Dave Newsham (Photo Credit: BTCC.net)
Dave Newsham will join BTCC squad Team ES Racing in a team that principal Chris James says could bring as many as four cars to the 2012 grid. James himself will return to the cockpit in 2012 as lead driver for the team.
Newsham begun the 2011 season with Geoff Steel Racing before switching to Special Tuning Racing before the fourth round of the championship at Oulton Park in early June. He led briefly at Snetterton after starting on pole for the reverse grid race and recorded a best finish of fourth – coming in the second race at the season ending Silverstone meeting.
Chris James meanwhile endured a torrid season in an aging Chevrolet Lacetti but announced in November a move to a NGTC spec car for the 2012 campaign.
James said; “2011 was a tough year for us with one of the oldest cars on the grid, but moving forward we are pleased to confirm Dave Newsham for the team along with two turbo race winning pedigree cars.”
“Dave and I are very much alike, we both call a spade a spade. I am delighted to bring Dave in to our team as he is a very skilful driver with a proven track record. This can only mean good things for us in 2012 and beyond.”
“We've been in talks with Dave for some time now and we're glad we can finally announce that he will be driving for us in 2012. It makes sense for us to double our chances of podiums and points by bringing him in to the team.”
“Chris is a passionate guy,” added Inverness-based Newsham who entered the BTCC after cominating the 2010 Renault Clio Cup. “I saw that from last year, racing with him and talking to him in the paddock. He's very ambitious and wants to see his cars at the front. I think with having a year's BTCC experience under my belt I've learnt a lot last year and I feel that I can put that to good use this year. Having a quick car is going to help, and if all things go well we should get some podiums and maybe sneak a win or two.”
An announcement on the choice of car for Team ES Racing is expected in the coming weeks.
