Power Maxed Racing have confirmed that Dave Newsham will remain with the squad for 2016, however he will drive in the MSA British Rallycross Championship, taking a sabbatical from the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
Newsham, who has taken 2 wins and 3 podiums during his career in the BTCC, will drive an ex FIA European Rallycross Championship Ford Fiesta in this years Supercar class. Power Maxed Racing Team Principal Adam Weaver took part in several BritishRX events in 2015 and announced earlier this year that his team would move up to the Supercar class.
Weaver is thrilled with the decision and also outlined his plans to expand the various different championships the team will compete in:
“I’m thrilled to continue our relationship with Dave, he is a highly talented driver and a great guy. It is great news for the team that he has agreed to take a sabbatical from the BTCC to help PMR in our development year in British Rallycross. I was planning to drive myself but when the opportunity arose to put Dave in the seat, it was one not to be missed.”
Weaver continued, “British Rallycross has long been on my radar and I am really pleased to be entering this year. I’m incredibly passionate about Rallycross and its potential and bringing a proven name like Dave Newsham is not only good news for us but good news for the championship.
“We are taking a phased approach into the championship, this year we will be entering a proven car from 2015 before going on to build our own cars for 2017.”
Newsham is excited about getting to grips with both Rallycross on a full time basis and the Fiesta Supercar he will drive this year:
“I’m really looking forward to a great season in British Rallycross. I love watching the action on TV, it is one of the most exciting forms of motorsport there is. I had the pleasure of sampling it for myself at the 2014 GP, that got me hooked.
“I really enjoyed working with PMR last year and I am delighted to be remaining part of the family and looking forward to a long future with the team. Their professionalism and skill will stand us in good stead in British Rallycross.
“It’ll take a bit of getting used to as I’ve spent the last few seasons trying to avoid the gravel but getting behind the wheel of a 600bhp monster is going to be fantastic, I can’t wait!”
Newsham continued: “I’ve had five incredible years in BTCC with some very good memories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole BTCC community for their support and my sponsors for the opportunity of making the switch to BRX possible”.
The first round of the 2016 MSA British Rallycross Championship is on March 6th at Croft.
