Newsham "sad to leave BTCC" as he launches rallycross campaign
BTCC race winner Dave newsham has announced he won't be returning to the championship this season, but will instead be racing in the British Rallycross Championship.
Newsham tried rallycross in 2014, taking part in the Croft Grand Prix, but this will be the first time he has competed over a full season. However Newsham is staying with the Power Maxed Racing team with which he raced in the BTCC in 2015. The team will enter a 600 BHP, All-Wheel-Drive Ford Fiesta in the Supercar class.
Dave Newsham had a strong 2015 season with Power Maxed Racing in the BTCC putting his Chevrolet Cruze in and around the top ten. The Scotsman is no stranger to British Rallycross having competed previously in the Super 1600 class.
Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Racing Team Principal commented, “I’m thrilled to continue our relationship with Dave, he is a highly talented driver and a great guy. It is great news for the team that he has agreed to take a sabbatical from the BTCC to help PMR in our development year in British Rallycross. I was planning to drive myself but when the opportunity arose to put Dave in the seat, it was one not to be missed."
Weaver continued, “British Rallycross has long been on my radar and I am really pleased to be entering this year. I'm incredibly passionate about Rallycross and its potential and bringing a proven name like Dave Newsham is not only good news for us but good news for the championship. We are taking a phased approach into the championship, this year we will be entering a proven car from 2015 before going on to build our own cars for 2017.”
Dave Newsham remarked, “I’m really looking forward to a great season in British Rallycross. It is one of the most exciting forms of motorsport there is. I had the pleasure of sampling it for myself at the 2014 GP, that got me hooked. I really enjoyed working with PMR last year and I am delighted to be remaining part of the family and looking forward to a long future with the team. Their professionalism and skill will stand us in good stead in British Rallycross. It’ll take a bit of getting used to as I’ve spent the last few seasons trying to avoid the gravel but getting behind the wheel of a 600BHP monster is going to be fantastic, I can’t wait!”
Newsham continued "I’ve had five incredible years in BTCC with some very good memories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole BTCC community for their support and my sponsors for the opportunity of making the switch to BRX possible”.
2016 MSA British Rallycross Championship will be contested over eight rounds taking place across seven weekends from March to October. The first round is on the 6th March at Croft.