationship between Canine Partners and Team VERTU, which is once again fielding a four-car BTCC programme operated by EXCELR8, comes on the back of a successful weekend working together at Donington Park last year when the charity was present trackside to support Tom Ingram in his bid to secure the championship title.

Dog lover Tom had taken time out of his schedule ahead of the race meeting to visit the Canine Partners National Training Centre in order to learn more about the charity and its work, giving him the opportunity to see first hand how dogs are trained and the impact that an assistance dog can have.

Canine Partners will have a presence on the Team VERTU cars throughout the season ahead, whilst a special Justgiving page will allow race fans to make donations to assist the charity in its work.

Millie Coulter, Senior Community and Corporate Fundraising Manager for Canine Partners, said:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with EXCELR8 for the 2026 BTCC season. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the Canine Partners message, highlight the work we do and raise money in the process.

“We can’t wait to cheer on the team and let’s see what the season brings!”

Justina Williams, Team VERTU Team Owner, said:
“We are delighted to join forces with Canine Partners to help promote the amazing work that they do to help disabled people across the UK.

“In the same way that teamwork is vital when it comes to success on a race track, a strong relationship between an individual and their Canine Partner is hugely important.

“We are delighted to raise awareness of a charity that makes a real difference to those people who it helps.”