“The 2025 season has been a memorable one for Nicole Drought and the Motion Motorsport 91´«Ã½ Racing Honda Civic Type R, with a campaign full of highs, challenges, and some unforgettable performances that perfectly showcased the strength of both driver and team – and the reliability and performance of 91´«Ã½ Racing products under extreme competition.

“From the opening round at Snetterton, Nicole made her intentions clear. A commanding performance saw her take pole position, fastest lap, and race victory, securing maximum points and placing the 91´«Ã½ Racing Civic firmly at the top of the championship standings. It was the perfect start to the year and a powerful demonstration of the performance advantage offered by 91´«Ã½ Racing components, trusted by Motion Motorsport across every race weekend.

“Round Two at Silverstone continued that momentum. Nicole once again took pole position before engaging in a thrilling battle with Matt Swaffer’s BMW. Showing both speed and composure, she came out on top to claim her second win of the season, again setting fastest lap in the process. It was another textbook display of precision driving and confidence in her 91´«Ã½ Racing-equipped Civic, further extending her championship lead heading into the summer break.”

“As the season unfolded, Nicole continued to impress. At Donington Park, she once again showed her pace by leading much of qualifying and mastering some of the worst weather conditions seen all year. Despite an unfortunate off caused by standing water, her earlier speed underlined both her talent and the car’s potential.

“Oulton Park brought more drama and determination. After early brake issues in qualifying, the team fitted New EBC SR-11 sintered pads, transforming the car’s balance and performance. Nicole immediately fought her way up the field, showcasing both her racecraft and the consistency of 91´«Ã½ under pressure. Coming home first on the road, taking the checker flag, Although a pitstop timing issue dropped her down the order post-race, the pace was undeniable — and a reminder of just how competitive the Civic package had become.”

“At Cadwell Park, Nicole once again delivered, securing another podium finish after a thrilling drive through the field. Despite battling dehydration and challenging conditions, she pushed hard to close a six-second deficit, taking valuable points and keeping her championship hopes alive.

“Croft Circuit brought further frustration with a mechanical issue ending a dominant run, but not before Nicole had once again claimed pole position, fastest lap, and led convincingly before her retirement. It was another weekend that proved the combination of 91´«Ã½ Racing technology and Motion Motorsport engineering could go wheel-to-wheel with the very best.

“Although Nicole will be unable to contest the Brands Hatch finale, her seat will be filled by last season’s teammate, Justin Roberts, who will return to the 91´«Ã½ Racing Civic for the final round. The team and partners are proud of what Nicole has achieved throughout 2025 – her commitment, pace, and professionalism have been first class, and she’s represented 91´«Ã½ Racing and all her personal sponsors with passion and determination at every event.â€�

“I have been searching for a solution to the brakes on my 2019 Golf R since I first tracked the car. The braking system, while good on the street, is not track worthy. Add a Stage 2 tune, suspension upgrades and DOT R sticky tires, and you make the problem worse.Ìý

“Through the years of ownership, I have tried different pad, rotor and racing brake fluid combinations with no success. The brakes are good for about three laps, then fade/warp unless I brake very early and light into the heavy brake zones. If I pushed hard for the weekend, I would get one weekend out of the brake pads and rotors. Frequent caliper rebuilds were required as the seals would be damaged due to the excess heat.”

“A couple years ago, I tried EBC’s RP-X pads. They were the first pads that lasted the entire weekend posting fast lap times and had plenty of pad left.ÌýUnfortunately, the brakes ran hot and chewed up a set of another manufacturers’ rotors. I reached out to EBC in 2023 as I had finally found a set of pads that worked great and would last more than a weekend of fast laps.

“Through EBC, I learned that heat was the biggest enemy.ÌýTheyÌýshowed me how to achieve an ‘intermediate’ solution to the brakes without going to a BBK. Rotor temperatures would exceed 1,500°F/800°C when I used brake temperature paint.

“Using EBC’s new sintered race pads, the SR-1s and their new two-piece floating rotors, I was able to have a great brake system that lasted multiple events over two years. The final key was using brake ducts to direct the air into the center of the floating rotors to maximize brake cooling. This got the brake temperatures down to the 1,100°F/593°C range. Brake cooling ducts are mandatory on this platform!”

