Clio Cup racer Chris Swanwick has joined Rob Austin Racing as the team's junior driver, with the intention that the 17-year-old will compete in the BTCC later this season.
If that aim is accomplished it will make Swanwick the second youngest driver ever to compete in the championship.
The announcement follows a test session at the Welsh Pembrey circuit where Swanwick impressed Austin and the team. “We were delighted with Chris's performance at Pembrey,” said Rob Austin, “he showed remarkable maturity and speed in the car and he got faster and faster all day. He will be a force to be reckoned with when he races in the BTCC.”
Swanwick will be present with the team at the remaining BTCC races this season – starting with the Snetterton meeting on August 6-7 – familiarising himself with how the team works. The team also plans further test session for the young driver.
Rob Austin Racing entered the British Touring Car Championship this season, entering full NGTC-spec Audi A4 cars with improving results in the first half of the season with the brand new cars.