Andy Wilmot has announced a split with Welch Motorsport just 15 races into a truncated maiden Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign.
The former Volkswagen Cup racer’s maiden BTCC season had been plagued by mechanical problems in the first half of the year, beginning when he was unable to race in the opening three races of the season at Brands Hatch.
Five times Wilmot was unable to start in 15 races for the Proton Gen-2 squad alongside four retirements, picking up a best result of 20th place at the third meeting of the season at Thruxton as the rookie grew increasingly frustrated with the situation.
Wilmot announced the split on his Facebook account, saying: “As upset as I am about not seeing out the rest of the season I am hugely relieved as it has been the biggest stress of my racing career.
“Not one weekend went to plan nor was it trouble free. I have been spending money hand over fist and getting absolutely nothing out of it. The support along the way has been amazing and I want to thank each and every one of you for getting behind be and believing. I want to thank all of my sponsors as they have been patient and very understanding about the situation.”
Welch Motorsport can now use their one change of driver permitted per season, permitted to keep their TOCA BTCC Licence (TBL). The Proton squad will look for a replacement to fill the vacant seat alongside Dan Welch, while Wilmot admits that a return in 2016 is his intention.
He added: “If a seat comes available in the second half of the season I will be happy to jump in it but as it stands I have sponsors who are looking forward to supporting me for the 2016 BTCC.”
