Dave Newsham will drive for Team ES in the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, in the second of the team’s cars alongside Chris James.
The team, who debuted in the 2011 BTCC in a Chevrolet Lacetti feel that the signing of Newsham, who was crowned Elf Renault Clio Cup Champion in 2010 will help push them up the field, and the ambition shown by James was one of the main reasons why the Scottish driver has made the switch to Team ES.
“Chris is a passionate guy, I saw that from last year, racing with him and talking to him in the paddock. He’s very ambitious and wants to see his cars at the front,” explained Newsham about the deal.
He feels that the experience he gained from his maiden season in the series will put him in good stead for the forthcoming campaign, as he explains: “I think with having a year’s BTCC experience under my belt I’ve learnt a lot last year and I feel that I can put that to good use this year. Having a quick car is going to help, and if all things go well we should get some podiums and maybe sneak a win or two.”
James is pleased to have secured the signing of Newsham and he confirmed that the team could yet run three or four cars in 2012.
Speaking about the deal, James said: 2011 was a tough year for us with one of the oldest cars on the grid, but moving forward we are pleased to confirm Dave Newsham for the team along with two turbo race winning pedigree cars.”
The cars which James and Newsham will compete in are yet to be announced but the announcement is expected within the next couple of weeks.
James continued on the deal to bring Newsham in: “Dave & I are very much alike; we both call a spade a spade. I am delighted to bring Dave in to our team as he is a very skilful driver with a proven track record. This can only mean good things for us in 2012 & beyond.
“We’ve been in talks with Dave for some time now and we’re glad we can finally announce that he will be driving for us in 2012. It makes sense for us to double our chances of podiums and points by bringing him in to the team.”
The 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship gets underway at Brands Hatch, Kent over the 31 March/1 April. Before that, Silverstone will host the official Media Day on Monday, 19 March.