Simon - Mk3 Focus ST3 250 2.0 Turbo

Explore Simon's journey of transforming his 2012 Focus ST into a BTCC-inspired masterpiece. Discover his passion for car modification and his impressive build in Staffordshire.

Shannon Kealey Jeavons

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Hot Wheels Mk3 Focus ST3 250 2.0 Turbo

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Hello I’m Simon

I’m from Staffordshire I'm 48 and a HGV Driver.

Instagram: @hotwheels_btcc_focus

Mk3 Focus ST3 250 2.0 Turbo

Meet Simon: The Man Behind the Hot Wheels BTCC-Inspired Focus ST

Hello, I’m Simon, a 48-year-old HGV driver from Staffordshire. My passion for cars runs deep, and I currently drive a 2012 Focus ST, which I've transformed into a BTCC-inspired marvel. Join me as I share my journey and the story behind my unique car build.

The Beginning of My Car Journey

I’ve always been interested in modifying cars. My second car sparked this passion when I upgraded the wheels, spotlights, and stereo systems. This led to my first full build, a Mk1 Mondeo estate with a 140db sound system, RS body kit, and a custom pearl Auralis Blue paint job. This car was featured in Redline magazine and made its rounds at most shows during the Max Power era.

After my Mondeo was stolen and not recovered, I took a break from the car scene. During this time, I enjoyed driving various cars, including an S2 RS Turbo Mk4 Escort Cabriolet and a heavily modified off-road-prepared Land Rover Discovery. These cars were great fun to own and drive.

Falling in Love with the Focus ST Hot Wheels

My current car, the 2012 Focus ST, wasn't my first choice. Initially, I looked for a Mk2 Focus ST but found the Mk3 more comfortable with a nicer driving position. I also have a Volvo S60 D5 for commuting, but the ST is my second full build.

When I decided to get a fun car, I started looking at Mk2 Focus STs. However, I couldn't find the perfect one. Then I found the Mk3 ST, which came standard apart from a Mountune exhaust system and the Mountune MP275 performance upgrade. This car became my canvas for creating something unique and exciting.

The BTCC Hot Wheels Inspiration

I was inspired to build a BTCC replica after seeing the Mk3 ST in the BTCC. I thought it would look insane on the road and be very different from the popular mods and rally replicas commonly found within the Ford scene. After searching for a BTCC kit for over 18 months, I finally found a complete race-used kit from Team Parker Racing.

The Build Process

From November 2018, I worked with Flatfender to adapt the BTCC kit to my road car. With the help of friends, we stripped the wrap and other bits, and by January 2019, the car was transformed. The ST now sits 65mm lower than standard, stanced as close to the BTCC car as possible. There were a few teething problems, but we overcame them, and the car attended its first show at Ford IOW Takeover.

Hot Wheels Spec List

Tuning

Mountune MR300 package with custom de-res exhaust
Milltek sport cat with Ram Air induction
Mountune Accessport, MR300 tune
300ps and 470nm (official Mountune figures)

Tuning

MR300
Large-capacity alloy intercooler
Ramair induction kit
Velocity Intake snorkel
Milltek TUV High-flow 3" down pipe with 200-cell sports catalyst
Mountune High-flow 2.5" bore cat-back exhaust
Custom de res straight pipe (powerflow)
High-flow charge pipe upgrade kit
High-flow silicone induction hose kit
mTune handset loaded with MR300 calibration.
Mountune Symposer Delete
Mountune Recirc Valve
Mountune Engine Mount
Forge actuator
Quick shifter 40% Reduction
NGK IX Iridium spark plugs
Castrol magnatec ford ecoboost oil 5 20w

Handling

Coilover suspension -65mm drop
Whiteline front anti roll bar and drop links
Rear Hardrace anti roll bar and drop links
Summit strut brace
Team Dynamics pro race 1.2 18x9 wheels powdercoated candy red
Forged wheel nuts
275 40 tyres
25mm SD black spacers all round

Styling

Complete race used BTCC bodykit from the 2017 Team Parker Racing Steve Jelly car including
BTCC front bumper
BTCC 2x wings
BTCC 2x side skirts
BTCC 6 piece rear arch extensions
Mountune Black and Yellow gear knob
Mountune gaiter
Vital Hydro graphics dipped Engine bay including.
Engine cover , Header tank cover , Fuse box cover , Battery cover , Slam panel , Washer bottle top , Cut out , Ram Air heat shield.
CEUK engine dress up kit
Boomba intake manifold spacer
Boomba throttle body spacer
Boomba Oil cap
Boomba Coolant tank cap
Boomba Bonnet release
Boomba dipstick handle
Boomba Brake res cap
WrapstarzPro half wrap custom BTCC livery
Hotwheels printed design by Evowrap
Wrapstarz 5% tinted front and rear lights
Black number plate surrounds
gel carbon number plates front plate shortened and tinted
Carbon fibre dipped rear bumper grilles
Gloss black interior trim
white and red ford badge Gel overlays
Yellow ST Gel inserts
Custom front splitter
BYC rear mount Time attack / BTCC style wing
RS Mk2 full carbon fibre Vents
wind deflectors
Streamline Carbon fibre Exhaust trim
Under tray/trim delete fully wax oiled underside
Bespoked bonnet strut (Mountune yellow)
custom Zunsport lower grille
Black ice bonnet raiser

Doing the Work Myself

I do as much work on the car myself as possible within my skill level and available time. I get help from friends for tasks requiring extra hands, like fitting the BYC wing. Even when taking the car to my mechanic, Daz, I help where possible. For example, I fitted a snorkel and axle breather kit to my off-road Discovery.

Encouraging Others

I encourage everyone to try smaller jobs on their cars. If unsure, get a friend to help or offer advice. YouTube is also a great resource if you're not 100% confident.

My Support Team

Fatfender

Fatfender repaired and fitted the BTCC kit to my road car, creating their own version of the kit for the best fitment possible.

Sam at Wrapstarz

Sam, who wraps Stu Lines Maximum Motorsports race cars, provided advice and helped tweak my design for an authentic motorsport race livery.

Vital Hydrographics

Vital Hydrographics helped redesign and theme all the engine bay plastics, producing a unique look.

Team Parker Racing

Team Parker Racing's 2017 BTCC Focus provided the complete race-used kit. Thanks to Steve Jelly for not smashing the kit up too badly and to Team Parker Racing for sourcing the complete body kit.

Jason Brooks at Jay's Wax

Jason has always answered my detailing questions, and his ceramic range is all I use on the car now.

Future Plans

I’m currently considering fitting a bolt-in half cage and getting a full leather rear lining by King Customs, who did my current custom leather work. More power will happen if I have engine issues, ideally forging the block for a reliable, usable power gain with a hybrid/big turbo swap. The enhanced Mountune package is very useful and a lot of fun on real roads with the handling updates and genuine aero.

Car Groups and Forums

I’m part of over 40 different car forums, including:

Oval Owners Club
Ford BTCC Styling
ST-OC
Ford Meet: The Home of Squires Ford Meet
King Customs UK
Customised UK
Modified 4 Attention
SlammedUK
Underground Car Culture
ST/RS Army
BOSS Cars UK

My Dream Car

The AMG 6x6 G-Wagon is a dream car of mine, especially with a bigger body kit and suspension lift. It’s not just about having a standard car; I love unique and modified vehicles.