Mike Bushell will substitute for Sam Tordoff in this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship races at Knockhill, after Sam Tordoff announced he would not race following the recent death of his newborn son.
Tordoff had already announced his absence from the event after the tragic passing of his newborn son, Arlo, last week.
Bushell, a two-time Renault Clio Cup champion, will step into the seat in Scotland, joining the BTCC grid for the first time this year, after being unable to find a drive after the 2018 season.
Bushell has been working with AmD during 2019 as a race engineer for Tordoff’s team-mate Rory Butcher, and his promotion to a race seat for the weekend has the full agreement of the Tordoff family.
The 30-year-old has previously started 59 races in the BTCC from 63 entries, including a full season with AmD Tuning in 2015.
“Sam and the Tordoff family saw Mike as a natural choice,” said Team Principal Shaun Hollamby.
“The whole team has made huge steps forward this season, and Sam has been integral in pushing the team forward over the last ten months.
“Without Sam’s strong work ethic and determination, the team wouldn’t have been in the strong position that we are currently in. Mike was his first choice as substitute driver, having worked together throughout the season.
“There is no pressure on Mike in terms of results and the priority this weekend is to show full respect to Sam, Georgina and the Tordoff family at this difficult time.”