Team ES Racing announces cars and drivers for 2012 BTCC Campaign

Dave Newsham is an experienced competitor in saloon cars

Team ES have signalled their intensions for pushing forward in the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship with the announcement that 2010 Renault Clio Cup Champion Dave Newsham will be joining the team.

Following weeks of negotiations Newsham will join Team Principal Chris James in at least a 2 car assault on the BTCC. James also confirmed that there is still a very strong & realistic possibility of 3 or even 4 cars being presented by ES Racing.

Talking of the signing James said: “2011 was a tough year for us with one of the oldest cars on the grid, but moving forward we are pleased to confirm Dave Newsham for the team along with two turbo race winning pedigree cars.” James goes on to say “Dave & I are very much alike, we both call a spade a spade. I am delighted to bring Dave in to our team as he is a very skilful driver with a proven track record. This can only mean good things for us in 2012 & beyond.”

He added: “We’ve been in talks with Dave for some time now and we’re glad we can finally announce that he will be driving for us in 2012. It makes sense for us to double our chances of podiums and points by bringing him in to the team.”

Dave Newsham stated “Chris is a passionate guy, I saw that from last year, racing with him and talking to him in the paddock. He’s very ambitious and wants to see his cars at the front.

“I think with having a year’s BTCC experience under my belt I’ve learnt a lot last year and I feel that I can put that to good use this year. Having a quick car is going to help, and if all things go well we should get some podiums and maybe sneak a win or two.”

the team have also revealed they will be running NGTC powered Vauxhall Vectra’s in the 2012 Championship.

The Luton-based squad  have managed to keep the deal under wraps until now. James Nash took the Independent championship title in the Vectra for Triple Eight racing in 2011 and Team ES will be looking to emulate this success in 2012.

Talking of the announcement Chris James said: “They’re race winning cars and they will continue to be highly competitive in 2012. We’re delighted to get the deal concluded to run the Vectra’s and look forward to pushing hard at the start of the season. They come with a great spares package and a massive amount of data so we should be able to hit the ground running.”

“We will get podiums and maybe even sneak more than that, certainly in the first half of the season. NGTC will get stronger but I truly believe that like football it will be a game of two halves - the first half will be S2000 and the second NGTC.” added James.

While James and Newsham have been announced for the team there is still a seat available for the season.

“There is still the option for us to run a third car so if the right driver with the right budget comes along then it will happen.” said James.

Fans will be able to get their first taste of the Team ES Racing Vectra’s at the BTCC Media day on Monday 19 March at Silverstone when the circuit will be open to the public for the afternoon test session.