Andy Neate postpones IP Tech Chevrolet's BTCC debut
Andy Neate's new IP Tech Race Engineering squad has postponed its British Touring Car Championship debut due to a last-minute technical problem arising with its new Chevrolet Cruze
Former works MG driver Neate had intended to be ready in time for the start of the season, but pushed back his entry in order to have the first Cruze built to NGTC regulations race-ready.
The car was unveiled on Thursday night, with the team announcing its intention to debut at Oulton Park this weekend.
However, with IP having to cancel a proposed shakedown in order to fix the problem, Neate has postponed the car's debut until the following BTCC round at Croft on June 22-23.
"The guys back at the IP Tech base have worked tirelessly over the past two weeks to prepare for Oulton Park, with many shifts going through dusk to sunrise," Neate said.
"The hold ups until now have mainly been financial ones, those associated with setting up an entirely new team from scratch. However, we have thankfully weathered that storm and we are coming out the other side with the help of our sponsors and supporters.
"However with all the immense effort that has gone in over the past couple of weeks in particular, a final technical problem was thrown onto the mix to try us at the 11th hour.
"With the assistance of some fantastic people, we managed to fix the issue. However, it has all happened a bit too late to allow us to partake in the bare minimum amount of testing we had scheduled.
"Effectively we would have had to shakedown and test on the day preceding free practice on Saturday at Oulton Park.
"The car is now finished and is ready to receive the modified components. However I have always maintained I will not test at a race weekend. I am sticking to my guns and this will not change."
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