Speedworks Motorsport will run a brand new Honda Civic Type R in the 2016 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), with Matt Simpson graduating from Hot Rods to drive the car for the team.
The Cheshire-based team have acquired a second TOCA BTCC Licence (TBL) and will use it tu run the new Team Dynamics-built Honda for Simpson in 2016.
“We are absolutely delighted to be expanding our presence on the BTCC grid, which will make Speedworks a more potent force than ever before,” said Team Principal Christian Dick. “I am extremely pleased that Matt and his family are coming on-board with us, as we have known them for a while now and have been watching Matt’s progress with great interest. We’re sure that we can get the best out of him and deliver a solid package.
“Due in no small part to Team Dynamics being the most successful BTCC team in the paddock, we have entered into an agreement with them to produce for us a new NGTC Honda Civic Type R, with components used in 2015 and to the same specification as their championship-winning car.
“This agreement also extends to downstream technical support, and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming years and forging a strong partnership.”
Simpson is a two-time European Hot Rod Champion, a former runner-up on the World Championship stage and a Quaife International title winner. The 34-year-old has already tested a Civic Type R at Donington and is keen to add touring car racing success to his impressive CV.
“BTCC cars are heavier and more powerful than what I’ve been accustomed to,” admitted the 34-year-old, who will race under the Simpson Race Exhausts banner. “I also have to get used to dealing with front-wheel-drive so I know it will be a steep learning curve in the first year, but the BTCC is the next step and the pinnacle of saloon car racing.
“Obviously my aim is to be BTCC Champion one day, although that won’t happen overnight, and for the time being I’m just looking forward to settling into the series and getting to grips with the famously cut-and-thrust nature of touring car racing.
“If we can consistently improve and edge closer to the front of the grid as the season progresses, hopefully by the end of it we can be scoring some strong finishes.”
No news has yet been revealed as to the team’s second driver, who will race the Northwich-based team’s older Toyota Avensis.