Collard, Onslow-Cole and Foster alongside their eBay-backed BMW - Photo Credit: btcc.net
Tom Onslow-Cole has joined an expanded West Surrey Racing lineup in this year's British Touring Car Championship. Onslow-Cole will pilot one of three turbocharged BMWs to be run under the eBay Motors banner, joining existing drivers Rob Collard and Nick Foster at the team.
eBay Motors has increased its support of the team, which will use turbocharged BMW engines developed by Neil Brown Engineering, who also power the Honda and Pirtek teams.
“The BTCC sponsorship has been a huge success for us so far and we are delighted to increase our involvement,” explained Andrew Hooks, Head of Automotive at eBay. “The championship is a great fit with our target audience and gives us an opportunity to highlight the huge selection of parts, accessories and vehicles on our UK site. We look forward to a successful season as eBay Motors.”
WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts commented: “I believe eBay Motors has a very strong driver line-up for this year's championship. We have worked with Rob, Nick and Tom in the past and together they make a fantastic team.
“We have been busy developing the cars over the winter, which will have new BMW turbocharged engines developed by Neil Brown Engineering. With the prospect of added horsepower and torque alongside our in-depth understanding of the BMW chassis we are expecting a very competitive season.”
Onslow-Cole is no stranger to the team or to BMWs, having raced a 320si for the team in his debut BTCC season in 2007. After driving for Vauxhall in the following season, he has since mainly raced the Fords of Team Aon as well as a spell behind the wheel of AmD's Volkswagen Golf.
“I'm excited to be joining eBay Motors for the 2012 season and to again be part of the WSR team with such a history of success,” said 24-year-old Onslow-Cole.
“This season I am looking to challenge for regular podiums as we certainly have the car to be at the front of the grid. I am counting down the days until the new season and can't wait to get started at Brands Hatch's opening round on 1 April.”
Collard will be entering his third straight season with the team, while Foster will look to build upon a strong first season in the BTCC last year.
