Houseman Racing have announced that former Volkswagen racer and Motocross ace Stewart Lines will drive their Toyota Avensis in the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
Lines spent several years on two and three wheels with regular success in both the UK and Europe in Motocross and Sidecar Championships, most recently also impressing on four wheels in the Mini Challenge, Clio Cup and both the Volkswagen Cup and VAG Trophy.
Victory in a Scirocco at Spa-Franchorchamps was a highlight in 2013 on his path to third place overall in the competitive VW Cup, but now Lines will graduate to BTCC behind the wheel of the Toyota previously piloted by Lea Wood.
Lines commented: “I’m thrilled to sign for Houseman Racing and to be part of the BTCC. I know I’ve got a steep learning curve to get used to the unfamiliar NGTC machinery, but I’m confident that with some good solid track time, I will soon adapt to the new car and prepare to race in this illustrious championship.”
2013 BTCC Jack Sears champion Wood will work closely with Lines this season, taking up the role as mentor for the BTCC’s newest name.
Wood says: “Stewart is a very competent racing driver and is experienced in one make saloon car championships. This will help tremendously in his adaptation to the Avensis. We are very excited to be working together in 2015.”
Rob Houseman, Houseman Racing’s Team Principal, added: “We are thrilled to sign Stewart for our 2015 BTCC campaign. Stewart has a great history in competitive motorsport and is focussed on working hard with the team to get up to speed and be competitive quickly. We’ll aid his development as a driver and aim to get him working in a structured, methodical way that is important in delivering a consistent result within the BTCC.”
The team will unveil a new livery for the Avensis at the BTCC official Media Day Launch, held at Donington Park circuit on Tuesday 24 March.
Lines impressed in VWs (Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography)
