Jade Edwards will become the first female driver to race in the British Touring Car Championship since 2007 when she makes her début with Power Maxed Racing at Silverstone next month.
Edwards, the daughter of former BTCC racer Jim Edwards Jnr, will get behind the wheel of the Vauxhall Astra raced by Mike Bushell at Oulton Park and Knockhill.
Edwards has competed in the Renault UK Clio Cup on the TOCA package since 2017, finishing seventh overall in the 2019 championship.
She has also been a race winner in the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge, and she tested a Motorbase BTCC car at the end of 2019.
“Racing in the BTCC is a childhood dream of mine, and is something that I’ve made no secret of working towards,” said Edwards.
“I’ve been in the paddock since I was ten years old, either supporting my dad or competing myself-to now be racing in the main event is something I’ll never forget!
“PMR have a brilliant track record, and Adam has always shown support in my career, even sponsoring my Clio campaign in 2018, so it’s amazing to have the opportunity to work with them.
“The Astra has already proven its speed this season, so I’m itching to get out in it and see what I can do.”
![Mike Bushell, Power Maxed Car Care Racing [PMR], Vauxhall Astra](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Bushell-3.jpg)
“Having known Jade for quite a few years now, I’ve always been impressed with the way she throws herself into everything she does with such gusto,” said Weaver.
“Whilst she’s had a lot of bad luck on the track, she’s a great driver, and has a well-earned reputation as a fan favourite.
“She’s spoken publicly about her longing to get onto the BTCC grid in a competitive car, and with the unique opportunities this year has given us, it was a no brainer for all of us to get her in the car for a round.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do.”