Power Maxed Racing have announced that Senna Proctor will pilot the first of their two new Vauxhall Astras in the 2017 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
The teenager will graduate to the BTCC having finished eighth overall in the supporting Renault UK Clio Cup series this year, earning two podium visits at Oulton Park and Snetterton alongside his third place in the Graduate Cup.
Proctor previously finished runner-up in the 2015 Ginetta Junior Championship, narrowly missing out on the title by countback after tying with eventual champion, Jamie Caroline.
“The realisation that I will be lining up on the BTCC grid has not sunk in yet, let alone that I will be racing for a manufacturer,” said Proctor. “For that manufacturer to be Vauxhall is almost too good to be true. I really cannot wait to get behind the wheel of the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra to perfect my craft in the top flight of British motor sport.
“This move has probably come a year earlier than planned, but when you are offered an opportunity like this then of course you don’t turn it down. I know I will have to work very hard to gain the respect of my fellow competitors, some of whom are the best touring car drivers in the world.
“I am under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead and will approach it with the seriousness it deserves. I have always admired what Power Maxed Racing have achieved, and their technical skill and teamwork fill me with confidence that this will be a long and fruitful partnership.”
PMR’s newest recruit will follow in the footsteps of his father, Mark, who also raced in BTCC with his own Fast-Tec Motorsport squad back in 2005 and 2006.
Power Maxed Racing Team Principal, Adam Weaver, commented: “He caught my attention back in 2015 in Ginetta Juniors. I was impressed by how he excelled against very tough competition, and it’s great to be helping him to realise both his dream and his potential of racing in the BTCC.
“It’s fantastic to once again be supporting and developing young talent, as we did with Josh Cook in 2015. I think Senna will cope with the added pressure this drive brings as he seems to have a very old head on young shoulders. In Senna, I think we have signed a driver who we can build a long-term relationship with and turn into a future champion.
“Senna will inject a healthy dose of youth and enthusiasm into the team, and I’m sure both he and our other driver – who will be a more experienced, household name – will keep each other on their toes and continually spur each other on.”
