Edwards gets BTCC chance at Snetterton
Jade Edwards got her first taste of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship today, setting an impressive pace in the Motorbase Performance Ford Focus RS during an exclusive test day at Snetterton circuit.
The current Clio Cup driver caught the eye of team owner, David Bartrum, at the start of 2019 who offered her the opportunity to join the Kent-based team on an exclusive test day as a reward for her hard-working ethic and professionalism.
Jade, daughter of former BTCC racer Jim Edwards, is currently working hard on plans for 2020, has made it clear the BTCC is somewhere she would love to compete in the future.
“Today has been an amazing opportunity;” commented Jade. “The BTCC is always where I’ve set my sights, even from a young age when I used to watch my Dad compete in the championship. To be given a chance to have a proper go in one ahead of 2020 is something I’ll never forget. I can’t thank David and the Motorbase team enough.
“My career in the Clio Cup was positive but tough at times. It’s refreshing to know that the right people see through the struggles and just pay attention to important factors.
Jade quickly got to grips with the Ford Focus RS, with BTCC-racer Michael Caine on-hand to talk her through the key pointers before heading out on the Norfolk track.
“I’ve driven similar cars in the past, but without doubt, the NGTC Focus has been a career high-point for me so far. Michael and the team were a great help today and made sure that I got the best out of the test.
“For sure, today has just spurred me on, even more, to push harder than ever to make it to the BTCC grid”
David Bartrum, Motorbase Performance Team Principal, praised Jade’s commitment to the TOCA paddock, adding; “Motorbase tries to support drivers looking to break into the BTCC, and as part of the Dunlop prize test we run each year we try to open up opportunities to emerging talent.
“Jade is quite unique on the TOCA package, being a female driver. There has been a lot of focus on the W Series this year, but I have been impressed with the way that Jade is carving her own path.
“Hopefully today’s test will help her along the way of realising her dream, and reaching the BTCC grid.”
The female racer is hoping this test will help to kick start her 2020 campaign.
“Next season is still an unknown for me at the moment;” added the 29-year-old. “We all know the BTCC is big money, so I’ll have to come up with something new to make it to the grid next year.
“Exposure like this is priceless and Motorbase have shown if you have a ‘never give up’ attitude, you will get rewarded.”