KELTY race ace Ronan Pearson will get back behind the wheel this weekend as competitive touring car action returns.

The 22-year-old will take his place on the grid for the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season when it accelerates into action at Donington Park.

Pearson will once more race for EXCELR8 Motorsport-run Team Bristol Street Motors as part of a four-car line-up, and he'll continue at the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N he used in his debut campaign in 2023.

He'll be aiming to build on his first year in the prestigious competition, which saw him achieve his best result so far at his home circuit of Knockhill, finishing fourth, having led the race for a lengthy period, and feature in the top 10 on four occasions.

Pearson finished 18th in the championship overall and warmed up for the opening weekend in impressive fashion during the second official pre-season outing at Croft.

He set the overall pace, with his morning lap time of one minute and 22.243 seconds holding sway throughout the day.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Pearson said: "For the first time this year, we can finally post that it’s time to go roundy roundy, quickly!

"Serious note… this marks my ninth season of racing, and second in the BTCC, both of which I’m incredibly privileged and proud to be able to write and wouldn’t be possible without some amazing people behind me.

"After an incredibly tough but rewarding winter I simply cannot thank everyone involved enough for getting my bum in the seat again as we embark on another 10 weekends of chaos!"

The action at Donington Park takes place on Saturday and Sunday.