AmD gives VW racer Aaron Mason British Touring Car debut

AmD's S2000 Volkswagen Golf is normally driven by James Kaye, but business commitments mean he has had to stand down.

Mason, who currently leads the VW Racing Cup standings, said: "I'm really excited about the chance to get behind the wheel of a touring car.

"I already have a relationship with AmD from the VW Cup, and when the chance to race the Golf came along, I wasn't going to turn it down.

"Getting to the BTCC is the kind of thing I could only dream of when I started racing five years ago, so I'm glad to have the opportunity to give it a go."

The 33-year-old believes he can be competitive among the Jack Sears Trophy runners in the S2000 class.

"I'm not going to go into the weekend expecting too much as I know it is a big step up," he added.

"Ultimately, the first aim has to be to secure three finishes from the weekend, but if I could finish in the top three in the Jack Sears Trophy, then it would be fantastic.

"My main focus this season is to win the VW Racing Cup but it'll be interesting to see how I get on this weekend, and who knows where it might lead for 2014."

AmD team principal Shaun Hollamby believes Mason will do a good job, despite his lack of time in the car.

"Unfortunately, James has a last minute business commitment he couldn't reschedule, but it's fantastic we're able to give Aaron the opportunity to make his BTCC debut," he said.

"We know him well from the VW Racing Cup, where he has really shown himself to be one of the stand out drivers over the last few years.

"I have no doubt that if he was in the car longer term, he would be a contender for the Jack Sears Trophy, but this weekend is all experience and if we are able to come away from the weekend with some silverware, then it will be a huge bonus."