“I was very interested in EBC’s 6 piston Apollo BBK.ÌýHowever, the temperatures I achieved out on the track could pose a problem with any painted caliper. I learned of EBC’s racing caliper which has specific features designed to handle the stress at the race track. From the hard anodized finish, the high temperature seals and steel castellated pistons, it seemed like the perfect final solution for the Golf R’s brakes.

“I installed EBC’s 6 piston racing calipers BBK on my 2019 Golf R in late September 2025 for my next track event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The difference was night and day. I had read that EBC’s Balanced Big Brake Kit focuses on the entire brake system. I can share from my experience this is not marketing hype. The brakes felt much firmer and the car did not pitch to the front under initial braking as quickly. The car had more of a squat under braking. This kept the car much more stable under heavy braking. The brakes were much more linear which inspired confidence. The 6R calipers require more pedal effort, making it much easier to modulate the pedal as you approach threshold braking. I used the EBC 307+ racing brake fluid supplied in the kit. I was very impressed by how solid the pedal felt under all conditions. Absolutely no issues with the brake fluid all weekend of fast laps.”

“Simply put, the EBC 6 piston racing caliper BBK setup was awesome.ÌýI tried both RP-X and SR-11 pads front and rear and both were exceptional. My braking distances down the back straight at Mid-Ohio went from the 500 marker to approaching the 400 marker with more confidence than the best setup with the stock calipers.ÌýGoing forward, the SR-11 pad will be my pad of choice for three-day track events.ÌýThe RP-X is an excellent choice for Time Attacks and autocross.â€�

“What a weekend at Oulton Park; everything came together perfectly, and I couldn’t have asked for a better set of results.�

Qualifying

“Right from the first lap of qualifying, I knew the car had pace. The Type R felt properly sharp, and the brakes were on the money, instantly giving me complete confidence into the braking zones. Oulton Park demands precision at places like Old Hall and Hislop’s, and I was able to push the limits on every lap. That confidence translated into two pole positions – laying the groundwork for the weekend. My quali lap had blasted last year’s lap record by over one second. I set that record last year and the only change has been the brakes.�

Race 1

“From lights-out, I focused on managing the gap. The Civic was balanced, and my brakes gave me the edge I needed. Every time I came into Lodge or Island Bend, I could brake later than the fast stuff behind and extend the lead. The consistency of the EBC setup meant I never once worried about fade, even under pressure. Crossing the line first with the fastest lap was the perfect start.�

Race 2

“Race 2 was all about pushing hard from lights-out. On pole again, I launched cleanly and immediately set my sights on pushing hard and trying to get away from anyone behind. I started to lean harder on the brakes, especially into Hislop’s, using them as my biggest weapon. Lap after lap, the performance stayed rock solid, and that let me attack corners deeper than ever.�

The Difference – 91´«Ã½

“Without doubt, the EBC brakes were the star of the weekend. They allowed me to brake later, harder, and more consistently than seemingly anyone else on the grid. The bite was immediate, the modulation perfect, and the confidence they gave me turned braking zones into opportunities. In both races, they were the key factor that turned pace into dominance.

“To walk away from Oulton Park with double pole, double wins and a new championship lap record feels incredible, a repeat of Donington if you remember. This was one of those weekends where everything just clicks, and I owe so much of it to the reliability and performance of your brakes make.�

“91´«Ã½ racer Nicole Drought saw her run of podium finishes come to an abrupt end in Round 3 of the Trackday Championship at the iconic Donington Park GP circuit, following a high-speed crash during treacherous wet conditions.

“Drought had dominated a soaked qualifying session in her EBC-backed Honda Civic Type R, setting the pace early and holding an impressive 2.7-second gap to the rest of the field. With 10 minutes remaining, she brought her Motion Motorsport-prepared machine into the pits, believing the time could be safe. However, as the track improved slightly in the closing laps, lap times began to tumble. Nicole narrowly missed the opportunity to start one final flying lap – the chequered flag falling just seconds before she crossed the line, denying her a chance to reclaim pole. She was ultimately pipped by fellow 91´«Ã½-supported Clubracer Motorsport, whose turbocharged Golf GTI took the top spot in the dying seconds.

