Former Renault UK Clio Cup outfit Team BKR are planning a mammoth six-car entry into the new-for-2016 B-TEC Development Series.
The Essex-based outfit have agreed a deal with Team BMR to run their fleet of four Volkswagen CC’s and two Vauxhall Insignias in the new championship.
The move comes after Team BKR were unsuccessful in their efforts to step up to the BTCC this season, having been unable to acquire the necessary TOCA license to run a sole Insignia.
BKR ran a single car in the first three weekends of the Clio Cup last season, firstly with Freddie Hunt at the wheel before James Colburn took their best finish of seventh at Thruxton.
“Warren [Scott – Team BMR boss] and I were close to getting a package together last year which would have seen us entering the BTCC,” said BKR team manager Nico Ferrari.
“For various reasons this plan didn’t work out as we hoped but now I am more excited by this new opportunity, which gives us the chance to work alongside the biggest team currently in the BTCC.”
The deal came after Team BMR recently agreed a manufacturer deal with Subaru UK for the BTCC, which will see them run a quartet of Subaru Levorg’s this year.
“This B-TEC Development Series is really starting to pick up momentum. Myself and Nico are in talks with various drivers and are looking to get the first testing dates secured shortly,” said Scott.
“Team BKR were unfortunate not to get the TBL they worked so hard for but I believe this is a better option for them as they will learn how to run these cars the same way we’ve been running them so successfully for the last few seasons.”
The new B-TEC Series has been introduced to house older NGTC-specification BTCC cars with the GPRM control parts and a Development Series engine built by Swindon Engines.