Tom Onslow-Cole has made a shock move to AmD Milltek Racing for this season’s BTCC. The move means that Onslow-Cole, 4th in last season’s championship, will replace Shaun Hollamby as the squad’s driver. Hollamby himself is set to focus on his duty as Team Manager and Managing Director of AmD Tuning.
Onslow-Cole had recently been seen testing for Special Tuning Racing in one of their SEAT Leon TFSI’s making today’s announcement all the more surprising. AmD will, however, be using the same VW/Audi group TFSI engine as STR.
“I really liked the feel of the engine in the SEAT and, having followed the Golf a few times on track last year when I was driving the Ford, I know already that it’s a very nimble car around corners with a good change of direction and also very capable over the kerbs,” said Onslow-Cole.
“With the turbocharged TFSI engine fitted there’s a lot of potential here,” he added. “Of course we won’t know exactly where we stand until we’re in a properly competitive situation – such as the first qualifying session at Brands Hatch’s opening round in two weeks. But I like the set-up here, Shaun’s got a very enthusiastic, experienced and positive crew working within the team. Knowing the team will be built solely around me is a big draw and I want to work with them and develop the Golf into a regular top ten contender.”
Hollambyadded: “Stepping down from the driving duties this season was an easy decision once I had got Tom to sign on the dotted line. Tom is one of the Top 10 Touring Car drivers in the world and has won races in every car he has driven- our job is to continue this winning streak!”