With the BTCC season now only weeks away, the news and announcements just keep coming.
First up, Power Maxed Racing have confirmed that they have secured an entry for a second car in the championship.
The team, which had already announced a Chevrolet Cruze Saloon for Dave Newsham have now said they will enter another Cruze Saloon which they are believed to be converting from the hatchback that the team ran in 2014.
The TBL (Toca BTCC Licence) has come from United Autosport and it means that the successful GT team will not be competing in 2014 having already sold their other licence along with a car to Tony Gillham’s Team Hard who are running Kieran Gallagher. United Autosport do look to be continuing in GT racing.
Adam Weaver, Boss of Power Maxed Racing explains the teams plans;
“The second car was always part of the master plan but we wanted to keep it quiet until everything was in place. We’ve been non-stop since the end of last season to bring it all together but it’s a great feeling to see it work out.
We are delighted to be able to grow the team with a view to challenging for podiums in 2015. Signing the 2014 Jack Sears Trophy winner and BTCC race winner Dave Newsham was the first step of many and the expertise of our new Team Manager Martin Broadhurst are set to put Power Maxed Racing firmly on the map this year.”
Weaver also again paid tribute to former owner and driver Chris Stockton;
“Power Maxed Racing wouldn’t be in such a strong position if it wasn’t for the commitment from Chris Stockton last season to keep pushing the car and the team. We are working flat out to present the new look cars at the Season Launch.”
The team are set to confirm their second driver shortly.
It won’t be Tom Ingram though as the popular young driver has been confirmed at Speedworks for a second BTCC season in his Toyota Avensis. Ingram made an impressive debut last year and his best finish of fifth actually doesn’t fully show how quick he was with the former Ginetta champion also suffering from a lot of bad luck.
With the team already announcing the signing of top engineer, Geoff Kingston, they are looking like a strong contender in 2015. Ingram is clearly excited;
“I’m over-the-moon to be returning to the BTCC this season, and thrilled to be doing so with Speedworks,” he said. “The Speedworks guys are a fantastic bunch and I established a great relationship with them last year, and although we did talk to other teams over the off-season, Christian made a very compelling argument to stay!
“In a championship as competitive as this, being able to rely upon that prior knowledge and stability is unquestionably an advantage, and having seen the modifications that Geoff has made to the Avensis, I can’t wait to get out there and put it through its paces on the track.
But despite the positivity Ingram is avoiding setting to ambitious goal yet and is realistic about his 2015 hopes;
“It’s too early to set any solid goals just yet, but with the experience of my rookie year under my belt, I definitely want to be moving forward and scoring some consistent top six finishes in 2015 – and if we can do that, hopefully mine and Speedworks’ first BTCC podium won’t be too far away…”
Hughes Safety showers continue their backing of the team in 2015, a factor which will have helped Ingram to secure his seat. Team boss Christian Dick seems just as excited as Ingram about the new season and re-signing Ingram;
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Tom back on-board again,” team boss Christian Dick said “After his standout performance last year, he was always our first choice for 2015. It’s probably fair to say he outperformed the car’s capabilities on a number of occasions, so hopefully the upgrades we have made to the Avensis for the forthcoming season will allow him to demonstrate his true talent.”
He also spoke about his other new signing for 2015, Enginerr Geoff Kingston
“Geoff has wielded considerable influence and has been hard at work bringing improvements to the car in every area, and I think what we have now is a much leaner, meaner fighting machine. We always knew there was plenty of untapped potential in the Avensis and that it was just a question of finding the key to unlock it, which Geoff has helped us to do.”
He continues;
“When you factor in the ongoing support of our loyal partners Hughes Safety Showers and Motul, there is an overwhelming feeling of excitement and anticipation at Speedworks right now. With so many driver and car changes up-and-down the grid, there is the sense that we have a genuine opportunity to really make an impression in 2015 – and that is precisely what we intend to do!”
We’ll keep bringing you the 2015 BTCC news as we get it. By Marc Waller
