Ben Collins is set to race a third Motorbase performance-run Airwaves BMW in the season finale at Brands Hatch next weekend. The 36-year-old will make his BTCC debut at the team’s home track as Airwaves BMW look to secure the independent drivers and teams championships from the clutches of Team Aon.
Collins has previously driven a BTCC car when he tested one of the outfits BMW 320si’s during the winter for a feature in Autosport magazine. At the time he heaped praise on the team and the car, despite its lack of power compared to other machines that he has recently been racing.
Collins has plenty of driving experience, having raced in Formula 3, GT racing, V8 Supercars and the European Le Mans Series. He has also dovetailed his racing work with a successful career as a stunt and test driver – being involved as a double for both Daniel Craig and Nicholas Cage in film work, as well as ‘The Stig’ in BBC 2’s Top Gear.
Speaking ahead of his debut in the BTCC, Collins said: “It’s fantastic news to be confirmed in the Airwaves BMW line up and I’m looking forward to my first outing in BTCC which should be an action packed finale for Britain’s premier racing series. I had a test with Motorbase Performance last year in the BMW and they are clearly a highly professional and highly motivated team which I’m really keen to work with.”
Motorbase Performance boss David Batrum added how he is relieved to finally have Collins racing one of the team’s machines.
“We’re delighted to be working with Ben again, or is it James Bond, I’m never really sure!” said Batrum. “After he had a run in one of our BMWs at Brands Hatch last year, we tried to put something together for a full season, but it didn’t quite come off . . . so we’re glad it has for the final round. Ben is a great driver and this is an excellent chance to see him mix it with the rest of the BTCC grid in an Airwaves BMW.
“Its also good for Motorbase to be running three competitive BTCC cars as well as six Porsche Carrera Cup cars . . . it will be a busy weekend for all of us, but what a fantastic way to end the season at our home circuit.”
Airwaves BMW driver Steven Kane, currently 2nd in the Independent Driver’s championship, is 18 points behind leader Tom Onslow-Cole, whilst the team are just 25 points behind Team Aon in the Independent Team’s championship in 2nd overall. Collins will be looking to help the team secure at least one championship at Brands Hatch next weekend.