Jack Butel has become the first confirmed driver in the 2014 Protyre Formula Renault Championship after signing a deal with series regulars SWB Motorsport.
SWB are plotting a potential three-car entry in the single-seater championship this season, with 17 year old karting graduate being the first driver to sign with the Daventry-based outfit.
The Jersey-based racer steps up to car-racing for the first time as a graduate from SWB’s karting team, with Butel impressing team principal Simon Baldry during a test last year.
“We’re extremely happy to have Jack on board at such an important time in his racing career,” said Baldry, “We work hard with our kart drivers to bring them into the Formula Renault team as it’s the best place to learn the tools necessary to take them all the way to their goal.
“Jack comes with some good sponsors and they are all keen to support this bright young talent all the way up the ladder. We are putting all we can behind him and will be working hard on our simulator to get him ready for the upcoming testing programme and into the season proper.”
Alongside their Formula Renault commitments, SWB are also set to run two road cars in the Michelin Clio Cup Series this season, as they did to great success in 2013, as well as a single car in the main race class for the first time.