Power Maxed Racing have announced that Brad Philpot will make his British Touring Car Championship debut at the season finale at Brands Hatch next month (14/15 November).
Fielding guest drivers this season to replace Jason Plato and Mat Jackson as a knock on effect of COVID-19, the Adam Weaver-ran squad have given debuts to Jade Edwards and Jess Hawkins as well as a return for Mike Bushell.
Now it will be the 34-year-old’s turn to make his debut in the Vauxhall Astra. A successful driver who has competed with Peugeot in VLN securing back-to-back titles racing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a 308.
As well as winning 24H Silverstone and reaching the podium also at the Nürburgring in their 24 Hours race meaning he has pedigree coming into his debut.
He has also competed in the Race of Champions previously after coming through a competition and seized his opportunity beating the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button.
“I’ve had my sights set on BTCC for a long time and I’m delighted to be making my debut with such a well-respected and successful team as PMR,” he said. “It’s great to be racing back in the UK at Brands Hatch for the season finale, and I’m confident we can deliver a strong performance to round off the year on a high.
“I’d like to thank Adam Weaver for this exciting opportunity, as well as my personal sponsors m4em, NU squared, 24 Security, Swedish Kitchen, X Kart, Nathan Godby, Just Ask Paul & 20NINE sports management for their ongoing support.”
Team Principal Adam Weaver is looking forward to seeing how Philpot does on his BTCC debut and believes he has the skill to challenge.
“Brad certainly has the pedigree necessary to challenge a number of BTCC drivers once he gets some experience under his belt, and has a number of front-wheel-drive titles to his name,” he said.
“We’ve been limited by the amount of testing he’s been able to cover in the Astra, but we know the car’s fast and has given everyone who’s driven it this year the opportunity to push forward in what’s known to be one of the toughest championships in the world. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at Brands.”
