Ginetta GT Supercup driver Jake Hill has joined BTCC outfit AmD Milltek Racing as a junior driver, Hill working with the Touring Car team at race weekends, and at the Thurrock, Essex base.
In return, Hill will be given the chance to sample the NGTC engine powered VW Golf at the end of the current season, while AmD Milltek and Momentum 99 will feature prominently on Hill Ginetta G50 that he will continue to race in the BTCC supporting Supercup.
“We’re a young team and are working very much with a long-term view, and working with a quick young driver like Tom this year has reinforced our opinion that it’s exactly what we want as a team,” said AmD Milltek team principal Shaun Hollamby. “Jake has really impressed us with his speed in Juniors, and now stepping up and winning in a 300bhp G50 shows he can adapt superbly.”
“We will get him some experience of driving the Golf this year at some point and he will spend time working with the team at race meetings, learning how the weekend works, and will work with us on some of our corporate days for our sponsors.”
“In Tesco Momentum 99 we have a superb partner, and between them and ourselves at AmD Milltek, we felt it would be ideal to get Jake into the fold and work on him becoming part of the driving strength in the future. We will help towards Jake’s budget through the season, and it would be great to see him win the G50 class and then maybe move up into the BTCC with us next year.”
Hill currently sits fourth among the G50 drivers in the Supercup standings after taking his first class win at Donington Park. He moved into the new series for this season after an impressive showing in the Ginetta Junior championship that also supports the British Touring Car Championship.
“Of course the support of AmD Milltek and Tesco Momentum 99 is fantastic,” said Hill, “and the chance to learn from the team will be incredible,” he said. “But I am so, so excited about driving the BTCC car at some point – although my race car has about the same power it will be a completely new experience.”
“Who knows, ultimately it may become possible to race for the team; that really would be a dream come true. But one thing at a time! I am really, really grateful to Shaun, Chris [Tweed] and the team for this opportunity.”
