KNOCKHILL racer Rory Butcher is gearing up for another shot at British Touring Car Championship glory after his place on the 2019 grid was confirmed.

It has been announced that the 31-year-old, who completed his debut campaign in the iconic motorsport competition this year, will one again line up for the West Thurrock-based Cobra Sport AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing team.

Butcher will pair-up with Sam Tordoff, who finished 11th in the drivers' standings in 2018, and will be aiming to build on an eye-catching first full year of touring car competition.

He enjoyed a best finish of sixth among several top-10 finishes throughout the year, which helped him secure 10th place in the Independents' Trophy and fourth in the Jack Sears Trophy, only missing out on a top three finish in the latter on a count-back of wins.

The season begins at Brands Hatch in April and Butcher has his eyes on achieving more success – including a maiden victory for his team – when he gets behind the wheel of a Honda Civic Type R that Gordon Shedden, also based at Knockhill, drove to a hat-trick of championship titles.

"This year for me was all about gaining experience in the BTCC and learning the ropes after so long racing in GT cars," Butcher told btcc.net.

"My aim was to build towards getting into a top package for 2019 to push forwards up the grid, and I'm delighted that I can do that and also stay with Cobra Sport AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing to build on what we achieved this year.

"You only have to look at the stats for the Honda in recent years to see how well it has performed and, on paper, there is huge potential for us to do some big things on track in 2019. It's a big step up for the team and I, and I'm confident that this package will give us a great chance of success.

"Certainly, I think it would be silly of me not to aim for podiums and race wins, and I'll also be looking at the bigger picture of getting as many points on the board as we can to see where it leaves us come the end of the season."

He added: "It's also great to have Sam coming on board and I don't think I could wish for a better team-mate. We enjoyed some good races together when I was with Celtic Speed in the Carrera Cup, and since he moved into the BTCC, he has shown himself to be one of the top drivers with his results on track.

"I'm sure he'll be a great reference point for me and I think we'll work together well as a pairing to push the team forwards."

Shaun Hollamby, Cobra Sport AmD with AutoAid/RCIB Insurance Racing joint team principal, added: "We knew when we brought Rory on board this year that he was a top-quality driver and his performances in the MG were outstanding.

"He fitted in with the team immediately and keeping him for a second season was a priority. Given the fact he now has a year of experience under his belt, I have no doubt at all that Rory will be a real contender for podium finishes and race wins."