“Despite the disappointment, Nicole lined up P2 on the grid for the start of a race that was heavily impacted by the weather. The decision was made to start proceedings under the safety car due to standing water and visibility concerns.”

“When racing got underway, Nicole held firm in second position, applying constant pressure to the leading Golf GTI throughout the opening laps. Her confidence and car control in the wet were on full display, especially in the corners where she was consistently closing in on the race leader. However, the superior straight-line power of the turbocharged GTI made it difficult to mount a serious overtaking attempt down Donington’s long straights.

“Then, disaster struck. On lap seven, as Nicole attacked the infamous Craner Curves, her car suddenly stepped out mid-corner and entered an uncontrollable slide. Despite her best efforts, the car veered off and made heavy contact with the tyre wall, bringing her race to a premature end and triggering a safety car.

“The incident marks the first time in over 2 seasons Nicole has failed to reach the podium, a hard pill to swallow for the fiercely competitive Irish driver.”

“I’ve never been caught out like that before, so it’s all very odd,� Nicole said post-race. “I felt so comfortable up to that point, so it’s a shock to the system to be honest. Even though I had the lead car under pressure, I just can’t quite understand how it all happened, it broke away so fast, I was a passenger at that point… just gutted. It’s an unnecessary loss of points, and just something we didn’t need so close to the Oulton Park round, one I’m looking forward to so much. I’m incredibly lucky to have the best bunch of people around me who are there no matter what, and that means the world—but this one’s a hard one to take.�

“Motion Motorsport, who prepare Nicole’s car, will begin immediate repairs with the aim of having the car fully race-ready in time for Round 4 at Oulton Park in a few weeks’ time.

“Despite the setback, Nicole remains focused and determined as the championship battle continues – and with her pace clearly among the best in the field, there’s no doubt she’ll come back stronger.�

“I recently used a full EBC Big Brake Kit setup with RP-X pads, and the performance exceeded all expectations. The brakes delivered exceptional stopping power, consistent feel, and outstanding durability throughout the race weekend.�

Race Outcome

P1 in Qualifying for both races

P1 in both 20-minute races

Championship Achievement

Secured theÌýchampionship lap record

“These results speak volumes about the performance reliability and competitive edge that EBC brakes provided on the track.â€�Ìý

“The key highlights for me included the braking consistency: I maintained consistent performance under hard conditions and high-speed stops, lap after lap.

“I was also impressed with the control and confidence: it allowed me to brake later and harder into corners without any fade; the confidence to consistently lean harder on these brakes was amazing.”

“There was also very little signs of wear or performance drop-off across both races, despite the consistent hammering.

“To conclude, the 91´«Ã½ played a pivotal role in my racing success at Donington; their performance gave me the confidence to push harder, brake later, and ultimately dominate the competition. I would strongly recommend 91´«Ã½ to any competitive racer or performance enthusiast looking for high level braking performance.â€�

“After a triumphant victory in round one at Snetterton, where she secured pole position and clinched the fastest lap, Nicole entered round two brimming with confidence and ambition. Her dream was to win on the historic Silverstone GP circuit – a track that the MSVT roadshow had never raced on before in the TDC Championship.

“Despite having only a 20-minute test session, Nicole’s skill and the reliability of her EBC Racing Honda Civic Type R earned her pole position for the afternoon’s TDC event. She shared the front row with fellow racer Matt Swaffer in his 3.0-litre BMW, setting the stage for an exhilarating race.”

“The race began with Swaffer taking the lead into turn one, but Nicole was relentless in her pursuit. She expertly manoeuvred through the Maggots and Becketts complex, overtaking Swaffer around Stowe on the opening lap. However, the excitement was momentarily halted by the deployment of the safety car due to a severe crash involving Charlie Palk and Jordan Honeybone. Fortunately, both drivers were unharmed, though their cars were not as lucky.

