American racer Kevin Gleason will make his début in the World Touring Car Championship at Monza this weekend, racing the second of RC Motorsport’s two independent LADA Vestas.
In the past few seasons Gleason has been a regular driver in the TCR International Series, taking victories in Austria, Singapore and Malaysia. He finished fifth overall in the inaugural season in 2015, before contesting selected events in 2016.
Gleason admits that his WTCC entry has come as something of a surprise, having been targeting a drive back in TCR until the last few days.
“Up until the weekend we were still working on a deal to return to the TCR International Series so to be taking the grid a week later in the WTCC is a bit of a surprise,” said Gleason. “I have to thank all those involved in pulling this together including RC Motorsport and BAM Motorsport Promotions who have gone the extra mile to get me into the Championship.
“I have followed the series closely for a few years now and have been along to a few of the races. I have been very impressed at the levels of professionalism and of course the quality of the drivers so when the opportunity came along to join RC I jumped at the chance.
“I’m looking forward to joining all of the top-level drivers in this highly competitive series; the only downside is that things have come together very late and I will only sit in the car for the first time today [Tuesday, 25 April] so I am managing my expectations for Monza.”
3o-year-old Pennsylvanian Gleason joins Frenchman Yann Ehrlacher in the France-based team. At present the deal is just for one round, with the possibility to extend the deal for further events.