Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Renault Clio champion Mike Bushell gets AmD 2015 BTCC drive

British Touring Car Championship squad AmD has signed Renault Clio Cup UK champion Mike Bushell for 2015

Shaun Hollamby's team ran Dave Newsham to 17th in the 2014 standings in its Ford Focus. Newsham also took the Jack Sears Trophy, for most places gained over grid position during the season.

AmD will now run the car for Bushell, who took this year's BTCC-supporting Clio title driving for Team Pyro.

Bushell also made a one-off BTCC appearance driving a Chevrolet Cruze at Knockhill in 2013 and recently tested with Motorbase.

"We've been talking to each other all year and I think he did a good job at Knockhill," said Hollamby.

"It is ideal for both parties to have an agreement in place so soon.

"Mike was the class of the field in the Clio Cup last year, which is no mean feat, and is more than deserving of the opportunity to make the step up.

"If you look at the list of drivers who have made the move from the Clio Cup into the BTCC, I have no doubt that Mike has the talent to match them, and I'm delighted we can give him his chance in touring cars. He's really enthusiastic."

Bushell, 25, added: "Winning the Clio Cup was a massive achievement for me, and I can't believe I'll be in the BTCC next season.

"You only have to look at the grid this year to see it is full of drivers who have won championships, and I'm under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead.

"Early on, my focus will simply be on finishing races and building on the experience I gained when I did my one event in 2013, but I'm confident of quickly getting up to speed.

"The Ford is a proven package and it felt quite suited to my driving style when I sampled the Motorbase car."

Hollamby has not ruled out expanding to a second entry, TOCA BTCC Licence availability permitting.

"We're still working flat-out to get a second car alongside Mike," he said.

"While we are pleased to welcome Mike into the team, I want to thank Dave Newsham for the work he put in during 2014 as we moved up to an NGTC car for the first time.

"His performance at Knockhill in particular, where he took our first BTCC podium finish, is one that I'll never forget and we wish him all the best for the future."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article British Touring Car Championship launches 2014 Season Review
Next article GT racer Alex Martin gets Motorbase British Touring Car Ford seat

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe