Michael Caine testing - Photo Credit: PSP Images
Airwaves Racing have confirmed that Michael Caine will drive a third Ford Foucs ST for the team in the British Touring Car Championship, debuting this weekend at Rockingham. He will join Liam Griffin and title contender Mat Jackson in the team.
The ability of Motorbase Performance to run a third driver has been the topic of discussion since the start of the season and Caine was one of several drivers to test the third car over the summer break at Brands Hatch. Now, following negotiations with sponsors and team principal David Bartrum Caine will step into the BTCC.
“It's an opportunity that I thought would never ever arise and I'm delighted,” said Caine. “I just hope that I can wear the Airwaves brand with pride and represent Motorbase and the sponsors in the correct manner to deliver the results that the team deserve and support Mat and Liam with their challenge for the Championship, and in my little way, hopefully enjoy it!”
He will drive the third 'red devil' Focus ST carrying the no.6.
Much of Caine's prior experience has been in sportscar racing, the Suffolk-based driver joining Motorbase in 2006 to compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB where he became a regular race winner, fighting for the title last season.
“Michael Caine is the longest serving Motorbase Performance driver so we know him as good as we will ever know any other driver,” said Bartrum. “Michael does everything he can for the team; he's a Motorbase team player through and through and is the perfect team-mate to drive alongside Mat [Jackson] and Liam [Griffin].”
“The team and Michael are under no illusions that he's taking on a particularly tough task at the hardest point of the season but with his personality he will be a great addition to the BTCC. I know a lot of people want to see him have this chance so I hope that all the fans will give him the support he rightly deserves.”
Caine joins the BTCC team the event after lead driver Mat Jackson lost the overall championship lead after three retirements at Knockhill. Airwaves Racing lie third in the overall teams' championship behind the works backed Chevrolet and Honda teams. However, they hold a one point lead over Triple Eight Race Engineering in the independents' standings.
