Power Maxed Racing has signed Hunter Abbott to drive one of it’s Chevrolet Cruze in this years British Touring Car Championship.
This come sless than a week after he announced that he would be unable to join 2015 team mate Rob Austin in a second Handy Motorsport Toyota Avensis
Power Maxed have also announced that 2015 Driver, Dave Newsham will be leaving the BTCC but remaining with the team to drive a Ford Fiesta in the British Rallycross championship.
Power Maxed had made huge progress in 2015 after buying what was known as BTC Racing from Chris Stockton. Boss Adam Weaver commented on the reasons behind Hunter’s signing;
“I have had my eye on Hunter for a while now and am looking forward to giving him a chance to shine and show his true potential. I have been a good judge of motor sport talent in the past and I see something in Hunter. Hunter has a great track record and we are confident that if we guide him through the switch to front-wheel drive, he will flourish in the team, turn a few heads and deliver some of his best results.”
He continues;
“We run a very ‘open book’ team approach, sharing data and set-ups as we believe that treating both drivers as equals moves the whole team forward. I am sure that by pairing him with the technical skill of the PMR team and engineers, we can help Hunter unlock his true BTCC pace.”
Hunter Abbott has been in the BTCC for the past two seasons with Rob Austin Racing but before that has had a varied and successful career with highlights being runner up in the 2008 British GT4 championship and also the 2013 Benelux Porsche Carrera Cup.
Hunter spoke about joining the team
“I am very much looking forward to the new opportunities presented by PMR. I want to show the paddock what I can achieve and repay Adam’s faith in my abilities. I have had two good years in the BTCC and I can’t wait to get out in the Chevrolet. It will also be great to try my hand at front-wheel drive, especially as the Cruze has enjoyed such a high level of development.”
Space has been made in the team by the departure of Dave Newsham to British Rallycross although he remains with PMR in that championship. Newsham is pleased with his new challenge;
“I’m really looking forward to a great season in British Rallycross. I love watching the action on TV, its one of the most exciting forms of motorsport there is. I had the pleasure of sampling it for myself at the 2014 Grand Prix – that got me hooked. I really enjoyed working with PMR last year and I am delighted to be remaining part of the family and looking forward to a long future with the team. Their professionalism and skill will stand us in good stead in British Rallycross.”
Adam Weaver explains that it’s the start of a long term plan for the team;
“It is great news for the team that Dave has agreed to take a sabbatical from the BTCC to help PMR in our development year in British Rallycross. The championship has long been on my radar and I’m really pleased to be entering this year. I’m incredibly passionate about rallycross. We are taking a phased approach into the championship, this year we will be entering a proven car from 2015 before going on to build our own cars for 2017.”
Weaver also reveals that there are a number options for the second BTCC seat, filled last season by Josh Cook;
“We have several options for our final seat,” he explained. “We are talking to some familiar faces, a multiple BTCC champion and one or two new drivers. All of them would make a great pairing with Hunter, but you know what this part of the season is like for speculation and rumour, so you will just have to wait and see.”
The season launch is at Donington Park on March 22nd where all should be revealed! By Marc Waller
