Essex-based AmDTuning.com are working towards entering a two-car team into the 2015 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for the 2015 season as part of an expanded racing programme.
AmD Tuning made their BTCC début back in 2010 when Team Principal Shaun Hollamby raced a Volkswagen Golf. The team continued with the S2000 Golf for the next three seasons, with drivers Tom Onslow-Cole, Martin Byford, Ollie Jackson, James Kaye, Aaron Mason and Hollamby himself. A brief foray with a Honda Civic at Snetterton in 2013 also took place for then-driver Kaye.
2014 saw the team move to an NGTC car for the first time, taking delivery of a former Motorbase Performance Ford Focus for Dave Newsham.
Although currently only in the possession of one TOCA BTCC Licence (TBL), Hollamby says that the team are already looking into securing a second licence for next year.
“The logical next step is to expand our touring car programme to include a second car for 2015, and that is something that we are keen to do,” explained Hollamby. “Of course, that would be dependent on securing a second TBL alongside the one we already hold, but we have a burning desire to expand our involvement in the BTCC and if the opportunity arises, we are ready to grasp it with both hands.
“It was a big step for us to take on an NGTC programme this year but I feel that we have stepped up to the challenge. While things haven’t always gone our way, team manager Rob Tickner and the boys have raised their game to provide a car that has run quickly and reliably all season and that is something I feel immensely proud of.
“To get onto the podium, as we did at Knockhill after a great drive from Dave, was the icing on the cake and showed what we can do in what is arguably the most competitive touring car championship in the world.”
Hollamby adds that although he has one eye on 2015 already, he is still focussed on ensuring the team goes into the winter with a strong season finale at Brands Hatch this weekend.
“We will aim to end our current season on a high this weekend and we are hoping to score some strong points at our home circuit to head into the winter on a high. We know the car can do it and we know Dave can do it, so I’m optimistic about our chances.”
AmD Tuning have also confirmed plans to enter a multi-car programme in the Ginetta Junior Championship, having already made a foray into the series with an entry in the final three rounds of the season.
The team will also be represented in the Renault Clio Cup with a single-car entry.
“There is no doubt that these are exciting times for us at AmDTuning.com,” added Hollamby. “Regardless of how many touring cars we are able to run, we will expand our Ginetta team beyond the single car we have run for Esmee [Hawkey] this year.
“Alongside that, we are keen to run one or two established drivers as part of a Junior team that will be linked into the touring car programme, and we are looking to challenge for the championship.
“It is also exciting for us to be moving into the Renault Clio Cup for the first time. The grid numbers are set to rise next year in what will be the second season for the new car, and we are seeking to speak to people who are interested in racing in the series – and going for the title – in 2015.”