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Powering the British Touring Car Championship: How Stäubli connectors keep racing at full speed

"In modern motorsport, reliability, safety and consistency are just as important as outright speed, and Stäubli's products have delivered meaningful improvements across all three areas. Their connector systems have enhanced the efficiency of refueling operations, supported robust fuel system integrity, and helped streamline technical compliance processes such as fuel sampling. These advancements not only benefit our teams operationally, but also help ensure the high standards of safety, fairness and professionalism that define the BTCC."

 Sam Riches, Technical Director, British Touring Car Championship

About BTCC

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is a leading motorsport series in the United Kingdom, showcasing intense, wheel-to-wheel racing on some of the country’s most famous circuits. Established in 1958, it brings together multiple manufacturers, talented drivers, and a passionate fan base, making it one of the most competitive touring car championships in the world.

The application

In the BTCC, teams operate in a high-pressure environment where fuel handling must be fast, safe, and fully reliable. With tight race schedules and strict regulations, they face key challenges in preventing leaks, ensuring fuel quality, and maintaining efficient, compliant operations in busy pit lane conditions.

For more than a decade, Stäubli SPT08 and SPT12 dry-break couplings have been trusted across BTCC fuel systems for their precision, durability, and consistent performance. They are used in three of the most safety-critical and operationally demanding applications in the paddock: refueling, fuel storage, and fuel sampling.

Refueling bowsers: safer by design

Before closed-loop systems became standard, refueling in motorsports paddocks looked like “the wild west” (in the words of Stäubli’s Senior Sales Engineer for Motorsport, Daniel Comber)— with funnels, jerry cans, and exposed fuel in crowded pit lanes.

Working with BTCC Technical Director Sam Riches and fuel cell supplier ATL, Stäubli supported the transition to a fully closed-loop refueling architecture. Fuel is transferred from storage drums into dedicated bowsers and then into the car through sealed connections, significantly improving safety for teams, officials, and spectators.

Fuel cells: reliability built in

Every NGTC-spec car uses a regulation NGTC fuel cell: a flexible, reinforced bladder designed to withstand severe impacts. Stäubli SPT couplings are integrated for fill and drain functions, providing secure, leak-free connections capable of handling vibration, heat, aggressive fuels, and repeated connection cycles throughout a demanding race season.

Fuel rail sampling: fast, clean compliance

After every race, SPT08 couplings fitted to the fuel rail allow BTCC scrutineers to take direct samples from the engine feed quickly and cleanly. This enables officials to verify fuel compliance with championship regulations, confirm fuel integrity and purity, and ensure consistent engine performance — all without contamination or disruption.

Partnership, not just product

The BTCC’s trust in Stäubli is built on both product performance and close collaboration. Connections have been designed to perform over multiple seasons, not just individual races.

Behind this reliability, Stäubli teams work closely with BTCC technical leadership and teams across the paddock to support evolving regulations, changing fuel requirements, and day-to-day operational needs — with regular trackside presence to provide hands-on guidance and best practices.

It is this combination of long-term reliability and on-the-ground support that has made Stäubli couplings the specified standard for key fuel system applications in the BTCC.

Across the BTCC race weekend, every moment reflects the demands of high-level motorsport. From tight cornering battles to synchronized team operations and high-speed straights, performance depends on precision, consistency and control. In these environments, robust connection solutions play a discreet but essential role, supporting stable operations and helping teams maintain reliability and efficiency under constantly changing race conditions.

Get in touch with our specialist!

Interested in learning how we supported the BTCC in this latest success story? Our teams are ready to help you tackle your safety, performance, and operational challenges and explore how similar solutions can drive results for your business.

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Stäubli makes work easy and safe

Interested in learning how we supported BTCC in this latest success story? Our teams are ready to help you tackle your safety, performance, and operational challenges and explore how similar solutions can drive results for your business.

Safe and easy‑to‑use

In high-pressure race environments, ensuring fast and secure connections at every pit stop and during track operations.

High‑performance

Reliable components that deliver precision and durability in demanding motorsport applications, from pit lane to track.

Support

For seamless integration and rapid deployment of solutions across racing teams and technical setups.

Advanced safety protections

Designed to protect operators and equipment, even in the most intense racing conditions.

Positive user feedback

Confirming outstanding reliability, speed, and efficiency under race conditions.