Vauxhall will make a return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2017 as Automotive Brands, owners of Power Maxed Racing, announce their partnership with Vauxhall Motors.
Former Jack Sears Trophy champions, Power Maxed Racing will run two new Vauxhall Astras – 2016 European Car of the Year – in the BTCC as a Manufacturer entry from 2017 onwards.
They will be fitted with the new version of the Swindon Engines-derived BTCC TOCA powerplant, which the team helped develop during the 2016 campaign.
The deal completes a commercial partnership with parent company Automotive Brands, which will also run a fleet of Vauxhall vehicles.
First appearing in 1989, Vauxhall last raced as a Manufacturer entry back in 2009 with Triple Eight Racing, although the marque were subsequently represented by Independent entries until as late as 2014.
Adam Weaver, managing Director of Automotive Brands, Team Principal of Power Maxed Racing commented: “We are incredibly pleased and proud to be working with Vauxhall and to be the team that brings this iconic and highly successful brand back to the BTCC. The all new Astra is a fantastic car and it is no surprise that it was voted 2016 European Car of the Year – it will make a show-stopping BTCC challenger.”
Work on the new machines is currently underway with partner ABS Motorsport ahead of pre-season testing, drivers expected to be announced by the team in the near future.
Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director, commented: “It is fantastic to be welcoming Vauxhall back to the BTCC as a manufacturer entry. Its history and pedigree is there for all to see and I have no doubt that the highly professional and experienced team at Power Maxed Racing will be great partners.”
