Speedworks Motorsport will expand to a two-car outfit as expected in the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, running Hot Rod ace Matt Simpson in a Honda Civic Type-R built by multiple champions, Team Dynamics.
Two-time European Hot Rod Champion Simpson will make the jump having previously claimed a brace of Quaife Intermarque title victories, as well as a runner-up spot on the World Championship stage.
The 34-year-old recently tested a Civic Type R at Donington Park, now stepping up to BTCC at Christian Dick‘s Speedworks outfit of which recently acquired a second TBL for next season. The team have struck a deal with Honda Yuasa Racing‘s Dynamics outfit also, the multiple champions supplying a Honda Civic Type-R to run alongside their current Toyota Avensis.
Ahead of his BTCC foray, Simpson commented: “BTCC cars are heavier and more powerful than what I’ve been accustomed to. I also have to get used to dealing with front-wheel-drive so I know it will be a steep learning curve in the first year, but the BTCC is the next step and the pinnacle of saloon car racing.
“Obviously my aim is to be BTCC Champion one day, although that won’t happen overnight, and for the time being I’m just looking forward to settling into the series and getting to grips with the famously cut-and-thrust nature of touring car racing. If we can consistently improve and edge closer to the front of the grid as the season progresses, hopefully by the end of it we can be scoring some strong finishes.”
Following on from a season in which Tom Ingram earned them a brace of podiums, Speedworks Motorsport boss Dick added: “We are absolutely delighted to be expanding our presence on the BTCC grid, which will make Speedworks a more potent force than ever before.
“I am extremely pleased that Matt and his family are coming on-board with us, as we have known them for a while now and have been watching Matt’s progress with great interest. We’re sure that we can get the best out of him and deliver a solid package.
“Due in no small part to Team Dynamics being the most successful BTCC team in the paddock, we have entered into an agreement with them to produce for us a new NGTC Honda Civic Type R, with components used in 2015 and to the same specification as their championship-winning car. This agreement also extends to downstream technical support, and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming years and forging a strong partnership.”
Simpson also becomes the first driver eligible for the 2016 Jack Sears Trophy, being the only confirmed rookie.