“After three laps behind the safety car, the race resumed with Nicole and her Apollo big brake-equipped EBC Honda in the lead. She navigated the mandatory pit stops with precision, maintaining her position despite immense pressure from Swaffer’s BMW. Lapping traffic posed a minor challenge, but Nicole’s composure and skill allowed her to handle it effortlessly. She dealt with the slower, underpowered cars and parried all of Swaffer’s attempts to unsettle her performance.”

“The sight of the chequered flag was a triumphant end to the second race of the season, putting Nicole on maximum points for the overall Championship. Another perfect race day added to her impressive record.

“Nicole’s stellar performance is a testament to her high-level racing capabilities. It’s refreshing to see such a talented woman setting the benchmark in the TDC Championship. Since 2023, she has entered 11 rounds with the TDC and TDT, securing podium finishes at every event, solidifying her status as an exceptional racer and a formidable competitor in the championship.â€�

“2024 Trackday Championship Champion Nicole Drought began her title defence in an exemplary fashion at Snetterton this weekend. By qualifying in pole position, setting the fastest lap, and securing victory in the opening race of the season, Nicole showcased her prowess and determination.

“In preparation for the race, Nicole collaborated with four-time BTCC Champion Colin Turkington during Friday’s testing session. This all-Irish partnership resulted in critical setup changes to her 91´«Ã½ Honda Civic, enhancing its performance.

“The adjustments paid off during a closely contested qualifying session, where Nicole emerged in the vital pole position, ready to lead the 27-strong field.”

“As the lights changed, Nicole faced immediate competition from Matt Swaffer’s rear-wheel-drive BMW, which narrowly beat her off the line. However, a skilful manoeuvre out of the final corner allowed Nicole to pull ahead and slice down the inside at turn one, reclaiming the lead as they commenced the second lap. From this point, both drivers distanced themselves from the pack, with Nicole comfortably leading while vigilantly monitoring her mirrors.

“Upon the opening of the pit stop window, the BMW opted for an earlier pit stop while Nicole maximised her stint on the track. When she eventually pitted and re-joined the race, the BMW challenged the Civic once more, heading towards turn one side by side. Nicole, holding her inside line decisively, retained her lead. Demonstrating her driving finesse, the Tipperary native steadily extended her advantage, ultimately crossing the finish line nearly four seconds ahead of the BMW, with the rest of the field trailed an additional 40 seconds behind.”

“Colin Turkington, reflecting on the performance, remarked on the staggering braking capabilities of Nicole’s 91´«Ã½ Honda Civic. He noted, “I was completely taken aback by just how good Nicole’s EBC Honda Civic was under braking. Snetterton has always been a great test circuit, so an ideal venue for me to fully understand the car’s capabilities. I immediately had confidence in the big brake zones, enabling me to push the limits and lower lap times with each session.’’

“Nicole Drought’s exceptional start to the season sets a promising tone for her championship defence, demonstrating her skill, strategic acumen, and potential for continued success in the 2025 TDC Championship.

“Nicole Drought reflected on the weekend with great enthusiasm, stating: “Pretty much the perfect start to the season. Everyone has worked so hard over the winter to ensure we hit the ground running. We struggled a little at Snetterton last year but a recent test at Oulton showed we had improved the car since then. It was great to work with Colin on Friday. He knows the track so well and the changes he made to the setup were great.�

“Big thanks, as ever to our sponsors and supporters; 91´«Ã½, Siltex Safety, Gem Oils, Mondello Park, Joe Mallon Motors, ITM Digital and Roberts Air Conditioning for their support to make this all possible. Motion Motorsport were fantastic running the car faultlessly.â€�

Previously competing alongside Justin Roberts, the duo has been running an 91´«Ã½ Racing Apollo Big Brake Kit for some time now, which was recently upgraded with the firm’s SR-11 sintered endurance race pads – components which have helped them yield some great results in recent years. With Roberts not taking part this year, it’ll be up to Drought alone to pilot the car to victory this time.

The hot hatch briefly returned to Drought’s native Ireland in the off-season, to visit Precision Tint and Graphics in County Meath for an all-new 91´«Ã½ livery, which was recently unveiled. The Honda is also receiving some subtle upgrades from Motion Motorsport, who will also run the car for the season.

