The Airwaves BMW team have announced that Ben Collins, formally known as ‘The Stig’ on BBC’s Top Gear, will drive a third car in the final round of the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.
With a wealth of racing and driving knowledge under his belt, including F3, GT and European LeMans series, Collins will be making his Touring Car Debut. However, it will not be the first time he has taken to the wheel of the Motorbase BMW 320si as he took to the Kent Circuit last November in the car. A test at Snetterton on October 1st will also give the well known driver more chance to get accustomed to the car before the championship decider. Collins will join Mat Jackson and Steven Kane, second and fourth in the independents trophy, in the best performing BMW Team in the championship.
Airwaves BMW team Boss Dave Bartrum told the media how pleased he was to have the 36 year old driving for him on their home circuit. “We’re delighted to be working with Ben again.” He said. “After he had a run in one of our BMWs at Brands Hatch last year, we tried to put something together for a full season, but it didn’t quite come off so we’re glad it has for the final round. Ben is a great driver and this is an excellent chance to see him mix it with the rest of the BTCC grid in an Airwaves BMW.”
Ben Collins, who will be driving in car number 12 said, “It’s fantastic news to be confirmed in the Airwaves BMW line up and I’m looking forward to my first outing in BTCC which should be an action packed finale for Britain’s premier racing series. I had a test with Motorbase Performance last year in the BMW and they are clearly a highly professional and highly motivated team which I’m really keen to work with.”
This addition to the Motorbase team means they will be set for a very busy final round on October 10th as along with the three BMW’s they will be running a further six Porsche’s in the Carrera Cup of Great Britain.
Photo credit: Chris Gurton Photography