Whorton-Eales to join MG for Snetterton
Ant Whorton Eales is to join the AmD MG team this weekend at Snetterton, replacing Tom Boardman.
The Staffordshire driver, who raced one of AmD's Audi S3s last season, currently heads the Mini Challenge following a third win of the year in the most recent event at Oulton Park.
As a new entry to the championship, Ant will run with 45kg of success ballast on his car.Team-mate Rory Butcher has been one of the most impressive performers on track this year having regularly challenged for points in his first full season in the series.
“I was really interested in taking part in the Snetterton weekend with the special Diamond Double race, and it’s great that we’ve been able to do a deal with Shaun to race the MG," said Whorton-Eales.
"It’s a bit of a last minute thing and I know that it will be a huge challenge, but I’m really looking forward to it and I have to say thanks to Shaun and to both AutoAid and RCIB Insurance for the opportunity.
“I’ve never even sat in the MG and having got used to racing the MINI this season, it will take me a bit of time to get back up to speed in a touring car but I’m hopeful we can have a decent weekend on track.
“It’s hard to make any predictions in terms of what to expect results wise, so I’m just going to go out there, enjoy myself and see what happens. If I can get somewhere close to Rory then I think it’ll be a job well done.”
“We’ve had a busy summer period after the changes we decided to make to the MG programme and we’re delighted to be able to welcome Ant back into the AmD fold this weekend," said team principal Shaun Hollamby.
"We know what he is capable of from our time working together last season and even though he will be driving the MG for the first time, we are confident he can do a good job on track.
“We’re sure that Ant and Rory will work well together as a team and we head back to Snetterton after the recent test in confident mood. The double points race means there is a good opportunity to put a big score on the board this weekend and there is no reason why both drivers can’t be right in the mix for a points finish.”