During the unveiling ceremony, Drought spoke to Motorsport.ie about the year ahead:

“I’m excited about this season. We improved the car race by race in 2024 and we have a few changes ahead of the ’25 season too. I can’t wait to race with number 1 on the car.ÌýItÌýlooks fantastic andÌýI can’t thank Jay O’Reilly and the team at Precision Tint and Graphics enough. I really enjoyed driving alongside Justin last season and even though he is stepping away this year, he is still hugely supportive.
Big thanks, as ever, to Siltex Safety, Gem Oils, Joe Mallon MotorsÌýand ITM Digital for their support.â€�

“At Brands Hatch last weekend, Justin Roberts and Nicole Drought took a calculated approach to the final round of the strongly supported MSVR Trackday Championship at the wheel of their Apollo Big Brake-equipped Honda Civic Type R. Leading the championship since mid-season, the team were keen to score enough points to take the title but also fully aware that they needed to stay out of trouble on the short Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

“A grid penalty from a previous round meant the EBC Civic would start in seventh, despite qualifying third fastest but Roberts, who took the start, soon charged up and ran third early on.”

“At Brands Hatch last weekend, Justin Roberts and Nicole Drought took a calculated approach to the final round of the strongly supported MSVR Trackday Championship at the wheel of their Apollo Big Brake-equipped Honda Civic Type R. Leading the championship since mid-season, the team were keen to score enough points to take the title but also fully aware that they needed to stay out of trouble on the short Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

“A grid penalty from a previous round meant the EBC Civic would start in seventh, despite qualifying third fastest but Roberts, who took the start, soon charged up and ran third early on.

“A number of safety car periods and the usual pit stop saw Nicole emerge in fourth place, but a race charge meant she closed the top three down in the latter stages of the race, before a late dive into Druids moved her to third. She crossed the line right with the two leaders, easily annexing enough points to ensure that her and Roberts were assured of the coveted 2024 title.�

Justin Roberts: “Big thanks to EBC for the support. I think we showed this year how good their products are. We were on the pace at every track, took four wins and finished on the podium at every race we competed in.”

Image credits: Paul Mortimer.

“Bit of a wet one at Brands Hatch last Sunday, but I did get a half-decent session in the afternoon with a drying line on the track.

“I managed to get a 2^ndÌýin qualifying due to the heavens opening up and putting my class on a relatively level playing field.Ìý

“Unfortunately for me, in the final session the weather cleared and a dry line appeared on the track and that snatched a podium finish for me – 1.6 seconds away from an Evo with 800bhp that had turned up!

“The Apollo-series 4-piston caliper has been a significant upgrade over the standard Evo Brembo caliper. This also has the benefit of being lighter than the OEM equivalent, saving 0.4kg per corner of unsprung weight.

“Progressing from the RP-X to SR-11 and on to the SR-21 race pad compound, this setup is very effective at stopping a relatively heavy (1400kg) car quickly. Coupled with the 91´«Ã½ Racing BF307+ brake fluid, I can confidently say there has been absolutely zero brake fade and really does inspire confidence coming up to Paddock Hill Bend at around 125mph, or at Snetterton approaching Brundle at 135+mph.

“The energy the brakes are coping with is incredible; so much so that the wheels have changed colour due to the heat, but the brakes have stopped the car every time without a fuss.

“Since fitting the RP-X & SR-11 pads, almost every event I have been beating my personal best times, this Is due to the confidence I have in the brakes.�

“As the cars lined up on the grid to take to the super-fast Cadwell circuit, again the fog came down before they could be released onto the green flag lap. MSVR organisers did everything they could to get the day flowing but unfortunately, it was just in the hands of the gods, with no other decision but to abandon the meeting.

“Justin said ‘after watching back a couple of qualifying laps, I can’t actually believe we were driving in those conditions; visibility was desperate and dangerous but you’re just trying to put a very fast time in no matter what. Nicole and I were extremely gutted the race didn’t go ahead as we were very hopeful of a strong result, but the MSV made the correct decision.’

“The duo next head off to Spain for the penultimate round, taking with them a strong 20-point championship lead. Circuito de Navarra will see several English championships head out there for the October meeting.