AmDTuning.com has announced that the current leader of the Volkswagen Racing Cup series, Aaron Mason, will make his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut this weekend at Oulton Park
A last minute business commitment from AmD’s regular driver James Kaye saw him unable to race the Golf at the Cheshire circuit, which allowed Mason to step in as his connection with the team – one of the supporters of his VW Racing Cup programme – strengthens.
Aaron commented on the announcement by saying “I’m really excited about the chance to get behind the wheel of a touring car this weekend. I already have a relationship with AmDTuning.com from the VW Racing Cup, and when the chance to race the Golf came along, I wasn’t going to turn it down.
“I think I can be competitive despite it being my first time in the car, although I’m not going to go into the weekend expecting too much as I know it’s a big step up. Ultimately, the first aim has to be to secure three finishes from the weekend, but if I could finish in the top three in the Jack Sear’s Trophy, then it would be fantastic.”
With 15 race victories under his belt, Aaron is the most successful driver since the Racing Cup began in 2000.
“My main focus this season is to win the Volkswagen Racing Cup,” Aaron commented. “It’ll be interesting to see how I get on this weekend, and who knows where it might lead for 2014.”
AmDTuning’s team principal Shaun Hollamby is confident that Aaron has what it takes to do a solid job – despite not having had much time in the turbo-powered VW Golf.
“Unfortunately, James has a last minute business commitment he couldn’t reschedule which means he isn’t able to race at Oulton Park, but at the same time, it’s fantastic that we’re able to give Aaron the opportunity to make his BTCC debut.
“We know him well from the Volkswagen Racing Cup, where he has really shown himself to be one of the stand-out drivers over the last few years. The key thing for Aaron is to get three finishes and we don’t expect fireworks given it will be his first time in the car with no prior testing. I have no doubt that if he was in the car longer term, he would be a contender for the Jack Sear’s Trophy, but this weekend is all experience and if we are able to come away from the weekend with some silverware, then it will be a huge bonus.”
The championship returns this weekend to Oulton Park after a five-week break. The action starts on Saturday with two morning practise sessions followed by qualifying. By Nikki Thompson
